Epilogue

SIMON

S tanding at the altar, I glanced down the aisle, anticipation coursing through me. The wedding venue was beautifully lit, candles flickering in the soft light, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and grand. I had never seen so many candles in my entire life.

Rylee had explained the candles were important to Lauren and Jameson. Something about how they met. I liked the candles. They gave me a good idea for a romantic evening I had planned for Rylee.

My eyes scanned over the room full of guests all patiently waiting for the bride. I casually glanced at my watch. I supposed it was normal. Trying to get five women ready couldn't be easy. I had witnessed Rylee putting on her makeup and doing her hair. She was pretty quick, but there were times it took her a good long while.

The music changed, signaling the official start of the wedding. As the bridal party started making their way down the aisle, my eyes sought out Rylee.

When she finally appeared, my breath caught. She looked glamorous and stunning in her bridesmaid dress, every bit the vision I'd imagined. The blue gown was perfectly tailored to fit her spectacular body. The white fur shrug was a sharp contrast to her black hair.

Our eyes locked, and she mouthed, "I love you."

I winked in response. The engagement ring I'd put on her finger two weeks ago sparkled, catching the light and making my heart swell with pride and joy. When she took her place across the aisle from me, I couldn't look away. I barely noticed the other women. She was the only one I saw.

The change in music pulled me back to the present. I finally looked away to see Lauren appear at the entrance. An audible gasp went through the crowd. She looked radiant in her soft white dress adorned with sparkles, each step making her look like she was dripping diamonds. She made her way down the aisle, her eyes only on Jameson, looking like he was about to burst with happiness.

When Lauren finally reached Jameson, the ceremony began. The officiant welcomed everyone and spoke about the significance of the day, the journey that had brought Lauren and Jameson to this moment. It was a beautiful prelude to the vows they had written for each other.

Jameson went first, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "Lauren, from the moment we met, I knew there was something special about you. Your kindness, your strength, and your unwavering support have been my rock. I promise to love you, to stand by you, and to grow with you for the rest of our lives. You are my best friend, my confidante, and the love of my life."

I was suddenly emotional thinking about saying the same thing to Rylee. I completely understood where he was coming from.

Tears shimmered in Lauren's eyes as she began her vows. "Jameson, you walked into my life when I least expected it and changed everything for the better. Your love has been a light in my darkest days and a joy in my happiest moments. I promise to cherish you, to support you, and to love you with all my heart. You are my soulmate, and I am so grateful to be standing here with you today."

The officiant smiled warmly. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Jameson leaned in, his hand on her upper arm. Their kiss was tender and full of promise. The crowd erupted in applause. I couldn't help but glance at Rylee, imagining our own wedding day.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds left the venue, and the bridal party followed for pictures outside. The guests began to split off to the social hour for appetizers and cocktails. As we made our way to join the others, I pulled Rylee aside for a private moment.

"I can't wait for our wedding," I told her, my voice low and full of emotion. "I can't wait for the moment you walk down the aisle to me. It will be the beginning of our life together."

She smiled up at me, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "I can't wait either, Simon."

"And then we can start trying," I whispered in her ear.

Her cheeks turned bright pink. "Simon!"

"I mean it," I said, my hand slipping under the slit in her dress to squeeze her bare hip. "I'm ready. I want a family with you."

She leaned into the heat of the moment, her lips brushing against mine. "I want to get my school up and running first. That's the only baby I'm having for now. But don't get it twisted. I'll make you a dad one day. That's a promise."

Before I could respond, a very bossy wedding coordinator appeared, yelling bloody murder at us to move our asses. "You're not the bride and groom! Nobody should be waiting on you!"

We giggled like school kids, hurrying to catch up to the bridal party.

The social hour was full of laughter and chatter, everyone thrilled for Lauren and Jameson. Rylee and I floated through the crowd, accepting well wishes for our upcoming wedding and dodging questions about dates and venues. We agreed we had to wait our turn. No jumping over Mary Ellen and Archer.

It was when the reception began that I truly felt the anticipation for our own future. The newlyweds danced together for the first time as a married couple, their smiles radiant. Lauren was absolutely breathtaking in her wedding dress, gliding across the dance floor with the biggest smile on her face.

As they spun around the floor to the love song being belted out by Celine Dion, my mind began to wander to when it would be Rylee and me in the center of that dance floor. I pictured her in a beautiful white dress, her dark hair swept up elegantly, her eyes sparkling with love just for me. I tried to think of a song that meant something to us.

When Lauren and Jameson's dance ended with a passionate dip-and-kiss that had everyone cheering, I felt Rylee squeeze my hand. I looked down at her, smiling.

"I was just thinking about what our song would be," I said.

She looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure I'm a fan of ballads."

I laughed. "Of course not. You're going to want something rock or kick ass."

"Exactly." She laughed. "Something that screams Rylee and Simon. We're not the sappy type."

