Chapter 60: Epilogue two

^ONE MONTH LATER^

MELODY

I flattened my hand over my wedding gown, feeling the softness, and glanced at the mirror. I was wearing Grace’s wedding dress.

She’d kept it safe, thinking maybe one day her daughter would want to wear it, but she hadn’t been able to get pregnant after Asher.

Along with her wedding gown, she’d given me her blessing, accepting me wholly into her family.

The dress was off-white, sleeveless, with a sweetheart neckline and crystals studded along the hemline. It hugged my body and curves perfectly. A small train extended off the back.

I’d kept my neckline modest, not wanting to show cleavage. Xavier had been overly possessive since last month, and I didn’t want him to snap at anyone who tried to get a good look at me.

To my surprise, he hadn’t left my side since the morning he’d come from the office at midnight. Not gonna lie; we’d enjoyed every second of it.

My stylist had tied my hair at the top of my head in a bun. Tendrils were cascading all the way to my shoulders, and little white flowers had been clipped into my hair.

I looked at myself again in the mirror. I could see the glow on my face.

~I’m getting married!~

~

~Married!~

~

The thought sent a tsunami of butterflies crashing through my stomach.

I’d always imagined this day ever since I was a little girl, and today was the day I’d fantasized about since I was young.

I’d wanted to get married to my Prince Charming, like a princess in fairy tales, but our story wasn’t exactly like others.

There had been lots of ups and downs, back and forth. We’d been through a lot, and we’d lost too much to be together.

“You okay, Mel?” Mia asked, coming forward.

“Nervous,” I replied. My palms were sweaty, my heart was racing, and I constantly felt like I was going to puke. My pregnancy wasn’t helping me either.

We hadn’t planned this pregnancy, but it was the best thing that had happened in our lives since we’d found each other again.

She smiled, looking at me in the mirror. “I know. I was nervous too,” she sighed dreamily.

“Well, everyone gets nervous on their wedding day,” Jenny’s voice echoed. I whirled, delighted to see my friend. I took two long steps and wrapped my arms around her.

“You came?” I asked, barely holding my emotions back.

She pulled back and winked. “I wouldn’t miss my bestie’s wedding.”

I laughed.

“Hey, Mia. Good to see you again.” Jenny and Mia hugged.

“You too.” Mia grinned.

“So, getting married to the hottie, huh?” Jenny smirked, and I blushed.

“Hottie?” Mia asked. It didn’t take much time for Jenny to tell her how we’d seen Xavier in the bar that Friday night.

My stomach bubbled, and I felt it rise in the back of my throat. Throwing a hand to my mouth, I walked to the washroom.

I leaned down to the toilet, and Mia and Jenny rushed in behind me. Mia held my hair back, and Jenny picked up my dress from the back.

“You really are nervous, huh?” Mia muttered. I only nodded because I couldn’t exactly tell her I was pregnant.

We hadn’t told anybody, not even Mila or Grace.

“Mama, are you sick?” Mila asked. I turned and saw her standing at the entrance.

“No, sweetie,” I replied and nodded to Mia to take care of Mila. I moved to the sink, and after brushing my teeth again, I stepped out of the washroom.

Dropping into a chair, I wiped my mouth with a tissue and took a sip of water. “Come here,” I said, and Mila sat on my lap.

“Are you happy, my little girl?” I asked, caressing her face. “Is my flower girl happy for her mom and dad?”

She nodded. “I love you, Mama.” Her arms went around my neck.

Tears blinded my vision as I hugged her back. “I love you too.” My eyes filled with tears, very happy tears.

Mia passed me another tissue. “Don’t ruin your makeup,” she whisper-hissed. She’d already done my touch-up more than five times.

I dabbed the tissue to my eyes carefully. Grace walked in and saw us in each other’s arms. “Oh, my love, you’re looking beautiful.”

I stood. “Thank you, Grace,” I whispered.

She hugged me, and I hugged her back. After a while, Grace and Mila left to see Xavier. My eyes were still glued to the door. I knew they hadn’t been invited, yet I wanted them to come.

