Epilogue

T hree and a half months later

The Summer Room is filled with chatter and laughter. We're in the no-man's-land time of day in between the ceremony and evening reception when everyone crowds around the bar and has a catch-up or retires to their room for a while. I've stood on the perimeter and watched it happen time and time again, but this time, I'm at the centre. It's my day. It's my happily-ever-after.

I glance across to the top table. Mum, Martin, and Barbara are knocking back the wine and having a whale of a time. Mum and Barbara have perfectly coordinated outfits in similar shades of burgundy, and the three of them get on like a house on fire. I'm overcome with a warm, fuzzy feeling of contentment. And this time, it's not the wine .

"I've left them to it. Ever since Art popped over, they've been talking business." Lucy slips into the seat beside me and nods towards Art and Big Steve sitting at the table closest to us, deep in conversation.

I roll my eyes. "On today of all days."

She smiles and admires my dress. "You do look lovely, Soph. That dress makes your tits look fab."

Trust my best friend.

I self-consciously smooth the white lace material across my stomach. "Thanks, Luce."

She nods towards my full glass of white wine and pulls a face. "You've barely touched that."

I wrinkle my nose. "I don't fancy it, to be honest."

Lucy nudges me with her elbow, her eyes glinting with the whiff of gossip. "You're not pregnant, are you?"

I frown. "Don't be silly. We've still got the evening do to go yet. I want to keep a clear head."

"Suit yourself." Lucy slides my glass towards her on the table, claiming it as hers. "How does it feel to finally be Mrs Black then?"

My eyes find Art once more. The cut of his charcoal-grey jacket hangs from his upper body, and the deep red cravat complements his tanned skin. His thick hair is swept back and coiffured. He's perfect. And he's all mine. His eyes meet mine, and he breaks out into a grin. I know he's having the same thought.

"Wonderful. You'll be next." I tap her hand, and she waggles the diamond ring on her finger, beaming. I've never seen her this happy.

"Maybe, but I know one thing for sure: I won't be getting married here again."

"Yes. It would be a bit weird."

She thoughtfully twirls a curl of hair around her finger. "Yeah, it's not just that though. You wouldn't be planning it, would you, Mrs Assistant Manager?"

"I suppose not, but the new wedding planner should be starting in a few weeks. "

"It wouldn't be the same," Lucy mumbles, resting her chin on her hand. "Anyway, I reckon they'll be next."

I follow her gaze to where Olly and Holly sit, totally engrossed with one another. "I don't think you're wrong there."

"Excuse us both."

We look up to see George and his friend Linda standing by the table.

"We just wanted to say what a lovely day this has been so far," he says.

"Yes, really lovely." Linda smiles. "Thank you for inviting us."

I couldn't have a wedding without inviting George.

"It's nice to be back. From what I've heard, the hotel's going from strength to strength," he says proudly.

Bless him. He's still taking an interest even though he retired a month ago.

"He still can't switch off." Linda laughs.

"I don't think old Georgie will ever switch off when it comes to this place, will you?" Lucy teases.

He smiles. "Quite right. I've been keeping an eye on the feedback on Tripadvisor, and it's really wonderful. It's showing everyone's hard work is paying off."

Hard work's an understatement. The last few months have been hectic—in a good way. Bookings at the hotel have increased by half, and we're already fully booked for weddings next summer.

"The Christmas party evenings have gone down a storm," I agree.

Two warm hands rest on my bare shoulders. "No talking shop today, I'm afraid."

I twist round to see Art gazing down at me. "Like you've been, you mean."

He gives me an easy smile. "Touché. I've finished now, I promise." He looks at the others. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to steal my beautiful wife away from you all for a while."

We walk into the cooler, empty Orangery.

"Are you okay?" he asks, wrapping his arms around my waist. "They were crowding you. I wanted to make sure you were all right. Are you? "

I laugh and link my arms around his neck. "I'm fine." I kiss him. "You don't need to be overprotective anymore. You've got me. Officially."

"I know, but I'll never stop being protective of you." His eyes slide down my front, and he places a hand on my belly, smiling fondly. "Or you."

I put my hand on top of his. "It's getting harder to hide. Lucy asked me outright if I was, and I had to lie."

"I know. I noticed you didn't eat much of your dinner." Concerned eyes search my face. "You look a little flushed. Are you sure you're, okay?"

"Yes. Stop worrying. I'm fine. Feeling sick, looking flushed. It's all part of the package, I think."

He strokes his hand over my stomach. "In a month or so, we get to tell everyone our wonderful news."

"I can't believe it."

"Neither can I." He lifts his eyes to mine. "If I remember correctly, you were the one who wanted to wait a few years."

I squeeze his hand. "I know. But why wait? When you know, you know."

He smiles. "You do," he agrees.

I lean my cheek against his chest, and he rests his chin on the top of my head. I look through the glass doors of the Orangery, outside to the terrace, and gasp. "It's snowing."

"Perfect."

And it is.

A white dusting of snow covers the chairs and tables, where we both sat together all those months ago, getting to know one another. When I didn't know him at all. And now, I do. I know all there is to know about the complex, passionate man who's pulled me into the eye of his storm and who loves me with every breath in his body.

"You've made me the happiest man in the world, my beautiful Sophie."

I close my eyes and listen to the thud of his heart in his chest.

The man I love. Whose heart beats for me and mine for his.

"And you've made me the happiest woman. "

No more secrets and lies. No more running.

I've got all of him. And he's got all of me. And we've both got our happily-ever-after.

The End