"I think we can manage that." I gave her a playful squeeze. "How about ‘I Don't Want to Miss a Thing' by Aerosmith?"

She thought for a moment, then nodded, a broad grin spreading across her face. "That's very us. Perfect choice, Simon."

We chatted more about our wedding plans. It was fun to plan our wedding. I knew it was all fun right now, but soon we would have to get serious about it. Clearly, we were both on the same page about it being a big wedding.

Soon the DJ announced it was time for the bouquet toss. Rylee looked at me with a twinkle in her eyes, excusing herself to join the cluster of eager women.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Archer said.

"Think they'll wrestle each other for it?" I joked.

"That would be a sight," he replied. "My money is on Rylee."

"Hey, that's my woman. I get to put money on her."

"I don't like to lose, and I think everyone here knows she would be the winner if push came to shove. She's scrappy."

I chuckled, nodding as I watched her and the other women jockeying for the best position to catch the bouquet.

Lauren turned her back to the crowd, raising the bouquet high above her head. She paused for a moment before tossing it over her shoulder into the group of single women.

Despite trying to hold back, Rylee couldn't help but instinctively reach out her hand. To my surprise and secret delight, she caught the bouquet! The room filled with cheers and laughter as she held the bouquet in the air, the look on her face one of triumph. The other women congratulated her, a few making jokes about her being next.

Rylee turned toward me, holding the bouquet in the air like a trophy and shooting me a victorious grin. I couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm.

"Color me shocked," Archer said sarcastically.

"That's my girl."

Next was the garter toss. Jameson did his part, framing it all up with a fun little dance as he slid the garter off Lauren's leg. The single men gathered around him, some more eager than others to catch it.

Jameson arched his arm back and flung the garter in our direction. A few of the guys jumped for it, but in the end, it was Archer who caught the garter, holding it up to a round of applause and cheering.

The DJ decided to keep the energy up with throwing on some upbeat dance music. The dance floor filled with guests, Rylee and I among them. As we moved to the rhythm of the music, all I could think about was our future together. Rylee's laughter filled my ears as we danced, her eyes twinkling as she danced with her arms in the air. She was clearly having a good time.

"Are you sure about this Aerosmith thing?" she asked again, between fits of laughter. "That might be a little too rock and roll. Your mom will probably not approve."

"Absolutely," I replied. "It's us."

She wrapped her arms around my neck, swaying with me to the rhythm of the song. "Then let's make it happen, Simon."

The night drifted on, full of laughter, a few tears and more joy than I could have ever imagined. I thought about how perfect everything was. Rylee in my arms, our friends around us celebrating a marriage. It was then that it hit me how blessed I was to have found her. When I found her, I found a whole new family.

As the night wore on, I found myself watching her more and more. Every so often, her eyes would meet mine across the room, and she'd give me that special smile that was reserved just for me. Each time, it sent a thrill down my spine, reminding me of how much I loved this woman.

When the time came for the cake cutting, we stood side by side, our hands entwined as we watched Lauren and Jameson share their first sweet bite as a married couple. Rylee squeezed my hand eagerly, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"I can't believe that will be us soon," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the sound of the music and chatter. "It feels unreal."

"It's kind of cool we get to go through this wedding to see what we each like and don't like," I said.

"And we'll have Mary Ellen's next." She grinned.

"What kind of dress will you wear next?" I asked with my eyes lighting up.

She laughed. "I have no idea. Mary Ellen is definitely more reserved, so I'm thinking neutral colors with lots of coverage."

"Boo," I pouted.

She pulled my head down to hers and kissed me. "I'll wear anything you want at home," she whispered. "And I do mean anything."

"Even a pirate hat?" I asked, smiling.

" Anything ."

I groaned. "You're killing me woman."

She giggled, kissing me again before pulling away. "Just something to think about."

I pulled Rylee back on the dance floor. A lifetime of commitment wasn't something to take lightly but seeing Lauren and Jameson and how happy they were, I knew that was what I wanted.

The DJ had chosen a slow romantic ballad, setting a soft serenade for the final dance. Rylee fit perfectly into my arms as we swayed gently to the rhythm. Her head lay softly on my chest, her body molding against mine.

I was so glad we got to go home together. I had become so used to being around her. There was no way I could see myself ever being away from her.

***

You can't just use a girl and ghost her. But this guy did.

My roommate has some hot jerk lead her on and break her heart, but what he doesn't count on is me.

I'm tired of seeing her hurt, so it's my turn to play ball with his heart.

This guy is going to fall in love with me and then poof—I'll leave him dizzy in love and wondering how he'll survive without me.

The jerk needs a taste of his own medicine. The only problem?

Holy hell is he fine. Like drool and stare fine.

Of course he's not just any regular dude. He's gotta be rich, talented, and swoony.

I'm in trouble.

I thought I would take him for a ride, but I wasn't ready for this guy .