I was their daughter, for fuck’s sake! I was Jake’s favorite sister! Not only had I lost Owen forever, maybe I’d lost my parents too.

Yes, I was still pissed, still angry. Regardless, I wanted them to be with me on my big day.

Some people thought my life had always been easy, but it never was. I had been fighting all my existence. I’d never gotten one thing without losing another.

I’d lost my family, whom I loved more than anyone. At one point, I’d been ready to lose Xavier, but never Mom and Dad.

I’d lost both and had been left to deal with the world alone.

I was so deeply in thought I was startled when Jacob walked in, fuming. “Your boyfriend is a scary motherfucker.”

I swirled around and laughed. “My fiancé and soon-to-be husband.”

Mia, Sandy, and Jenny walked in, laughing.

“Whatever,” he muttered.

“Are you going to tell me what happened?” I asked as I sat on a chair in front of the mirror to apply lipstick.

“He’s growling and snarling at everyone like an animal,” he hissed, but I saw his lips twitch, which gave me relief, knowing nothing was serious.

“Why?”

“Mila told him you’re sick, and Gunner and Cole won’t let him see you,” Mia chimed in, laughing.

I laughed softly along with her. “Did you tell him I’m fine now?” I asked Mia.

“He still wants to see.” Mia shrugged. “The guys had to lock him in the room to stop him from seeing you.” Everyone present in the room started laughing.

“How does he look?” I asked, and my cheeks flushed.

“Fuckable.” Sandy came forward with a big grin, holding her son in her arms.

“It’s time!” Dan poked his head in and stopped with eyes wide open, and his jaw dropped as he scanned me from head to toe.

“Damn, baby. You look beautiful,” he whispered, coming forward. He hugged me, and my arms went around him, hugging him back just as tightly.

I pulled back and glanced down at my feet. “Are you happy, Dan?” I asked, nervously.

He stepped forward. “Are you happy?” he asked me, looking straight into my eyes.

“I’m ecstatic.” I grabbed his hand in mine.

“I’m over the moon, Dan. I just want you to accept him, and I surely don’t want you to hold any grudges against him. I forgive him for all the things, and I want the same from you. I know—”

“We’re okay, Mel.” He placed a small kiss on my forehead. “I forgive him too, but I can’t promise that I won’t give him a hard time.” He grinned mischievously.

“Now shall we?” He presented his elbow. He was going to walk me down the aisle.

“Can...can I have two minutes alone?” I asked, looking down.

Silence greeted me. They were all eyeing me with a worried expression.

“Please?” I begged.

“We’ll be outside,” Dan said, closing the door behind him. Inhaling slowly, I let the air back out with an audible whoosh and unlocked my phone.

Scrolling through my gallery, I stopped at a picture of Owen. A single teardrop fell on the screen. I didn’t know if I was wiping tears or caressing my son.

I stared at him, unable to take my eyes off him until I heard a knock on the door.

“I love you, baby. I’ll always love you. You will be in my heart forever,” I promised to my son and shut off the screen along with my emotions.

The last two days had been hard for us. Before getting married, I’d wanted to visit Owen. We’d spent our whole day with Owen.

We’d talked, we’d cried, thinking what our life would have been if Owen had been with us. He would have been jumping with joy, knowing he was going to be a big brother.

“Mel?” Dan knocked again. I closed my eyes as I tried to come back from the past I’d been pulled back to.

Dabbing my eyes, I replied, “Come in.”

Dan walked in, his eyes glossy. “We miss him too.” He took a deep breath, like he was controlling his own emotions.

My eyes stung, but I quickly blinked the tears away. “I know.”

Mia picked up my bouquet of stephanotis and handed it to me.

“Thank you.”

“Shall we?” Dan presented his elbow. I swallowed nervously, sucked in another deep breath, and looped my arm with his.

We walked out of the room and then down the stairs, which were decorated with flowers.

I could hear bridesmaids’ music playing as we walked closer. The music changed, signaling it was my turn.

“Ready, baby girl?” Dan smiled warmly.

