Epilogue

D rew and Izzy’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of their love as they were surrounded by friends, family, and a few unexpected guests. The ceremony took place on a picturesque beach, with the ocean waves gently lapping at the shore.

As they exchanged their vows, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd: their former commanding general who had tried to persuade them to re-enlist. But today, he came in peace, a warm smile on his face.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by their dear friend and fellow veteran, Captain Rachel Jenkins, who had been a source of support and guidance throughout their relationship. Captain Jenkins, a seasoned military chaplain, brought a sense of warmth and authenticity to the ceremony, weaving together stories of Drew and Izzy's journey, their love, and their commitment to each other.

As the sun shone down on the beach, Captain Jenkins began the ceremony, her voice clear and strong. "Today, we gather to celebrate the love and union of Drew and Izzy. Their journey has not been an easy one, but their love has only grown stronger through every challenge."

Drew and Izzy exchanged vows, promising to love and cherish each other through all of life's joys and struggles. They exchanged rings, symbolizing their commitment to one another.

Captain Jenkins continued, "Drew and Izzy's, your love is a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all. May your bond continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may you always find joy, laughter, and adventure together."

As Captain Jenkins pronounced them wife and wife, Drew and Izzy shared a tender kiss, sealing their love forever. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, and their friends and family rushed to congratulate them.

"I've seen many soldiers come and go," she said, her voice filled with emotion, "but I've never seen two people love each other like you two do. You're an inspiration to us all."

Their friends from the unit took turns delivering heartfelt speeches, sharing stories of Drew and Izzy's bravery, loyalty, and devotion to each other.

"Izzy and Drew are more than just partners," said one friend. "They're each other's rock, each other's safe haven. They're the embodiment of what we all strive for: true love."

The reception that followed was a lively celebration of their love, with music, dancing, and heartfelt speeches from their closest friends and family. Drew and Izzy danced their first dance as wives, surrounded by the people they loved, feeling grateful and blessed for this new chapter in their lives.

As the reception got underway, the general approached Drew and Izzy, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You know, I still think you two would make great generals," he said, chuckling.

Drew and Izzy laughed, knowing they'd made the right decision to leave the military. "We're exactly where we're meant to be," Drew said, her arm around Izzy.

The night was filled with laughter, tears, and music as Drew and Izzy danced under the stars, surrounded by the people they loved. It was a wedding that would be remembered for years to come, a celebration of true love and commitment.

As the night wore on, Drew and Izzy's wedding reception only grew more joyful. Friends and family mingled, sharing stories and well wishes for the happy couple.

As they cut their wedding cake, Drew and Izzy exchanged a loving glance. Then, Izzy's eyes sparkled.

"Drew, can I talk to you for a minute?" Izzy asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Drew's curiosity was piqued. "What's up, babe?"

Izzy took Drew's hand, leading her to the edge of the dance floor. "I have a little secret to share," she said, her voice trembling with excitement.

Drew's eyes searched Izzy's face. "What is it?"

Izzy's smile grew wider. "I'm pregnant," she whispered.

Drew's eyes widened in shock, then filled with tears of joy. "Oh, Iz! We're having a baby!"

As they hugged, the room around them melted away. They were lost in their own little world, filled with hope and excitement for their future.

Their friends and family looked at them when they returned, and as the ceremony continued, a few even came to ask what happened.

After fending off questions, they decided to announce Izzy's pregnancy. The room erupted in cheers and applause. The general, who had been watching with a warm smile, shook his head in amazement.

"I guess I won't be getting you two back in the military anytime soon," he said, chuckling.

Drew and Izzy laughed, basking in the love and support of those around them. They knew that their journey together was only just beginning, and they couldn't wait to see what the future held.

It was a sunny morning, and Izzy was bustling around the kitchen, getting ready for another busy day at Phoenix Ridge hospital. Drew, meanwhile, sprang into action, determined to make breakfast for her love before she left.

"Hey, babe, I've got this," Drew said, expertly cracking eggs into a bowl.

Izzy smiled, appreciative of the gesture. "You don't have to, Drew. I can grab something on the way."

But Drew was insistent. "Nonsense, I want to make sure you're fueled for the day. Besides, I need the practice for when our little one arrives."

Izzy chuckled, her eyes shining with love. "You're going to be an amazing mom."

Drew's face lit up with a warm smile. "Thanks to you. I'm learning from the best."

As Drew slid a fluffy omelet onto Izzy's plate, they shared a tender moment, their hands touching.

"Thank you, love," Izzy said, her voice filled with gratitude.

"Anytime, babe. Now go save lives. I'll see you tonight."

With a quick kiss and a squeeze of hands, Izzy headed out the door, feeling loved and supported. Drew watched her go, her heart full, before turning to get ready for her own day of teaching flight students.

"Today's going to be a great day," Drew said to herself, smiling.

Immediately, Drew stood at the kitchen window, gazing out at the serene ocean view. Their cozy cottage, nestled in the heart of Phoenix Ridge, was a haven of peace and tranquility. The gentle lapping of the waves against the shore, the cries of seagulls overhead, and the warm sunlight dancing across the water all blended to create a sense of perfect contentment.

As she sipped her morning coffee, Drew's thoughts turned to Izzy and their life together. She wondered if she had ever been this happy before. The love they shared, the laughter, the adventures—it all felt like a dream come true.

Their little cottage, with its whitewashed walls and driftwood decor, was the perfect reflection of their love. It was a place where they could escape the world and just be together.

Drew's heart swelled with gratitude as she thought about their baby daughter, Hope, who would be in their arms soon, and the new life they had built for themselves in Phoenix Ridge.

