Epilogue

Five years later.

"Are you done with your camera bag? Can I add it to the ones near the door?" Alec asked as he walked into our bedroom.

"Yes-" twisting the lid onto my lipstick, I whirled around in the chair at my dressing table to stare at my gorgeous boyfriend- "I sorted it out last night. Sian left me enough messages to make sure I didn't forget anything. I do this for a living. She has no faith in me." I rolled my eyes and strolled over to Alec, swinging my arms over his shoulders.

"She wants everything to be perfect. You know how she gets." He placed a lingering kiss on my neck and brushed his fingers over my waist. "You look beautiful. I love this dress on you. I'm going to jump in the shower to wake up from that agonising night shift before we set off." Alec shook his unruly brown hair out with his hand, letting the strands fall on his forehead and attempted to pull away.

"Shame I'm already dressed and ready to go or I'd join you. I missed you last night." Pressing my body into his, I trailed my hands along his spine until I grabbed a handful of his backside and squeezed. Alec groaned into my mouth as I kissed him hard, forgetting my recently applied lipstick.

"There's not enough time for that." He pecked my cheek and picked my camera carrier off the bed before he disappeared into the other room.

"I better call Sian and tell her we're leaving soon," I shouted after him. After some rustling down the hallway, Alec slammed the bathroom door. I winced at the noise. That needed fixing when we returned from our weekend away. The door caught when pushed shut and unfortunately, the steam from the shower set off our fire alarm when left open.

I picked my lipstick back up and reapplied the crimson shade before ringing our best friend.

"Hey you, how's my favourite princess doing on her special day?" Sat on my bed, I rummaged through my handbag, making sure I had everything.

"I'm frazzled. Who knew there was so much organising involved? Is the camera packed?" Sian asked, letting out a huff as I heard her drop on what I believed was the sofa.

"I was actually asking about baby Luna. Is she excited for her naming ceremony? And yes, I have the camera. It's not like you haven't mentioned it a million times."

"She's five months old and doesn't understand what's going on, but mummy needs a neat drink once it's over. James' family is stressing me out. His dad and stepmum won't go anywhere near his mum, which is understandable. Why she chose now to turn up again, I've no idea? Selfish cow." Sian let out a sigh. "And don't get me started on his whore of a brother. We're on girl number three since we sent the invites out. Can't he stick to just one for now and pick a new one after today? I don't even want to learn this one's name."

I stifled a laugh during Sian's small rant. As I scanned my bedroom one last time, I spotted one of my camera lenses on the edge of my chest of drawers, hidden behind a scented candle. If Sian knew, I'd never hear the end of it. Besides being Luna's guide parent, I promised to take professional shots of Luna and her parents after the ceremony. My usual projects revolved around inanimate objects, but I would do anything for that baby and her mummy.

"Sian, you're terrible. It's not their fault he can't keep his little friend tucked away in his pants." Walking down the hallway, I knelt in front of my camera bag, but the fastening wouldn't budge from this angle. I slung the strap on my shoulder and made my way back to my room.

"Oh sh-, I mean sugar. I didn't even ask if you'd be okay with him there. Don't worry, he hasn't got an important role so I can tell him to clear off."

"Sian stop. I haven't spoken to Max in five years. Today's all about baby Luna. You'll see, once everyone's there. The day'll be lovely and you won't care if James' family argue or what Max is doing." After securing my phone between my ear and shoulder, I held the bag and tugged on the zip.

"I bloody hope so. Oh no, the cake. James the cake. I forgot to pick it up," she shrieked into the receiver. I swiftly pulled the phone away and rubbed my ringing ear before repositioning it into the crook of my neck.

Frustrated with the current lack of space in my carrier, I dumped everything out onto my bed and attempted to rearrange the contents so they would fit seamlessly.

"Chill out babe. Andy and Abigail are picking the cake up on the way. We've already been over this." Luna's grizzling gradually increased as James neared Sian.

That lens wasn't mine. I picked it up and noticed the unusual mechanical iris with no lens cap to cover the glass. How strange. James soothed Sian while I examined the item in my hand. As I twisted the sides for the zoom option, the aperture opened to reveal the most breathtaking ring I had ever laid my eyes on. I covered my mouth, muffling my gasp.

A square peach pink stone sat on a delicate rose gold band, surrounded by a cluster of round white diamonds.

"Shit, shit, shit."

Luna wailed through the phone. "What's wrong? Everything okay? I need to sort Luna out. You're worrying me. Before I hang up, tell me, is it good or bad?" Sian rushed as she shushed her crying daughter, her voice wavering, bouncing on the spot.

"I've got to go too. Tell you as soon as we get there, promise. Love you."

I threw my phone onto the bed and removed the engagement ring from the fake camera case. Sliding the band on my finger, I held my shaking hand up and twisted my wrist from side to side, admiring the light that bounced off the gems.

A thump sounded from the bathroom. I stilled before hurrying to place everything into my bag before Alec returned. My fingers fumbled as I slide the zip closed. Glancing down, a glint of light caught my eye. The ring still adorned my finger. The echo of Alec's footsteps neared. With trembling hands, I removed the band and opened the fake lens box, hoping Alec wouldn't clock my accidental snooping.

Alec pushed the door open, leaving me just enough time to hide the box behind my back. I held my breath as my chest stuttered.

Peering up through my lashes towards Alec, I prayed he hadn't noticed the flush of my cheeks or the sheen of sweat forming on my forehead. Maybe the loud pounding of my heart would give me away.

Covered only by a towel from the waist down, he strolled into the room towards his wardrobe and pulled out some fresh clothes. I twiddled with the hem of my dress, trying to calm my nerves.

As he turned around, he glanced over my shoulder and froze. "What's the camera bag doing back out?" He cocked his head to the side and ran his hand through his wet hair. His biceps and the muscles in his chest flexed with the motion, causing a wave of heat to travel through my veins. The sight of the ring and his near nakedness made me want to throw myself at him.

I couldn't let on that I knew. Now was not the time to get distracted by his jaw-droppingly sexy body.

"Oh, yeah. Hmm, it's nothing. I thought I forgot something, but it's all there." I flipped the lid over and battled with the zip.

"Okay. Well. I'll put it back the-" he reached over to grab the strap.

"NO! I'll do it. Get dressed or we'll be late." I pushed everything behind my back and leant against it, shielding the ring box from his view.

"Nat, what are you up to? What's behind your back? Did you find something in the bag?" Alec paled, rubbing his forearms.

Biting my bottom lip to suppress a grin, I focused on the corner of the bed and nodded.

Alec paced the floor and wiped his palms over his face.

"It'll be okay," he muttered to himself. "I was going to ask you tonight. Can you forget you saw the ring?" Alec readjusted his towel and drew in a long breath.

I shook my head and wandered over to kiss his exposed chest. "Not a chance."

"Should I do it now?" He smiled, tugging on a loose strand of my hair. His emerald eyes glistened, making the flecks of gold in them brighter.

Shaking my head vigorously, I wrapped my arms around his middle, not caring that the front of my dress would get damp.

"Okay. Alright. Well, I should get dressed first." He cast his eyes heavenwards and went to walk away.

"No, I love you like this," I said, yanking him closer.

Alec reached over and grabbed the ring from the lens. He rubbed his palms on the towel and let out a loud sigh. "Are you scared? I'm so nervous," he laughed.

"I've never been less scared of anything in my life," I said quietly as I inched closer again.

Alec's gaze swept over my face and landed on my mouth. His hands stroked my shoulders. "I love you, Nattie. Always have, and always will. I couldn't bare a second without you in my life. Will you marry me?" His lips skimmed mine and goosebumps appeared on my skin. Tears streamed down my cheeks as Alec slipped the rose gold band on my ring finger.

"Yes. I love you, Alec," I laughed between sobs. "With every fibre of my being, I love you and I can't wait to be husband and wife." Alec wiped my tears away and closed the minuscule distance between us. I curled my hands into his hair as his mouth crashed onto mine. Desire flooded through me as he hooked my legs around his waist and kissed my neck, right below my ear. "Looks like we'll be late, after all."

***