I nodded, smiling instantly. I couldn’t stop it. We’d decided to have a simple wedding at the back of Xavier’s beach house with close family and friends.

At the first sight of him, my heart drummed in my chest so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. Xavier was at the altar waiting for me, looking flawless and perfect.

He was dressed in a navy suit with a bright-red tie. A red rose was pinned to his breast pocket, and his hair was tousled to perfection.

Our eyes connected. His glistened in happiness, mirroring mine, and he grinned from ear to ear as I made my way down to him.

His green eyes stared at me intently, following my every step, my every movement. Everything, everyone disappeared. It was just us, gazing at each other’s eyes.

~Lord, I love this man so much. More than my life… And I’m lucky because he loves me back equally.~

~

With every step toward him, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach grew even wilder, and for a second it felt like I was dreaming.

When we finally reached the end of the flowery aisle, we stopped. Dan placed a kiss on my cheek and whispered, “It’s not too late.”

I elbowed him, and he chuckled.

I handed my bouquet to Mia. Dan took my hand, and Xavier was already holding out his hand. Dan placed my hand in his.

“Hurt her again, and I’ll fucking kill you.” His voice was low and menacing like I’d never heard from my best friend before.

I opened my mouth to say something, but Xavier shook his head. “You have my word,” Xavier said calmly. Dan placed a kiss on my forehead and stepped away, letting our hands go.

It was only Xavier and me, standing, staring at each other. Holding each other’s hand.

“I love you,” he whispered and pulled me in. The look in his eyes said he wanted to kiss me right this very second.

Without a thought, I wrapped my arms around him, tightly. Before I knew it, I was crying—not just crying, I was sobbing.

It was hard to believe we were finally here, standing at the altar. I still felt like I was dreaming. His arms around my waist held me as tightly as I held him.

“Love? You’re scaring me. Everything okay? Tell me.”

“Tell me this isn’t a dream. If it is, I want to die before I even open my eyes,” I hiccupped.

“Hey.” He tilted my chin up so he could look in my eyes. “It’s not a dream, baby. Look around. We’re here; so are our loved ones, family, friends,” he said so softly, as if I were a child.

I looked around. Everyone was looking at me with worried eyes.

~Damn pregnancy hormones!~

~

“So is our child,” Xavier said, bringing my attention back to him. His hand caressed my belly. “I love you both,” he said loudly enough for them to hear.

I heard a few gasps, but I didn’t glance in their direction. “I love you too.”

He dipped his head and kissed me, slowly. Deeply.

The officiant cleared his throat.

I pulled back and looked at Xavier. He smirked, seeing me flushed. “Was it real?”

I scowled at him, which made him chuckle. Laughter filled the air, and the officiant asked if we were ready.

He cleared his throat. “Welcome, family, friends, and loved ones. We are gathered today to celebrate the union of Xavier and Melody.

“We are all here to support this commitment of love and to share the joy of Xavier and Melody as they choose to spend their lives together.”

He stared in our direction. “Xavier and Melody, your marriage will be a lifelong promise to love, respect, trust, and honor each other through the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

“This union represents your commitment to support one another as individual beings but share your joys, sorrows, and dreams as one.

“You are creating a new home where love, trust, and loyalty are the foundation.

“No matter what the future throws your way, rely on those foundations, and you shall only see your bond grow stronger and your souls grow wiser.”

Glancing between us, he asked, “Xavier, do you take Melody to be your wife?”

“I do,” he said.

“And do you, Melody, take Xavier to be your husband?”

“I do,” I answered eagerly.

“Can we have the rings, please?” the officiant said.

Mila came forward with a decorated ring tray in her hands. She beamed at us and then glanced at my belly.

“Your rings represent this promise to one another. The never-ending circle is a symbol of infinite, unbreakable love.”

Xavier squeezed my hand and looked into my eyes as if he were staring at my soul.

“Melody, I love you. I didn’t believe in love at first sight until I met you. From the very first day, I knew you were the one for me.

