41. Epilogue Two

Epilogue Two

MIA

T his is not the night before Christmas, but it's just as nerve-wracking as my nights before Christmas were when I was a child.

This is the night before my wedding, a day we've postponed so many times that I can hardly believe it's finally happening.

Ethan wanted a destination wedding in a tropical paradise, but I did not want to travel too far with two small kids, plus Senna and the rest of the entourage. So, we're getting married in the backyard of his house. It's beautiful enough for me and big enough to host as many family members and NHL figures we want to invite.

It's 9 PM and I don't think I will be able to sleep. Mira and Ana, now almost a year old, are sound asleep. Senna and Amanda are in the guest room, and Ethan's parents and my parents are in two other rooms.

I follow my nightly rituals to a tee, including a face mask, trying to take deep breaths and still my nerves. I brush my hair in front of the dresser while Ethan finishes his shower.

"Are you going to sleep with that all over your face?" he asks, his tone and horrified expression in the mirror making his feelings clear.

"No," I shake my head and giggle. "I'll wash it off in a minute."

He chuckles, looking relieved. "How are we going to manage tomorrow? I mean, I can't see you all day…"

I raise an eyebrow and turn to look at him. "First of all, we're getting married at 10 AM, so it's not going to be all day. Second, where did you take that idea from? You just can't see me wearing the dress before I walk the aisle, that's all."

Ethan looks dumbfounded and says, "Well, Amanda made me sleep in a different room the night before our wedding."

"She was exaggerating." I tie back my hair, then head to the bathroom to wash off the face mask.

"What does the dress look like?" Ethan asks, curious.

"Very pretty," I tease him, washing my face. "I waited ten months just so I could fit into it!"

As I'm drying my face with a towel, Ethan surprises me with a hug from behind, lifting my feet in the air and making me squeal.

" We waited, you mean!" Ethan kisses my ear, giving me goosebumps. "As you well know, if it had been up to me, you'd have married me with a big pregnant belly!"

"I would have looked like a huge white balloon with a wedding dress around a belly that size!" I snort, shaking my head. "Now, let's get to sleep."

When I look at Ethan again, he is frowning in mock disappointment, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"Just sleep?" he asks, wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my neck.

Before I can say anything, he pulls me tight against his chest, kisses me deeply, and then dips me.

We don't end up falling asleep until well after midnight, thankfully uninterrupted by the baby monitor.

The alarm clock goes on at 5 AM and I leave Ethan sleeping as he can sleep in a bit longer than me. I have just enough time to breastfeed the girls and have breakfast.

All the women in the house wake up, and the rest of the bridesmaids arrive by car shortly after. At 6:30, the hair and makeup people arrive.

We gather in the sunroom upstairs to get everything ready. Mom, Glenda, Amanda, Sarah, Tania, and I get made up and pampered, especially when the caterers arrive and champagne is served. We chat animatedly, sharing stories and laughing.

Next, comes the dress. With the hair, nails, and faux lashes, I need help to get inside of it.

"Oof! This is torture!" I say, holding my breath and adjusting my bust to better fit my wedding dress.

"More torture than pushing out two babies in a row?" Sarah asks, helping to zip up the back of the dress.

"Eh, you got me there. It's less than that!" We all laugh.

"Speaking of the twins, I'm going to check on them," Glenda says, leaving the room.

"Oh, I'll go with you." My mom follows close behind her.

We've quickly discovered that mom can't stand Glenda anymore than I can, but when her grandchildren are involved, her patience can go on forever.

"Delilah is taking care of them. Be nice, you two!" I call out, mostly to Glenda. Not that she will listen to me.

"Oh Mia, look at you!" Amanda exclaims, stepping back in awe.

The wedding planners placed a big mirror in the sunroom. As I gaze at myself, surrounded by a soft halo of light, I feel like a princess or an angel.

