Epilogue

Jasmine

Six Months Later…

I stand outside the church, my heart pounding. The sun beats down on us, and I can feel the heat radiating off the pavement beneath my feet. I glance up at Knox. His eyes are fixed on the church's doors, and his expression is serious. I've got to know Zane's boss over the last few months, but I'm still intimidated by being in his presence. Why the hell did I agree to this man giving me away? I should have waited the extra six months for my dad to face the parole board, however, I'm just not that patient.

"Are you nervous?" he asks, his voice low as he offers me his arm. I'm more nervous about touching him than I am about the whole wedding. His nickname is The Slayer , for crying out loud.

"Terrified," I admit, gripping his arm tighter.

"Hey," he says, turning to me. "You've got this. You're strong, brave, and absolutely doing the right thing."

I take a deep breath and nod, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Mrs Thayer, who I am told I must call Caroline, had gone all out with the dress - it's big and white and extravagant, not at all what I would have chosen for myself. Then again, this whole wedding isn't really about me, is it?

The church doors swing open, and I catch a glimpse of Mum and my sisters inside. They wave excitedly, and I feel a surge of love and gratitude for them. They've been my rock through all of this.

"Ready?" Knox asks, and I nod again, taking one last deep breath before we step into the church.

I step through the church doors and my eyes widen in awe. The interior is decorated with white flowers and greenery, giving off a fresh and elegant vibe. It's a stark contrast to the dingy apartment I used to rent.

"Wow," I whisper to myself, taking it all in.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Knox says, squeezing my arm gently. "Porter made sure Mum didn't go overboard."

"Absolutely stunning," I reply, grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Thank you."

There are more people in the church than I've ever met in my life. I squint my eyes, trying to make out their faces. They are all dressed formally and seem to be important people, judging by their demeanour.

"Who are they?" I ask.

"Friends of the consigliere," Knox replies, his tone slightly guarded. "Zane is an important man. This is as much about business relations as it is about you getting hitched."

"Right," I say, feeling a pang of anxiety. I don't know anything about these people, except that they are somehow connected to the man I am marrying.

"Come on," Knox nudges me forward. "Let's get you to the altar."

I glance behind at Alexei and give him a smile. He grins back, his big eyes shining as I'm about to officially become his nana. I feel one hundred years older just thinking about it.

As we walk down the aisle, my page boy right behind us,I feel the gaze of hundreds of eyes on me. I straighten my back and put on my best smile, trying to hide my discomfort.

"Good luck," Alex whispers as he takes his place beside Marcus and my sister Connie.

"Thanks, buddy," I reply, giving him a wink

"Ready?" Zane asks, his hand outstretched.

"Ready," I say, placing my hand in his.

As the priest begins the ceremony, I try to focus on the words being spoken. My mind keeps wandering to the sea of unfamiliar faces around me. Can I really be good enough for a man who is this important?

Then I glimpse at my Mum and my sisters in the front row, beaming with pride and love. Suddenly, everything else fades away. This is why I am here. This is what matters.

I take a deep breath and focus on Zane's hand in mine. Whatever happens next, I know that I am not alone. As we exchange vows, I can't help but think of all that has led us to this moment—the ups and downs, the heartache and joy—all leading us to this point where we stand before each other, making a promise to love and cherish one another for the rest of our lives.

"Love is patient, love is kind," the priest says, his voice echoing through the church. "It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

His words wash over me, filling me with a sense of peace and happiness I have never known before. I look into Zane's eyes, seeing all the love and devotion he has for me, and know that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

"Until death do us part," Zane promises, slipping the ring onto my finger.

"Until death do us part," I repeat, placing the ring on his finger.

At that moment, I knew that no matter what life threw our way, we would face it together. With the love and support of our family and friends, we would have everything we needed to make it through.

We reach the kiss and everyone cheers as we wrap our arms around each other.

The room is abuzz with chatter and the sweet scent of flowers. My heart races as I walk back down the aisle as a married woman, my arm linked with Zane's. Mum and my sisters standing at the end, beaming with pride and love. I can feel their support like a warm blanket on a cold night.

"Look at you!" Connie says, her eyes filling with tears. "You're stunning!"

"Absolutely gorgeous," Marcus agrees, his hand resting on her shoulder.

"Thanks, guys," I smile, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "I couldn't have done it without all of you."

"Of course not," Mum insists, pulling me into a hug. "We're family. We stick together."

Alex gives them a little wave from where he stands next to them, looking dapper in his pageboy outfit. He has come such a long way since his accident, and seeing him happy and healthy fills me with joy.

"Ready?" Zane asks, giving my arm a gentle squeeze.

"Ready," I reply, taking a deep breath.

As we make our way towards the photographer, I can't help but feel grateful for the people in my life who have become my family. I may not know these strangers in the crowd, but I know that I have the love and support of those who matter most.