Epilogue

Epilogue

Sage

Molly follows me up the walkway to the venue, her eyes wide as she takes in the sights—and smells—of the stable. "Wow, Sage, this is so… so very you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask, feigning indignation.

"Country," she says, without missing a beat. "And charming and chaotic and… rustic."

I sniff and stick my nose in the air. "I think the words you're looking for are shabby chic. At least, that's what they call it on Pinterest."

Molly and Viv haven't seen the stable before, but they've been helping me assemble decorations all summer, from the mini-Mason-jar light strands to the bouquets to the hand-packaged favors with each specific guest in mind. Layla was the one who assembled everything, starting early this morning. I offered to help, but she told me she had it covered, and that today was my day to relax and celebrate.

"Mom?" Viv zips over to one of the pasture fences and climbs up on the bottom post. "Can I have a horse? Sage's are the prettiest I've ever seen. And so gentle. I've looked at all her TikToks from her ranch in Montana."

"No, you cannot."

"Aww…"

"But maybe you can take lessons."

"Really?" Viv hops down and comes running back to me. "Can you teach me, Auntie Sage?"

"Not today, kiddo, but I'd be happy to bring you on a trail ride sometime." I reach over to muss her hair, then think better of it; she's already dressed up and sporting a fishtail braid.

Viv lets out a whoop! and zips off to examine the chickens.

"She's gonna be a horse girl," I warn Molly.

"At least she'll have someone around who can teach her how to be with animals," Molly says. "Horses make me nervous. They're so big!"

"We'll get you in the saddle, too, just you wait." I turn my head to watch Viv, who's currently making friends with two of the barnyard dogs. She's such a good kid. I look forward to watching her grow up.

And, maybe someday, to having kids of my own. My heart aches at the thought.

The other Venom ladies are waiting for us at the barn Bash and I rented for the event. Of course, it's not a working barn, but it's built to fit in with the rest of the landscape. As far as I'm concerned, it's the perfect venue: lots of open room for dancing, plenty of space at the tables, and a wealth of light so that we can see all the faces of our loved ones.

I almost drop my armload of supplies when I see what they've done with the place. In addition to all the decor Molly, Viv, and I made, beautiful place settings are arranged with mismatched vintage dishware, and white banners draped like garlands from the open beams above.

"Layla, did you…?" My eyes well with tears, and my throat closes up.

"Mayday, mayday!" Mona runs over and starts fanning me. "Don't cry yet, or Delilah will have a terrible time with your makeup."

I nod and tilt my head back, willing the tears to stop. "It's just so beautiful," I blubber.

"Not as beautiful as you're going to be." Scarlett loops her arm through mine. "You've got your dress, right?"

"It's right here!" Viv says, prodding the garment bag draped over my arm.

"Okay, gorgeous." Scarlett steers me toward the room where the final preparations will begin. "Come on. Let's get you ready."

* * *

We lucked out with the weather. It's the perfect Vegas day; it's not too hot, not too cold, and there's not a cloud in sight. I peer out the window at the guests clustered out by the decorated arch at the amazing equestrian facility where Bash and I first rode together. Mom and Flossie were supposed to be here, but their flight was delayed. I'm trying to make the best of it, even though I really wish they could have made it. At least my friends have promised to take a million photos.

"Hey, now!" Stella tugs the curtains closed. "What are you doing? You'll see Bash, and you know that's bad luck."

"It's just superstition," I protest, but she continues to give me stink-eye until I concede. I lift both hands in surrender. "All right, all right, I'll stay away."

"It's almost time," Kingsley announces. "We're heading out. Molly, make sure she gets on her horse. Viv, you're with us."

"I wanna go with Sage!" Viv whines.

"Too bad." Mona steers her toward the door. "I'm sure you can meet the horse after the ceremony."

When they're gone, Molly turns to me. "Ready?"

I take one last look at myself, admiring my white lace dress with its elegant train—and, of course, my signature pink boots. My braided crown is studded with wildflowers. I feel more stunning than I ever have in my life, and I also look exactly like myself.

"Ready," I agree.

Molly leads me out the side exit, so that Bash and I won't see each other until the last possible minute. I'm expecting to ride Daisy, but when we find two women waiting in the designated spot, the horse with them is neither black nor a gelding. Instead, it's a plump mare with a blue-gray coat and white socks.