My sleeveless wedding dress is a vision in rustic lace, featuring a flattering A-line cut that accentuates my figure I've worked so hard to get back. The lace is delicate yet intricate, with discreet embroidery that enhances the bodice. The gown flows elegantly to the floor, creating a romantic and timeless silhouette that perfectly suits the rustic elegance of our wedding theme.

"Do you think Ethan will like it?" I whisper.

Amanda is still gazing at me, her eyes filling with tears. Tania gently takes me by my shoulders and replies, "What's more important is: do you like it?"

I glance at Tania in the mirror, and then look back at myself. I start to wave my hands wildly, overtaken by emotion. As soon as the other women notice, I'm handed a glass of champagne, and fanned in an effort to help me regain some self-control.

"You can't cry right now. Save it for the altar!" Sarah warns.

"My work is flawless. It's going to last until the honeymoon," the makeup artist assures her, putting away her tools.

"Alright," I say, taking in a deep breath. "What time is it?"

The hairdresser checks her phone and informs me it is 9:30 AM. I'm not supposed to be planning my own wedding. In fact, we used Andrew, the best wedding planner in my company, for it. However, I can't help but try to take control of everything.

"Okay, the guests are mostly here. Ethan must already be in place. Where are the best men?"

Amanda looks out the window. "They are spread throughout the yard.

"Okay," I take another deep breath. "It's almost show time."

My heart is pounding so hard in my chest that I wonder if this is what it feels like to have a heart attack.

I fell in love, had two kids, and shared a home with Ethan. Now I'm getting married, sealing the deal on everything.

Andrew starts to assemble the procession in the sitting room that faces the pool deck. The ceremony will be held in the large grassy backyard.

I find Mira and Ana each in the arms of my mom and Glenda, both squirming. I quickly kiss my cranky princesses before Andrew guides me over to dad at the end of the line.

"Nervous, dear?" dad asks, wrapping his arm around mine.

He is trembling. I can feel it in his touch, and his eyes are welling up, causing me to hold back my own tears.

"No," I put on a brave face, when in fact I'm a nervous wreck inside. "And you have no reason to be nervous either."

But when the music starts, my tough exterior crumbles. Dad and I enter a silent competition of who shakes more, and when we start to slowly move forward, I can barely find my footing.

I spot the officiant standing at the altar. Ethan escorts my mom next. She takes a seat, and he goes to stand by the altar. My heart pounds as I watch the groomsmen come next, followed by the bridesmaids. Next, Debrah, our flower girl, and Senna, our ring bearer, walk down the aisle. Ethan's parents, Glenda and Thomas, follow and take their seats.

"It's time, honey." I jump at my dad's words and smile nervously as we make our entrance, walking down the aisle together.

All of a sudden, my gaze meets Ethan's. He smiles so brightly, and I smile back, tears of joy filling my eyes and it takes all of my effort to keep them from spilling.

Each step brings me closer to him. My heart beats to the rhythm of the Nuptial March, and I feel like I'm walking on clouds.

A fire ignites in my chest when I am face to face with Ethan. Dad shakes his hand, then heads over to sit with mom. As Ethan touches my hand, sparks fly.

I can barely hold back tears as we turn to the officiant and get ready for the newest part of the journey of our lives together.

When the music softens and we hold hands, I feel as though the rest of the world has faded away, leaving just the two of us in this moment.

The officiant clears his throat, drawing my attention. He's a young man with a magnificent ginger beard.

The officiant adjusts the microphone on the pedestal and taps it gently. "Family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Ethan and Mia in marriage, a bond that began with the miracle of life and has blossomed into a beautiful relationship, blessed with the arrival of their twin daughters."

I glance at our twins and smile, feeling overwhelmed with love for our growing family.

"Love is often described as a chemical reaction," he continues, "but it transcends scientific explanation. It is the deepest connection between two people, rooted in trust, respect, and commitment. Today, we celebrate this enduring love between Ethan and Mia, which will guide them through life's joys and challenges."

"With that said…" the officiant smiles warmly, looking from me to Ethan. "I'll leave these words of love as a prelude to your vows."

