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Epilogue

Whitney

Early-evening sunshine slanted across the country club's expansive lawn, the temperature warm but tolerable for the beginning of August. Grandma, Hope, and I hid in the dappled shade of an arbor, out of sight of the wedding guests. We waited for our cues from Leeanne, the wedding coordinator. A delicate melody from a string quartet drifted in a light breeze, accompanied by the gentle song of a waterfall. Sweet floral scents wafted from my pale blue hydrangea, white rose, and lavender bouquet. I inhaled the fragrances, my chest expanding beneath the lacy, plunging neckline of my gown. My heart bloomed with joy.

Leeanne adjusted the sequined tulle train of my ballgown-style wedding dress fit for a princess. The gown's fluttering hem floated around my glittering Jimmy Choo pumps. Hudson had spared no expense in giving me the wedding I'd dreamed of since I was a child.

"It's almost time," Leeanne whispered.

My stomach swooped as if I were on a roller coaster.

Grandma's eyes glistened behind her silver-framed glasses, her smile gentle. "Thank you for allowing me to walk you down the aisle. It's an honor."

Once Grandma had seen how happy Hudson and I were together, she sold her farm and moved to San Jose to be with us. She now lived at Gramps's community in an apartment for independent senior living. She and Gramps had become friends, and they visited often at the new house we'd bought a few months ago.

I blinked watery eyes, unfairly blaming my contacts lenses. "Don't get me started with tears. I won't stop," I choked out.

Hope, radiant in a soft blue, off-shoulder tulle and lace dress that fit to her waist then flared to tea length, hugged me carefully. Neither of us wanted to ruin our meticulously done hair or makeup, but we'd grown even closer over the past few months and couldn't let this moment pass us by. "I'm so happy for you," she whispered.

I gave her an air kiss. "Thank you. And I'm sure your turn is coming." I wouldn't be surprised if Beck proposed to her soon.

The music changed. "Okay, Hope. It's time to go," Leeanne said.

"See you up front," she said, her voice low. She stepped into the golden sunshine and out of sight.

The music changed again, to Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major," and I hooked my hand in Grandma's arm. My heart raced as we emerged from our hiding place and turned the corner.

One hundred friends, teammates, coaches, trainers, and their significant others stood at white seats, craning their necks to glimpse the bride. At the head of the rose-petal strewn aisle, Beck stood on a raised rock dais in front of a low, wide waterfall, ready to officiate the renewal of our vows. Gramps, Hudson's groomsman, sat in a chair on the platform, with Hope on the opposite side from him. Huge floral arrangements in urns stood on pedestals and flanked the stage.

But I only had eyes for my husband, standing tall in his bespoke tux, perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders and chest, trim waist, and thick thighs. His gaze met mine, and we broke into smiles. Hummingbirds flitted around my tummy and my heart fluttered.

I wanted to run to him, but Grandma kept the pace sedate. When we finally climbed the few slate steps to the platform, she placed my hand into his large, callused one. She stood on her tip-toes and kissed his cheek. "Bless you two." Then she turned and took her seat in the front row while I handed my bouquet to Hope.

Hudson and I faced each other and held hands. I gazed into his brown eyes. Love shone in their depths.

Beck cleared his throat and glanced at the papers in his hands. Shaking his head, he folded them and slid the pages into the pocket of his tuxedo jacket.

I furrowed my brow.

He raised his hands. "Listen up!"

My eyes widened. What was he doing?

"Whitney wrote a beautiful vow renewal ceremony. She's a bestselling author, after all. And if you haven't read her books, you should." His voice rumbled through the microphone in his hand.

Heat stole into my cheeks.

"But I'm used to locker room talks, and that sh—script isn't me. I have to do this my way."

"Tell me again why we asked you to officiate?" Hudson smirked.

"Because I'm your best friend, a—buddy."

"Keep it clean…buddy." Hudson grinned.

"I can't promise anything. Anyway, these two lovebirds got hitched without us back in March. But they're doing it right this time. They're renewing their vows in front of friends and family." He spread an arm wide. "But more important, they're having a big party with an open bar."

Laughter rippled through the gathering, and I bit my lip to suppress a smile. This impromptu ceremony would be more memorable than anything I'd written.

"So let's get this game started. These two have written their own vows, so I don't have to do anything." He handed the mic to Hudson. "You first."

Hudson captured me with his gaze. "Whitney, I recommit my life to you." His deep voice rolled through my chest, warming my heart. "You can trust my love, for it is true. I promise to always support your hopes, dreams, and goals. In sickness and in health, I vow to be there for you forever."

Overcome by his heartfelt vows, my throat tightened. He passed the mic into my trembling hand, and I took a deep breath. "Hudson," my voice cracked. "I love you more than words can say. Five months ago, we started our forever story. I'm grateful every day that you chose to write it with me."

Hudson's gaze softened, and he gave me a gentle smile.

Beck regained control of the mic. "There are three rings in marriage. Engagement ring, wedding ring, and pleasuring."

My cheeks burned, and Hudson groaned.

"We wish them lots of pleasuring. But they decided to exchange new wedding rings as symbols of their renewed commitment." He nodded. "Go for it."

Hudson took a few steps to Gramps's side, and Gramps placed a shiny object in his hand. They embraced, and then Hudson returned to me and took my hand. "With this ring, I marry you…again…and welcome you into the Talbott family." He slid a plain, slim, white gold band onto my fing er, joining my engagement ring and diamond wedding ring. "This was my grandmother's wedding band."

"Oh, Hudson." Tears sprang to my eyes. I glanced at Gramps, who nodded, his chin trembling. "I'll cherish it forever." I squeezed his hand.

"Damn. Good job, Talbott," Beck murmured.

Hope stepped forward and handed me a heavy ring. I took Hudson's hand and slid the cheap tungsten band off his finger. Hudson slipped the ring into his pocket, and I knew it would always hold a special place in his heart. It had been all I could afford back in March, but my latest book had done very well. I'd had a masculine diamond wedding ring designed to complement the style of mine. I slid it onto his finger. "Now we're a match."

He grinned. "We always were." He gathered me into his arms and lowered his mouth to mine.

"Hey!" Beck said. "You were supposed to wait for me to tell you to kiss."

But my toes were already curling in my shoes from Hudson's scorching kiss. Too soon, he pulled back. "Later," he winked. We had a hotel suite booked for the night, and then a flight to London for our honeymoon the next day.

Hope returned my bouquet, and Hudson and I faced the guests and clasped hands. My mouth spread in a broad smile I couldn't contain.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present Hudson Talbott and Whitney Addison-Talbott!" Beck called out.

The guests rose to their feet, clapping, cheering, and whistling.

My second wedding was a fairy tale and everything I ever wanted. I gazed up at my husband, my real-life hero more perfect for me than any hero I could have written. He was the man who looked at me as if I hung the stars. And the man who hung the moon .

As we walked down the aisle hand in hand, our happily ever after was just beginning. Our love story would continue to unfold with each passing day, and I couldn't wait to see where it would take us next.

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