Epilogue Piper

The day of our wedding arrives just a few weeks later, and not a moment too soon. After eight years, both Elio and I are ready to fulfill the promise.

I stand in front of the mirror, smoothing my hands over the delicate lace of my dress. It's simple, elegant, and perfect for the intimate ceremony we've planned.

Lana appears behind me, a soft smile on her face. "You look beautiful. Elio is a lucky man."

I turn to face her, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "Thank you. I can't believe it's finally happening."

"Well, you'd better believe it. Elio is about to spontaneously combust, he's so ready for this." She pulls me into a hug. "Come on. Any minute, he's going to show up here and drag you down."

We make our way downstairs, where Elysse is waiting, bouncing on her toes with excitement. She looks adorable in her little white dress and a pillow with our rings.

"Mommy, you look like a princess!" she exclaims.

I crouch down to her level, brushing a stray curl from her face. "And you, my darling, look like the most beautiful ring bearer in the world."

She grins. "Daddy says I'm a princess too."

"Yes, that too."

As we step out into the garden, I'm struck by the beauty of it all. The sun is shining, the flowers are in full bloom, and the air is filled with the soft strains of music. It's almost as if the world is finally with us.

My parents are there, looking proud and a little nervous. Things have been tense between us since they arrived, the guilt of their actions weighing heavily on their shoulders. But as I walk toward them, my father takes my hand, his eyes misty with emotion.

"I'm proud of you, Piper." He clears his throat. "Your mom and I regret that we didn't do more to help you, but look at you. You're strong and radiant."

"Thank you, Dad."

With my arm hooked with my father's, I walk down the aisle. My eyes lock with Elio's. He looks devastatingly handsome in his suit, his dark hair slicked back, his eyes shining with love and adoration.

Elysse skips ahead of me toward her father. Elio grins with pride at her. Matteo stands beside Elio, looking proud and a little emotional.

Finally, I'm by Elio's side. The day we've always dreamed of having is finally here. To be honest, I don't hear much of the ceremony. I'm too lost in Elio's eyes, the way he looks at me like I'm his world.

Finally, the priest announces us husband and wife, then we kiss, sealing our union. Our happily ever after is finally here.

As we move into the reception, I can't stop smiling, my hand clasped tightly in Elio's.

"Whose idea was it that there should be receptions?" he whispers to me. "I'm ready for the honeymoon."

"Soon," I promise him.

We mingle with our guests, accepting congratulations and well wishes. Most of the people there for Elio, I've met. He only has Lana and Matteo as family, but it's clear that he values his friendships and that they respect him.

During a quiet moment, Lana pulls Elio aside, her brow furrowed with concern. I can't hear what they're saying, but I catch the name "Rinella". I'm vaguely aware that Elio is having business difficulties with this man. At this point, I don't ask about his business, and I think he senses that I don't want to know the details. Not yet, anyway.

"It's all good, Lana. Taken care of," he assures her with confidence. "Today is my wedding day, so can we please focus on that?"

She acquiesces, clicking her champagne glass with his.

He returns to me, pulling me into his arms. "I love you, Mrs. D'Amato. How about a dance?"

"I love you, Mr. D'Amato, and I'd love to dance."

As we dance, I catch sight of Elysse twirling with Matteo, her little face alight with joy. My parents are chatting with Lana. They hadn't been too thrilled about my dating Elio in high school, knowing his family. But now, I think they're grateful to him for saving me and Elysse.

The celebrations are still going, but like Elio, I'm ready to start the honeymoon, a week of uninterrupted time just for us. We change to get ready for the short trip to the airport hotel for our wedding night, and then we fly tomorrow to some surprise Elio has set up.

I check in with my parents who will be staying with Elysse for the week. As difficult as it had been without their support during my marriage to Gabriel, I'm happy to see Elysse and my parents together again.

I help Elysse get her little suitcase, making sure she has all her favorite toys and blankets. She's bouncing with excitement, chattering away about all the fun things she's going to do with Grandma and Grandpa.

As I zip up her bag, I feel a lump form in my throat. It's the first time I'll be away from her for more than a night. I know she'll be in good hands, but it's still hard to let go.

My mom appears in the doorway, a knowing smile on her face. "Your dad and I are grateful that you're letting us take care of her. Considering how we behaved, you'd be within your right to deny us."

I hug my mother. "I just want to move forward."

She nods. "You and Elio deserve this time together. Don't worry about a thing."

We make our way downstairs, where Elio and my dad are chatting quietly. Elio takes my hand, his thumb brushing over my wedding band. "Ready to go, Mrs. D'Amato?"

I grin, leaning in to kiss him softly. "More than ready, Mr. D'Amato."

We say our goodbyes, hugging Elysse tightly and promising to call every day. I slide into the passenger seat of the car while Elio gets behind the wheel. "We did it. We really did it."

"No regrets?"

"Not one."

He lifts my fingers to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against my skin. "I love you, Piper."

And with that, we pull out of the driveway, ready to start our new life together.

We arrive at the hotel and are shown to the wedding suite. I'm giddy with excitement. I'm finally married to the man who stole my heart in high school. We're a family with our beautiful daughter.

He scoops me into his arms, carrying me over the threshold. "Time for a honeymoon. How about some champagne?"

I loop my arms around his neck. "Not for me."

He frowns. "Are you sick? You didn't have any at the reception either."

"I'm not sick." My smile is so wide I can barely contain it. "I'm pregnant."

For a moment, he's silent, his eyes widening with shock. But then, a grin spreads across his face, his joy palpable as he kisses me. "I… I'm so fucking happy, I don't know what to say."

"And you'll be here for all of it." I know it pains him to have missed so much of Elysse's life.

He sets me down, his hands cradling my face. "You amaze me. You've given me life, Piper. I don't deserve all this happiness."

"You do. We both do." I give him a kiss. "Now, Mr. D'Amato, I think it's time we consummate this marriage."

His grin is wolfish. "Whatever my beautiful bride wants."

We tumble back onto the bed, lost in each other. I hold on to him, pouring all my love into him. As he rises over me, joins with me, I feel so happy, so grateful. I have the love of my life, the love I thought I'd lost but who is now mine, heart and soul, forever.