I stop in my tracks. "Sky?"

My horse flicks her tail and looks over her shoulder at me, flicking her ears as if to say, who else would it be?

"Oh, of course," Flossie says. "She notices the horse first. Classic Sage."

I let out a squeal of delight and rush forward, first to hug my best friend, then my mom. "You made it! What about your flight?"

"There was no flight, you goose." Flossie gestures to Sky. "It's your wedding day. You oughta be riding your horse, don't you think?"

"She was going to travel alone with a horse in a trailer, but I said no." Mom wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head on my shoulder. "Didn't like the idea of her driving that far on her own. We were supposed to get in last night, but we hit a few snags—"

"Nothing serious," Flossie says. "Didn't get the truck totaled by a sexy football player or something, alas…"

"—so we couldn't come to the rehearsal dinner. I'm sorry, sweetie."

I give my mom another squeeze. "I'm just glad you made it. The surprise of having Sky here is totally worth it."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, pumpkin. And you know, your daddy…" Her voice breaks.

"I know." Dad would have moved Heaven and Earth to be here if that was still an option. I reckon part of him made the trip regardless.

And standing here, with the weight of my achievements quietly settling around my shoulders, I can almost feel his pride radiating like the warmth of the sun. In these moments, the ones filled with triumph and tender memories, his absence cuts the deepest, yet somehow, he feels nearest. Every step I've taken, every challenge I've faced, I've carried the lessons he taught me, the resilience he modeled. Oh, how his eyes would have sparkled seeing me now, how his laugh would fill the air, making everything brighter, lighter. He always believed in me, more than anyone, and though I'd give anything for him to see all that I've accomplished, I hold onto the belief that somehow, he knows. And maybe, just maybe, he's here in the whisper of the wind, in the proud smiles of those who love me, watching over me as I keep pushing forward, his little girl, still.

He would have loved Bash. But most of all, how Bash loves me so completely. Just like the kind of love he had with Mom.

"Sorry to rush you," Molly frets, "but the time…"

Everyone leaps into action, and soon I'm seated on Sky's back while the rest of them withdraw to the site of the ceremony. My heart is so full I can hardly stand it. I tip my face back and smile up at the autumn sun.

"I love you," I whisper, just in case I'm right about Dad.

Then I flick the reins and turn Sky toward the altar.

Cash and Kingsley start playing their guitars and singing a love song. The moment I ride into view, the crowd goes silent. Bash's jaw drops just about all the way open. Sky trots along, preening under the attention, the way she always does in the ring. She knows we're the center of attention.

One of the stable hands is there to help me down and lead Sky off. I stride the last few paces to where Bash is waiting for me and take both of his hands in mine. The moment I get close enough to see Bash's eyes lock on me, my heart stutters. His gaze intensifies, deepening with emotion, as his lips part slightly, moistening them in a quick, nervous gesture. Then, his smile breaks free, wide and unstoppable, striking right through to my core.

"Sage," he whispers, "you look… Mon Dieu …"

"You clean up pretty good yourself," I reply. "Can I kiss you yet?"

"I think we must wait," he says, nodding toward where his family sits. There sure are a lot of them, especially compared to my side. I haven't gotten to meet his extended family yet, since some of them got in late last night, but I'm looking forward to it.

Our officiant kicks off the ceremony, which we've agreed to keep short and sweet. Somehow, Dante managed to snag the officiant from Britney's wedding… don't ask me how. He insisted that he wanted to give me the, and I quote, "full Vegas experience." Only, me and Bash? We're going to stick.

When it's time to say our vows, Bash releases my trembling hands to pull a notecard out of his breast pocket. "Sage," he says, his voice wobbling as he tries to keep it together, "ever since my vehicle hit yours in the Walmart parking lot, I knew we were meant to be. There's nobody else like you. You're easy to love, and even when we've hit speed bumps, I know that what we have is worth fighting to keep. I vow to love you even more than hockey and poutine, which, believe me, is saying something."

I manage to laugh and cry at the same time, all while fanning my face to keep my makeup from running. "More than poutine?"

