Epilogue

Sam

“Second time’s the charm, huh?”

I look in the mirror to where my bridesmaid, Nicole, is smiling at me with a mimosa in hand just as Lydia’s putting on the final touches of my makeup.

“There, now she’s all set.”

“Thank you, guys,” Looking myself over in the mirror, I admire the beautiful work of my makeup and my hair pinned with my veil hanging down my back.

All of this is such deja vu that it’s throwing me off, but instead of what happened an entire year ago to the day, I feel nothing but butterflies and happiness.

Today, I’m getting married.

“Awww, you look so happy, Sammy.” Nicole says. “It’s a good look on you.”

I can’t help but laugh.

Honestly, I’m not surprised she’s poking a little fun. Last time was so obvious that I was making the wrong choice to everyone but myself, which I later found out through the grapevine when I called everyone and told them my engagement to Frank was no more.

Those long conversations had turned into sympathetic ears, and it felt cathartic to confess after holding back my reservations for so long. Now I feel free—better than free, really.

“Ready?” Lydia holds out a hand to help me up out of her makeup chair. “I think it’s about time.”

“Yup, just came in to tell you guys that.” Nicole says, downing her mimosa. She winks at me. “You ready?”

“Oh yeah.” More than that.

I’ve been ready since the day Nate popped the question over two months ago, and ever since, I’d been tempted to just drag him to the courthouse to get it done. I want to be tied to this man for the rest of my life.

Soon enough, I find myself standing outside of the closed venue doors, waiting for the music to start and for the doors to open and usher down the aisle.

“Ready, pumpkin?” My dad whispers to me, offering his arm.

Smiling, I hook my arm around his. “This time I am.”

He chuckles at me, leaning over and kissing my forehead. “That’s my girl.”

The second the music starts, I feel my nerves kick up. But this time, it’s not out of fear or anxiety about walking to meet my doom. Today, the anticipation is making me antsy because all I want is to be at the front of that altar and to proclaim my love to the man of my dreams.

When the doors finally part, my bridesmaids walk one-by-one down the aisle with their groomsmen, looking radiant. My dad tugs me along, having to hold me back from sprinting down the aisle a few times, which earns a few laughs from my guests.

Nate’s grinning from ear-to-ear by the time we reach him and he thanks my dad and pulls him into a tight hug.

Ugh, I’m going to cry.

Finally, when Nate pulls away and gets a good look at me, he audibly says, “Wow.”

I laugh, along with the rest of the front row.

“Alright, you love birds.” A voice at the front of the altar says. “Why don’t we get this show started?”

Nate squeezes my hands tightly and helps me up the next step to the altar. He looks so damn handsome in his dark blue suit and combed back hair. This is probably the most dressed up I’ll ever see him, so I take the time to admire him while our officiant begins the ceremony.

Finally, when the vows come, I take in a deep breath and smile at my soon-to-be-husband. “Nate, you have been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You found me in a dark time and showed me there was a light at the end of the tunnel. You’ve protected me, provided for me and shown me more love than anyone else has. I love you and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

He blinks a few times, tears collecting at the corners of his eyes. Even seeing him get emotional has me letting out a watery laugh and quickly swiping away at my own tears.

He squeezes my hands again and says, “Sam, you are truly the most unexpected gift I could’ve ever been brought. When I first met you, I never in a million years could’ve predicted that I’d be rescuing a woman like you, let alone my soulmate. I will do everything in my power to show you my love, my devotion and my appreciation for as long as I still have air in my lungs. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I intend to show that to you every single day.”

“Now you’re really going to make me cry,” I say with a laugh, blotting away my tears and earning a soft chuckle from him.

My ring fits perfectly when he slides it onto my finger, matching the beautiful diamond engagement ring that’s been sitting lonely on it. I admire the set for a moment and then look up.

“I pronounce you both married. You may now kiss your bride, Nate.”

I laugh at him sweeping me up in his arms and kissing me deeply, not at all caring about the scene we’re making. The entire venue erupts in cheers while I wrap my arms around his neck, leaning into my now husband’s loving embrace.

When we finally part, he brushes a gentle hand down my cheek. “I love you, Mrs. Abadaire.”

I laugh. “And I love you, Mr. Abadaire.”