"Have I ever been this happy?" Drew mused, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I don't think so. This is the life I never knew I needed."

As she turned back to the kitchen, Drew's eyes landed on a photo of her and Izzy, taken on a sunset walk along the beach. They were standing hand in hand, beaming with joy.

"That's the answer," Drew whispered, her heart full. "I've never been happier than I am right now in this life with the love of my life."

As she gazed out at the serene ocean view, her mind began to wander back to the journey that had brought them to this peaceful life. She remembered the countless shared nights spent talking.

Flashback to after they had rejected their deployment. She had opted for a leave of absence instead, especially after they had faced the harsh realities of war together, with her almost losing her life. It was then that they had realized that they wanted more from life. A life free from the constraints of military protocol where they could build a future together.

Izzy, with her sharp mind and compassionate heart, had always dreamed of pursuing a career in medicine, free from the military's rigid structure. Drew, with her fearless spirit and quick wit, had longed to share her passion for flying with others as a civilian flight instructor.

Together, they had made the bold decision to leave the military and chase their independent careers. It wasn't an easy choice, but they knew it was the right one.

As they navigated this new chapter, they grew closer, supporting each other through every triumph and setback. Drew remembered the late-night conversations, laughter, and tears.

But most of all, she remembered the fateful evening when Izzy took her hand, her eyes shining with love and adoration and said, "Drew, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one. Will you marry me?"

Drew's heart skipped a beat as she recalled the moment. She had said yes without hesitation, knowing that their love was the foundation on which they would build their life together.

Now, as she stood in their cozy cottage, Drew smiled, her heart full of gratitude. Their journey had not been easy, but it had led them to this moment. A moment of perfect happiness, surrounded by love, peace, and the promise of a bright future.

The sound of a baby crying pierced the air, shattering Drew's reverie. She quickly snapped back to reality, her heart racing with a mix of love and concern. She rushed to the nursery where she found their three-month-old baby daughter, Hope, wailing in her crib.

Drew's maternal instincts kicked in, and she swiftly scooped up Hope, cradling her in her arms. "Hey, little one, what's wrong?" she cooed, trying to soothe her.

As she began to feed Hope, Drew's mind shifted to Izzy, who had hurried out to work, as there had been a huge accident in town. She wanted to make something special for her wife, something that would make her smile.

"Let's make mommy’s favorite dinner, shall we, Hope?" Drew whispered, a plan forming in her mind. "We'll make her famous chicken parmesan with a side of garlic bread and a green salad."

Hope, now content and full, gazed up at Drew with big, round eyes as if approving of the plan.

With renewed energy, Drew set to work in the kitchen, the aroma of sizzling chicken and freshly baked bread filling the air. She hummed a happy tune, her heart full of love for her little family.

As she worked, Drew couldn't help but think about how much her life had changed since meeting Izzy. She had never imagined she'd find love, build a life, and start a family. But here she was, living her dream.

As Drew expertly breaded the chicken cutlets, she heard a faint sound coming from the living room. She froze, her ears perked up, wondering who it could be. She tiptoed toward the noise, a sly grin spreading across her face.

As she turned the corner, she was met with a surprise. Izzy stood in the doorway, a mischievous glint in her eye, holding a bouquet of flowers.

"Hey, babe!" Izzy exclaimed, feigning innocence. "I took a leave from work today. I wanted to spend the day with my favorite girls."

Drew's eyes widened, her hands flying to her mouth. "Oh, Iz, you sneaky thing! I had no idea!"

Izzy chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I wanted to surprise you. I knew you'd be busy with Hope, and I couldn't resist spending the day with you both."

Drew's heart swelled with love and appreciation. She knew Izzy had been working hard lately, and this gesture meant the world to her.

As they hugged, Hope, sensing the excitement, cooed and giggled in her highchair, happy to be surrounded by her moms.

The three of them spent the rest of the day together, enjoying a delicious meal, playing with Hope, and basking in each other's love. It was a day Drew would treasure forever, a reminder of the joy and happiness that filled their little family.

As the months went by, Izzy and Drew's mornings became a cherished ritual, a time to connect and appreciate the beauty of their life together. They'd wake up early before Hope stirred and steal away to their cozy kitchen.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as they sat at the table, hands clasped and hearts full. They'd share a warm smile, and Izzy would often reach out to gently brush a strand of hair behind Drew's ear.

Their conversations flowed effortlessly, like a gentle stream meandering through the countryside. They reflected on how much their lives had changed since meeting in the military and how their love had grown stronger with each passing day.

Drew would often gaze out the window, watching the sun rise over the ocean, and feel grateful for this life they'd built together. Izzy would squeeze her hand, knowing exactly what she was thinking.

As they sipped their coffee, they reminisced about their adventures, from their deployment days to their travels around the world. They laughed about Hope's antics and their subsequent children's escapades and marveled at how fast they were growing up.

Their mornings were a time for connection, intimacy, and gratitude. As the months turned into years, their love continued to flourish. They'd grow old together, but their mornings would remain a constant, a testament to the power of their love.

One day, as they sat on their porch, holding hands and watching the sunset, Izzy turned to Drew and said, "You know, I never thought I'd find happiness like this."

Drew smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "Me neither, my love. Me neither."

Suddenly, Izzy’s mood changed, and she turned away, making Drew look at her worriedly.

"Something wrong, my love?" Drew asked.

Izzy stayed quiet for a second, then suddenly turned around with a huge smile.

"I'm pregnant. Hope is getting a baby brother or sister.”

Drew took her in her arms delighted that their treatment had worked. “Oh, baby. I can’t wait for the rest of our lives as a family.”