Epilogue

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER: LUCA

A soft breeze blows through the nursery’s open windows and makes the curtains dance as I gaze down at the precious bundle in my arms. Frederick, our beautiful baby boy, coos softly, his tiny hand grasping my finger.

“There’s my little prince,” I murmur, my heart overflowing with love and wonder. How did I get so lucky?

Hailey appears in the doorway, radiant as always, a tender smile on her face. “And there’s his doting daddy,” she teases gently. “The kingdom will have to send out a search party for their missing king.”

I chuckle, reluctantly tearing my eyes away from our son. “Ruling a country is important, but nothing is more important than family.”

She moves to my side, resting her head on my shoulder as we marvel at the perfect little being we created together. “I never thought I could love someone so completely, so instantly,” Hailey whispers. “He’s amazing, Luca.”

“Just like his mother,” I reply, pressing a kiss to her temple. “I’m in awe of you, Hailey. Watching you become a mom, seeing how naturally it comes to you… You’re incredible.”

She lifts her face to mine, her lips soft and inviting. “I love you, Luca. More than I ever dreamed possible.”

“I love you too,” I murmur against her mouth. “Forever and always.”

As we lose ourselves in a tender kiss, I marvel at the incredible journey that led us here. The sacrifices, the challenges, the triumphs… All of it was worth it, for this — for the family and the future we’re building together, one precious day at a time.

“You really shouldn’t be in here,” I remind her.

She purses her lips playfully. “I’m checking on my son!”

“Yes,” I laugh. “But isn’t it bad luck for the groom to see the bride on the wedding day?”

“Only if she’s in her dress.” She retreats toward the door anyway. “And I’m not in my dress yet.”

“I can’t wait to see you in it,” I say, meaning it completely.

“Soon enough.” She winks then disappears into the hallway.

It’s time for me to get ready as well, and so I hand over Frederick to his nanny and go to get dressed.

Fully suited up, I stand at the window, taking a moment to savor the tranquility before the joyful chaos of the day begins.

A soft knock at the door pulls me from my reverie. “Come in,” I call, turning to see Simon enter.

He looks dashing in his tailored tuxedo, a big grin stretched across his face.

“Well, don’t you clean up nicely,” I tease, smiling back at my best friend.

He chuckles and adjusts his tie. “I could say the same for you, Your Majesty. But then again, you always were the pretty one.”

I laugh, the familiar banter settling my nerves. “And you were always the wise one. I’m glad you’re here, Simon. I couldn’t do this without you by my side.”

“Where else would I be?” Simon asks, his tone turning serious. “I’ve been with you through everything, Luca. The highs, the lows… I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Emotion clogs my throat as I clasp his shoulder. “Thank you, my friend. For your loyalty, your support… For always being there.”

He nods, his eyes bright. “Let’s get you married, shall we?”

I take a deep breath, excitement and anticipation thrumming through my veins. “Let’s do this.”

Side by side, we make our way through the palace halls. As we near the garden where the ceremony will take place, Simon stops, turning to face me.

“Luca, before we go out there, I just want to say that I’m proud of you. Not just for the king you’ve become, but for the husband and father you are. Hailey and Frederick are lucky to have you.”

Tears prick my eyes at his heartfelt words. “ I’m the lucky one,” I manage, my voice rough with emotion. “I never thought I could have this, Simon. A love like Hailey’s, a son to cherish. It’s more than I ever dared to dream.”

Simon smiles, clasping my shoulders. “You deserve it all, my friend. Never doubt that. Your father would be proud of you.”

I pull him into a fierce hug, pouring all my gratitude and affection into the embrace. “Thank you, Simon. For everything.”

As we separate, I square my shoulders, ready to face the future with my heart full and my head held high. The garden is breathtaking, a sea of white roses and delicate lilies perfuming the air. At the altar, I take my place, my heart pounding with anticipation.

In the front row, I spot Hailey’s mother cradling our precious Frederick in her arms. The sight of them fills me with warmth, the love I feel for my family overwhelming in its intensity. It stings that my own parents are missing, but Simon is right — my father would be proud of me. I am a good king, doing my best to follow in his steps, and I aim to be an even better husband and father.

As the music swells, I turn my gaze to the start of the aisle, my breath catching in my throat. Millie appears first, a bridesmaid resplendent in a flowing lavender gown. She beams at everyone as she makes her way down the aisle, her joy palpable.

