Page 122 of A Simple Reminder

“Let’s get everyone in,” I say, turning to the rest of the group. “A photo of the whole family.”

Lucas groans audibly, still trapped in selfie duty with Theresa. “Are you trying to kill me, Liam?”

Theresa waves him off with a laugh. “Khalas. Don’t be dramatic, Lucas. You’ll survive one more photo.”

Adeline grabs Leora by the arm, dragging her toward the spot where the cameraman is setting up. “Come on, Leora. If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right.”

Micah joins, trying not to look at Adeline too much but failing miserably. Adeline’s dad claps him on the shoulder, grinning, while her mom gives instructions about lighting as though she’s directing a professional shoot.

Once everyone is in place, I feel Sophie’s hand slip into mine again. She squeezes gently, her smile bright and steady, her presence grounding me like always.

The cameraman counts down, ”Three… Two…”

As the shutter clicks, I take a moment to look around, letting it all sink in. This isn’t just a hotel opening. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted—a family, a life filled with love and connection, and her.Always her.

EPILOGUE

SOPHIE

ONE YEAR LATER

I’m marrying my best friend today. I can’t believe I’m saying these words. Me, Sophie Anderson, will become Sophie Ayoub. The thought makes me giggle, even as my heart races with anticipation. I’m standing behind the grand church doors, the buzz of excitement on the other side almost tangible. Everyone I love is here, and at the end of the aisle stands the man who has completely and irrevocably stolen my heart. Liam.My Liam.

“Are you ready, my love?” Leora’s voice is soft and full of emotion as she looks at me like I’m the most beautiful thing she’s ever seen. Her large green eyes shimmer with unshed tears. “Oh, here I go again. You look so beautiful.”

“Like a princess,” Adeline adds with a grin, smoothing her dust-pink maxi dress. Both of them look like a dream in their one-shoulder gowns. Leora’s brown hair is styled in a half-updo that showcases her delicate features, while Adeline’s thick black hair cascades down her back, making her dark eyes pop even more than usual.

These are my best friends—my sisters.

I’m in my dream wedding dress, exactly as I’d always imagined for this day. The off-the-shoulder neckline sweeps gracefully across my collarbones, accentuating the delicate line of my shoulders. The fitted bodice hugs my frame perfectly, the white satin fabric free of embellishments, and its simplicity is stunning in its own right. The dress flows seamlessly into a mermaid silhouette, flaring subtly at the hem with a train that glides effortlessly behind me as I walk.

My hair is simple, just the way I like it. My long bangs are tucked neatly behind my ears, keeping my face unhidden, while the rest of my hair falls straight down my back, soft and understated.

I take a steadying breath, though I don’t feel nervous at all. It’s the opposite. I’m calm. Centered. This moment feels like coming home. ”I’m more than ready,” I say, my voice steady.

Their faces light up with matching smiles.

“Okay, then let’s do this.” Leora turns to her son, my little nephew. “Antoine, are you ready? You’re going to walk to Baba, okay?”

“Yes, Mama,” he says, his tiny voice full of determination. At two and a half, he’s the perfect ring bearer—dressed in his little suit, looking like a mini Lucas.

The doors open, and Antoine toddles forward confidently, clutching the ring pillow with both hands. He makes it halfway down the aisle before stopping abruptly, his wide eyes scanning the crowd. “Mama!” he shouts, his voice echoing through the space as he waves and points enthusiastically.

Leora laughs softly and hurries forward, scooping him up and whispering something in his ear. With a giggle, he settles back into her arms, still clutching the pillow as she continues walking with Adeline by her side.

The soft strains of the violin fill the air, but the doors close again, leaving me alone for a moment.

“Sophie,” a familiar voice says, and I turn to see Aliyah standing there, her eyes glassy with tears. “You look so beautiful, my girl.”

Before I can respond, I see him—standing just behind her.

“Dad?”

I dreamed of this moment, but with his condition, I never allowed myself to hope too much. I didn’t know if he’d be here, if he’d remember.

“Petal,” he says, his voice so warm as he steps toward me, slow and measured.

Tears blur my vision as he wraps me in an embrace I’ve missed so much. I clutch him tightly, overwhelmed by the miracle of this moment.

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