27. Epilogue

The Colorado sun sets, casting a pink and orange glow over the world as I fluff out the skirt of my white dress.

Kaleigh smiles, her eyes shining as she helps me adjust my veil. "You are stunning. I can't believe you're finally doing this."

I laugh, taking my bouquet of peonies from Sophie. "I've been married to him for over a year now."

"Yeah, but this is the real deal." Sophie wipes away a stray tear. "We're all so happy for you."

The doors open, and Jake strides inside. "How's my favorite sister on her wedding day?"

I hug him tight. "I'm good. Does this mean they're ready to start?"

Kaleigh nods as the wedding planner gives her a thumbs-up. She gives me a quick hug before hurrying away with Sophie.

Jake stands beside me, holding out his arm. "Mom and Dad are sitting in the front row, and they haven't stopped crying since we got here."

"Jake, please," I blink my eyes a few times before looping my arm through his, "You're going to make me cry."

"You look beautiful, Sis," Jake smirks as the live band begins playing a soft song. "That's our cue."

He walks with me down to the doors leading to the deck overlooking the mountain. I take a deep breath, holding my flowers tight as the doors swing open.

Griffin's smile stretches from ear to ear as I walk down the aisle with Jake.

I swallow the lump in my throat as I stand with Griffin in front of our chosen officiant.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate Griffin and Cora." As Kaleigh begins, I can hear her sniffles, looking between us.

She continues, "I love you both so much. Since this is already official, let's read the vows, do the kiss, and get to the party."

I burst out laughing as I look up at Griffin.

"When we first got married—by mistake—I thought you were trying to give me a hard time. But I got to know you better and fell in love hard and fast. I never knew I could love anybody the way I love you, and I vow to stand by your side through all of life's adventures."

My voice breaks as I speak, tears slipping down my cheeks. I wipe them away, laughing as Griffin catches another tear.

He smiles like I'm the only person in the world. "Cora—I knew I loved you from the time I saw you again after years of barely speaking. We didn't plan to tie the knot drunk and not remember it the next day, but here we are, doing it all over again, completely sober this time. I love you, Cora, and I will love you every day for the rest of our lives."

Kaleigh clears her throat, giving a watery laugh. "You may now kiss the bride."

Griffin smirks and grabs me by the waist, dipping me low for a kiss.

When he brings me back up, everyone cheers.

We pose for pictures with our family and friends before the music starts playing. Griffin grabs my hand and leads me to the dance floor as the first stars appear above us.

I loop my arms over his shoulders, swaying to one of my favorite songs.

"This is just perfect," I say, smiling up at him.

Griffin chuckles, his body pressing closer to mine as he spins us around. "It"s not traditional, but it"s perfect for us."

I nod, resting my head on his chest. "When do you think your new practice will be up and running? You said you had trouble finding a lawyer specializing in entertainment law."

"I'll figure it out after the honeymoon. Until then, ‘Cora's Media' has me as their primary legal consultant."

I get on my toes to kiss him. "We've got a lot to deal with after the honeymoon. I still haven't found an office, and I've got nearly a dozen potential clients to meet."

Griffin kisses my temple. "After the honeymoon, Cora. Stop worrying about everything else and just think about spending days in France with me."

"The honeymoon." I run my fingers along his jaw before kissing him again. "This has been a perfect night, and it's not even over yet."

"You look beautiful." He takes a step back, admiring my mermaid-lined dress, which hugs my figure to the middle of my thighs before flaring out. This dress has to be one of my favorite things you've ever worn."

"Just wait until you see all the buttons you'll have to undo." I turn and lift my hair, showing him the buttons that trail down my back.

Griffin groans before bursting out laughing. "So, that's where your veil went."

I look over my shoulder as Jake parades by, beer in one hand and my veil streaming down his back. He approaches one of the women at the bar with a flirtatious look.

"I don't even want to know what's going on." I smile as Griffin pulls me back into his arms. "That veil is his now."

Griffin laughs as Jake strikes out with the woman and looks around for another one. "That's probably a good idea. I think that veil is going to see too many things tonight."

"What a shame. I was planning on wearing that veil and nothing else later tonight."

Griffin groans. "I'll buy you another one for our honeymoon."

My heart threatens to explode with happiness as I nestle myself back into his arms and sway with him to the music.

Even after being married for a year, my love for him continues to grow.

As the stars shine brighter in the sky and we dance the night away, I know that life with Griffin is an adventure I never want to end.