But it’s the vision that follows that steals the very air from my lungs. Hailey, my beautiful bride, glides towards me, a goddess in white. Her gown is simple, yet elegant, hugging her curves before falling in a soft cascade to the ground. Her dark hair is swept up, tendrils framing her face, and her eyes sparkle with unshed tears of happiness.

The world falls away, and it’s like nothing has ever existed except for her. The love of my life, the mother of my child, the woman who has stood by me through trial and triumph. She is my everything, and I am hers, now and forever.

As she reaches me, I take her hands in mine, marveling at the softness of her skin. “You are so beautiful,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “I love you, Hailey. More than words can say.”

She smiles, a single tear slipping down her cheek. “I love you too, Luca. Always and forever.”

Hand in hand, we turn to face the officiant, ready to pledge our lives and our hearts to one another in front of the people we cherish most. Suddenly, the family I have lost does not feel so far away after all. I feel my parents’ presence, their spirits celebrating with us.

The officiant begins the ceremony, his voice ringing out across the garden. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of King Luca and Hailey Warren in holy matrimony.”

As he speaks, I gaze into Hailey’s eyes, losing myself in their warm depths. The love I see there takes my breath away, and I squeeze her hands gently, trying to convey all that I feel in that simple touch.

When it’s time for our vows, I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. “Hailey, from the moment I met you, I knew that my life would never be the same. You challenged me, inspired me, and loved me in ways I never thought possible. You have been my rock, my comfort, and my joy, and I promise to spend the rest of my days cherishing you, supporting you, and loving you with every fiber of my being.”

Tears are flowing freely down Hailey’s face now, but her smile is radiant. “Luca, you have shown me what it means to truly love and be loved. You have given me a home, a family, and a love that I never knew existed. I promise to stand by your side, to be your partner in every sense of the word, and to love you with all that I am, now and forever.”

As we exchange rings, the symbolism is not lost on me. This circle, unending and eternal, represents the depth of our love and commitment to one another. I slide the ring onto Hailey’s finger, marveling at how perfectly it fits, just like she fits into my life, my heart, and my soul.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

I pull Hailey into my arms, our lips meeting in a kiss that is both tender and passionate. This incredible woman is mine, and I am hers, bound together by love, now and for all eternity.

As we turn to face the cheering crowd, hand in hand, I know that this is just the beginning of our happily ever after. With Hailey by my side, I can face anything, conquer anything, and love more deeply than I ever thought possible.

We take to the dance floor, and the music swells as I lead my bride in our first dance as husband and wife. Holding her close, I sway to the melody, lost in the magic of this perfect moment. Her head rests on my shoulder, and I breathe in her scent, committing every detail of this day to memory.

“I love you, my queen,” I murmur, my lips brushing her ear.

She looks up at me, her eyes shining with love and happiness. “And I love you, my king, my husband, my everything.”

A familiar cry catches my attention, and I look up to see my mother-in-law approaching with Frederick in her arms. Our son, our perfect little prince, reaches out for us, his chubby hands grasping at the air.

I release Hailey’s hand, and she takes Frederick into her arms, cradling him close. My heart swells with love and pride as I watch my wife and son, the two most important people in my life. The song ends, and another one starts, our guests spilling onto the floor.

“May I have another dance?” I ask, extending my hand to Hailey once more.

She smiles, and together we make our way to the center of the dance floor, Frederick nestled between us. I wrap my arms around them both, holding my family close as we sway to the gentle music.

The breeze whispers through the garden, the very same garden my mother tended with such love and care. Her presence lingers here, a comforting touch in the air, and I know that she is watching over us, together with my father, their love eternal and unwavering. It is a blessing, a gift more precious than any crown or kingdom.

Hailey rests her head on my shoulder, and Frederick coos softly, his tiny hand grasping my finger. I close my eyes, committing this perfect moment to memory, etching it into my heart for all eternity.

This is what matters most. Not the crown, not the throne, but the love that surrounds me, the love that I have for my wife and son, and the love they have for me in return. It is a love that will endure, a love that will guide us through whatever challenges life may bring.

As we dance together, our little family, I feel a sense of peace wash over me, a contentment that comes from knowing that I am exactly where I am meant to be, with the people I am meant to be with, now and forever.

The End

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