Epilogue

EPILOGUE

L ila’s breath clouded in front of her as she watched her friends and family take seats in front of the decorated gazebo next to Bloomington’s gigantic Christmas tree. So many smiling faces surrounded them. Family, friends, and even a few alien visitors who had come to Bloomington and decided to stay. The community had grown so much in the past year, and Lila couldn’t help but feel proud of the part she and Zhoel had played in it.

Today was her wedding day, one year to the day since she and Zhoel had decided to embrace their mate bond, and the town had come together to celebrate. Zhoel’s and her decision to make Bloomington the corporate headquarters for their intergalactic dating and travel app had breathed new life into the small town. Now, the streets were bustling with visitors from across the galaxy, and local businesses were thriving in ways no one had expected.

Mayor Gunderson was officiating, greeting guests and grinning beneath his Santa hat. He’d wanted to wear an entire Santa suit, but Lila had talked him out of it, compromising with only the classic red and white cap. At least it matched the red poinsettias and holly decorating the aisles and gazebo. A true Christmas wedding.

The music began, and Sara caught Lila’s gaze. She looked gorgeous in a long burgundy fur-lined coat that served as her Maid of Honor dress, and seemed happier than she’d been in a long time. The divorce had been difficult, but in the months since, Sara had found a new sense of peace—and possibly even new love, thanks to Zhoel’s app.

“Ready?” Sara asked. Lila nodded, and Sara bent to whisper instructions to Josh and Emily before proceeding down the aisle.

Josh stood proudly in his little suit, one hand gripping Emily’s while he waited for his mom to reach the gazebo. Then he guided his little sister forward, slowly enough for her to toss the red rose petals from her basket along the way.

The children reached the end, and the music shifted to the bridal waltz. Dad took her arm, his eyes glistening. “Shall we go?” he asked.

Lila nodded, her heart brimming. “I love you, Dad.”

“Love you too, Lila.”

They stepped out onto the runner spread across the frosty sidewalk. Lila’s wedding dress was crafted out of fabric from the planet Alturra, warm enough for the wintery day but sleek enough to make her feel like a princess. The pale material shimmered with an iridescent glow, and the skirt billowed around her like mist. Delicate strands of micro-pearls were woven across the bodice and down the sleeves like captured stars.

Ahead, Zhoel stood waiting in a human tailored suit that highlighted his blue skin. He gave her a soft smile, the warmth of his love resonating through their bond. Tom stood next to him as his Best Man, though her brother still seemed to enjoy giving Zhoel grief about using “alien powers” on his sister.

Mom, Aunt Maggie, and Nana Pearl sat in the front row, all wrapped in thick knitted shawls. Mom was dabbing her eyes but smiling. Nana winked at Lila and said loud enough for everyone to hear, “When you know, you know.”

Lila hugged her dad, then turned and stepped up next to Zhoel. Mayor Gunderson smiled at them, his eyes merry as he began to speak. “Dear friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Lila Carson and Zhoel Aedul.”

As the mayor continued with the ceremony, Lila met Zhoel’s gaze, filled with love and a promise of forever. Although they’d already been bonded for a year, she still felt almost overwhelmed when she looked at him. She loved her family and had been willing to give up her dreams for them. Now she had everything she could’ve ever wanted.

“I do,” Zhoel said, his voice steady and clear.

Tears prickled the corners of Lila’s eyes, and she smiled through them as she said, “I do.”

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the mayor declared, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Zhoel swept her into his arms, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. The crowd’s cheers filled the air, and Lila laughed, her heart feeling lighter than it had ever been. There were so many adventures still to come—so many places to explore, both on Earth and beyond. And she knew, deep in her heart, that Bloomington would always be a part of those adventures. It was their home base, the place where everything had begun. And with Zhoel’s app, there were sure to be more love stories waiting to unfold, stories that would bring even more magic to this small town.

As she and Zhoel walked hand in hand through the cheering crowd, Lila looked up at him and whispered, “Merry Christmas, my love.”

Zhoel’s eyes shone. “Merry Christmas, Lila. Here’s to forever.”

At the end of the aisle, they kissed once more, surrounded by the people they loved. This was the happiest Christmas of all—and the future was brighter than Lila had ever imagined.