He offers me the microphone, and only then I notice how much I'm shaking. I swore to myself I wouldn't read my vows from a piece of paper, but now I'm second-guessing that decision.

"Ethan," my voice falters and I clear my throat. "When I first met you, you were a friendly face in what often felt like a hostile world."

Taking a steady breath, I continue, "But you've become so much more. You're a flame that never ceases to burn, an ever-shining star. We've created two beautiful baby girls together, and I love Senna as if he were my own. I cherish them all equally. I love you deeply and will always be by your side."

I finish speaking and now it's Ethan's turn. I smile as I see him retrieve a piece of paper from the inner pocket of his tuxedo. When he takes the microphone from me, I feel his hands are as shaky as mine.

"Mia," he says softly, and it takes all my effort not to burst into tears of joy. "Before I met you, I thought it was normal that love between a man and a woman would fade with time. But our love is always burning bright, and I couldn't be happier that I have you, and my boy, and my girls. I look forward to the rest of our lives together and will always be a faithful and devoted husband."

Tears stream down my cheeks as Ethan breaks from the script to ask the officiant, "Can I kiss her now?"

He chuckles, along with the audience. "In just a moment."

The officiant takes back the microphone and gently requests, "The rings, please?"

My heart swells as Senna steps ahead, carefully handing the wedding bands to Ethan. His hands tremble as he passes me his ring to hold.

The officiant adjusts the microphone and begins, "Ethan, please repeat after me: I hereby swear..."

He points the mic to Ethan who repeats, "I hereby swear…"

"To love and cherish you, Mia…."

"In sickness and in health…"

"Till death do us part," and Ethan looks at me so deeply I feel goosebumps ripple across my skin.

"Now hold the ring, please," the officiant instructs him. "Repeat after me once again, Ethan: With this ring…"

"With this ring…." He takes a deep breath.

"I betroth you."

He puts the ring on my finger, and my breath shakes upon seeing that diamond now on my hand.

"Mia, your turn," the officiant goes on. "Please repeat after me. I hereby swear…"

"I here—" I start to sob. "I hereby swear!"

"To—" I let out a sob and try to compose myself. Ethan reaches out his hand to cover mine. I take a breath and continue, "To love and cherish you, Ethan."

"In sickness and in health…"

My knees are weak.

God, please don't let me faint.

"Till death do us part."

"With this ring, I betroth you."

"The ring…" the officiant urges gently.

I can barely keep steady hands, so I don't know how in the world am I going to put this ring around Ethan's finger. But I somehow do it, and as I do, I feel a rush of joy seeing the golden band snugly in place.

The officiant smiles warmly and even knowing it's coming, my heart skips a beat at his next words. "By the powers invested in me by the State of Michigan, I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!"

I'm not ready for Ethan's enthusiasm when he comes to kiss me, and briefly lose my senses when he dips me, only recovering once he puts me back on my feet.

"Is everything okay?" he asks while I lean my head against his chest.

"Everything is wonderful." I kiss him again under the sound of roaring applause.

The next thing I know, Senna is bringing the girls over to us, and Ethan and I both take a twin as we walk together as a family in the direction where the reception will be held.

I thought the adventure was only beginning when I met Ethan, but now it feels like the next level of it is about to start.

And I couldn't be happier about it.

Thank you for reading Twins For My Ex's Pucking Brother!

If you enjoyed this, then you will LOVE Secret Baby For My Pucking Billionaire!

I lost my V-card to my older brother's best friend. It was a dream come true. Until he joined the NHL and left me pregnant.

Six years later he's back, Now playing for the local NHL team. And stirring up old feelings.

But I won't let his blue eyes or billions distract me. He broke my heart once. I won't risk it again. Plus, I need to consider my daughter.

Even though he's determined to gain my trust, I still can't reveal the secret I've kept for years.

His apologies chip away at my defenses. And being around him is beyond intoxicating. Before long, I'm waking up in his bed.

He wants me to give him a second chance.

But he has to prove he'll stick around this time. For both me and my daughter. Because losing him again would shatter us both.