“You were the missing piece of my life. With you, everything feels complete. I feel complete.” He paused and closed his eyes to get rid of the tears that were forming.

“Because of you, I laugh, I smile, and I dare to dream more than I ever have. I want nothing more than to share my future with you.

“I promise to love you for the rest of my life, to fill your days with joy, to support you in days of sorrow, to be your best friend, to learn how to grow with you, and build a home with you.

“You are my first, my last, my everything. You are mine until the end of time, and I am yours for as long as you’ll have me.” Slipping a ring over my finger, Xavier kissed the back of my hand.

I glanced at the ring. It had the same infinity symbol as my necklace.

My eyes watered as I began to speak. “Xavier, we met by chance. We spent a beautiful night together. I didn’t know who you were until the I woke up the next morning with your arm around me.

“That morning, I found my home. My haven. You are my home. I heard so many stories and saw so many people in love but never knew it until you.

“Life wasn’t fair for us from the start. We met, then parted ways more than one time. Numerous obstacles came between us, and yet we are here, and I am still so in love with you.”

Tears slipped from my eyes. I took another shaky breath and began again.

“With this ring, I promise to stand by you, no matter what happens. For as long as I live, I will be by your side—for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer.

“You are my one and only, today and every day. I love you.” With that, I slipped a ring over his finger. He wiped my tears.

The officiant cleared his throat.

“Having pledged your love and promise to one another today in front of all of your friends and family, and by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

He paused, and Xavier frowned, looking in his direction.

He chuckled. “You may now kiss the bride.”

“Wife,” he murmured as his smile broadened, and he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closely against him. My eyes widened as I felt him aroused.

Leaning his head down, he kissed me full on the mouth. Our kiss turned from passionate to hungry and savage.

Our friends and family all began to cheer and clap. We pulled back and gazed at each other. Breaking our connection, I swirled and squatted so I was at eye level with Mila.

Cupping her face, I kissed her forehead. “I want to make a promise to you,” I whispered.

“You’ll marry me too?” Mila beamed.

Xavier chuckled, and he knelt too.

“Yes, I’m marrying you too,” I laughed.

I grabbed her hand in mine. “You know I love you as my own,” I found myself saying. I didn’t know whether she understood it or not. Mila frowned.

“Mila, you have touched my heart and filled the void in a way you cannot understand. I promise to love you unconditionally. I will cherish each and every moment I spend with you.

“I may not have carried you for nine months, but I’ll spend the rest of my life loving you, protecting you, doing everything that makes you happy. You will always be my elder daughter.”

I wrapped my arms around her.

“Promise?” She pulled back.

“I promise.” I placed my hand over my chest.

She looked at my belly again. “Do you have a baby there?” She pointed to my stomach.

I looked at Xavier and back at everyone. They were waiting for my reply. Gunner, Stefan, and Cole had a smirk on their faces as if they knew.

I nodded, grinning.

“You are going to be a big sister,” Xavier said, kissing my forehead.

“Really?”

I nodded.

“Yay! I’m going to be a big sister!” Mila screamed and ran to her nana, who was covering her mouth with her hand. Tears streamed from her eyes.

Xavier interlocked our fingers as we walked up the aisle. Grace was waiting for us. Without a word, she pulled me into an embrace.

“I’m so happy for both of you, and I’m so happy you proved me wrong,” she whispered and pulled back.

Grace turned to Xavier, but before I could hear what she was saying, I was pulled back, and I met the angry face of Dan. “What the fuck, Mel?”

~Fuck, he might be afraid like me.~

~

“Dan—”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice was hoarse. “I’m so fucking happy.” He grinned and twirled me around.

“Dan,” I laughed, “put me down!” I slapped his shoulder.

“Oh, sorry, sorry.” He set me on my feet. Soon, I was surrounded by my friends. My lifeline. They all congratulated us and were angry at us for keeping it a secret.

“I wanted to tell you—”

“Mel?”

I was interrupted by a very familiar voice. I stiffened. It was Jake.

I turned to find not just Jake, but my whole family was here. Mom, Dad, Jake, and Nick. They all were staring at me.