"More than anything. Even orange TicTacs." He takes my hand again and slides the ring onto my finger. He wanted to get me a big ol' diamond, but I insisted on a silicone band that I can wear while working. Diamonds and drills don't mix.

I don't need notes to remember what I wrote. I slip his ring on and tell him, "I promise to be your partner in all seasons of life. I promise to be your rock, your love, and your forever teammate."

In the audience, Briggs blows his nose into a handkerchief at an improbable volume.

From the front row, Bash's family—his mom and dad, two older sisters and their husbands, along with a small troop of nieces and nephews—all watch with glistening eyes. Their warm, embracing smiles radiate a love and acceptance that have enveloped me since the day I met them. Bash's mom, a tender-hearted woman who welcomed me into their family with open arms, wipes away a tear, her other hand tightly holding her husband's forearm. His sisters, who have treated me more like another sister than an in-law, clutch their spouses' hands, their children on their laps, all of them as much a part of my new family as Bash.

"I now pronounce you man and wife." The officiant leans forward and whispers, "That means you can kiss now."

And we do, the sort of wild, passionate kiss that most people would not consider altar-appropriate, but who cares? Our friends and family cheer, and Briggs blows his nose a few more times while sobbing onto his wife's shoulder. Annie Oakpaw, wearing a floral collar, lets out a celebratory hiss. In fact, she hisses at everyone.

I refuse to believe there's any version of my life in which I don't end up right here, in this man's arms, laughing over how lucky I am.

Despite the small guest list, we hardly get a moment to ourselves at the reception. The build-your-own-poutine bar is a hit, and Dante sent over two of his bartenders from the Mona Lisa to pour for the event. Besides renting the venue, and providing the amazing catering from the Mona Lisa, he also got Dan & Shay to play the reception. When they start singing "Speechless," Bash and I share our first dance as a married couple.

"I love you," Bash whispers in my ear as more couples join us on the dance floor. "And I have something I want to show you after this."

"But the cake…" I say.

"We'll be back in plenty of time. I'll be fast."

I wiggle my eyebrows at him. "Gosh, that's exactly what every new bride wants to hear…"

"I'm not hauling you out back for a quickie!" Bash insists. "Although…"

Flossie waves to Bash from the edge of the dance floor. He guides me toward her.

"Oh, so Flossie's invited to whatever this is, huh?"

"It was her idea. I know you hate surprises, but she promised you'd like this one."

"Color me intrigued."

Flossie loops one arm through mine and covers my eyes with her other hand. "No peeking!" she says.

"I can't see a thing, though."

"Don't worry," Bash promises, taking my other arm. "We won't steer you wrong."

I totter along, supported by two of my favorite people until the cool night air kisses my skin. Flossie moves her hand.

The van is parked out front.

"What is this?" I ask.

Flossie gives me a deadpan stare. "It's your van, remember? The one Bash totaled?"

"It wasn't my fault!" Bash is quick to remind her. "But, yes. Flossie helped me plan our honeymoon. I've got a map and everything. And I made plans for Annie Oakpaw to stay with Dante since she can't come with us to Canada."

"We're going to Canada?" I cry.

"Mm-hmm. To spend some time with my family. And then to Montana, so that I can learn all about your ranch. We can make some plans. Figure out the details of how this is going to work."

"Sky's staying here for now," Flossie says. "It's all arranged. Dante insisted that stable where you and Bash rode together for the first time take Sky and I quote: ‘Treat that equine like it's a Kentucky Derby winner'."

My lip wobbles. "You did all this… for me?"

"Babe." Flossie takes my shoulders and turns me to face her. "If Bash wasn't gung-ho about making you happy, I wouldn't have given my blessing. You like it, right?"

"I love it." I pull my bestie into a hug, then spin back to face Bash.

My husband.

"And you… I love you so much, I'd marry you twice." I grab his lapels and pull him toward me for another kiss. His mouth is warm and yielding under mine, but the way his palm cups the back of my exposed neck tells me that he's going to take charge later when we're finally alone.

He's been reading those damn mafia romances again.

Above us, a sky full of stars twinkles in the Las Vegas sky. I'm looking forward to spending some time in Montana before the season starts again, but as long as Bash and I are together, I know I'm already home.

Turn the page for a sneak peek of Neon & Nets . . .