Page 125 of Take Hold of Me

Epilogue

Emilie

Ipina red boutonniere on Cole’s Armani black tux, then run my fingers down his lapels. I am honored they decided to go with my selection for his attire. After straightening a skinny silver tie that matches his vest, I declare him, “Perfect.”

“Thanks, Emsy.” My former publicity date winks and kisses my cheek. He is as calm as I have ever seen him.

“No nerves, Cole?”

He shakes his head. “None. I’m the luckiest guy in the world and can’t wait for Rose to be my wife.”

My heart warms at his obvious devotion. When it is our turn, will Wills be so composed? I do not have time to think about it as Jayson, Cole’s brother and best man, grabs me by my waist and twirls me around. