Page 111 of Crossroads of Love

Home. Love. Family. All wrapped up in Gavin’s arms.

Epilogue

Lena

Istand in the center of the living room, staring at my reflection in the tall, antique mirror. Henry’s old farmhouse has been transformed into a bridal suite for the day, but even with all the delicate lace draped over the furniture, the soft blush roses filling the air with their sweet scent, and the sunlight streaming through the windows, it still feels like home. My heart races, pounding in my chest like it’s trying to escape, but in the best way possible. I smooth my hands over the front of my wedding dress, marveling at how unreal it all feels.

The dress is perfect. Soft ivory lace hugs my body in all the right places, flowing into a delicate train that pools at my feet. The bodice is sweetheart-shaped, fitted to show off the curve of my waist, with intricate lace patterns that trail over my shoulders and down the three-quarter-length sleeves. It’s classic and elegant, with a bit of rustic charm that fits this day, this place, and everything Gavin and I have been building together.

I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and turn just in time to see Jayla and Tatum bouncing into the room, theirmatching pale pink dresses swishing around their ankles. They stop when they see me, and for a moment, they just stare at me with their mouths hanging open.

“You look like a princess, Mom!” Jayla gasps, her eyes shining.

Her dark hair is curled into loose waves, pinned back with a tiny flower crown. She’s looking more like an adult every day.

Tatum is crying as she comes over to hug me tightly. “You are radiant and…I can’t take how happy I am for you.”

I smile, my heart swelling at their words. “Thank you.”

Jayla steps closer, her face softening as she takes in the details of my dress. “I’ve never seen you this happy,” she says quietly, her eyes flicking up to meet mine. “You’ve never smiled like this before.”

I feel the weight of her words and nod, unable to find the right ones to respond with. I don’t need to. She’s right—I’ve never been this happy. Not ever. Everything in my life has led to this moment, to Gavin.

As I glance out the window, I can see the barn in the distance where so many memories have been made as kids and adults. The old structure has been completely renovated and turned into something breathtaking. Twinkling fairy lights hang between the wooden beams, casting a soft, romantic glow over the hay bales that have been arranged to form a makeshift seating area for the guests. The barn walls are adorned with wildflowers picked from the fields around the farm, and delicate touches of lace are draped along the edges of everything. It’s rustic, it’s beautiful, and it’s more than I ever could have imagined for a wedding.

Everyone from town has shown up, pulling together to make today happen. There’s something special about Hicks Creek—how everyone comes together when it matters. I feel a surge of gratitude for all of them and the love and support surroundingus. They’ve helped build the new barn for the animals, the house Gavin and I have been working on just over the hill, and now this… a wedding that feels like the perfect culmination of everything we’ve been building—our future.

After everything came to light about Aaron, it could have all gone very badly, but it didn’t. Yeah, a few people thought I knew the whole time, but for the most part, everyone understood who he really was and that I was clueless.

“Lena, are you ready?”

I turn at my mother’s voice as she steps into the room, her eyes glistening with happy tears. She takes one look at me and smiles, her hand coming up to her chest. “Oh, sweetheart,” she whispers, her voice catching. “You’re so beautiful.”

“Mom…” I laugh softly, feeling the tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. But I won’t cry. Not yet. I need to hold it together until I get down that aisle.

“I’m so proud of you,” she says, stepping forward to cup my cheek. “And I’m so happy for you.”

I nod, my throat too tight to respond. She pulls me into a gentle hug, and for a moment, I let myself just be still, to breathe in the moment. This day is everything I’ve ever wanted.

The door swings open again, and I hear a familiar voice. “It’s time.”

I step back from my mother, turning to see my dad standing in the doorway, his eyes filled with emotion when he sees me. He looks so proud, and something in his expression brings back a flood of memories of the girl I used to be, the one who never dreamed she’d end up here, about to marry the love of her life on a farm she’s come to call home.

I take a deep breath, smoothing down my dress one more time before I nod. “I’m ready.”

“You know, I think we always knew that you and Gavin would end up together.” Mom smiles softly. “Even…even on yourwedding day to Aaron, your father told me you were marrying the wrong one.”

“Yet…no one ever told me that,” I tease.

“You wouldn’t have listened.” Dad laughs.

He’s not wrong.

Tatum and Jayla move toward the back door, and my dad steps forward, offering me his arm. I take it, feeling the warmth and support in the simple gesture. He leads me out of the house, down the steps, and toward the barn where the ceremony is being held.

The sun is just starting to dip low in the sky, casting everything in a soft, golden light. The twinkling fairy lights in the barn glow brighter in contrast, and the air is filled with the scent of wildflowers, freshly cut hay, and something sweet, like the promise of everything good to come.

The music starts, a soft melody played by the string quartet that one of the townsfolk organized, and I take my first step down the aisle. My eyes immediately find Gavin standing at the front of the barn, waiting for me. He’s dressed in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, the dark fabric hugging his broad shoulders and lean frame in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. He’s never looked more handsome, and the way his eyes lock onto mine, filled with love, makes everything around me fade away.

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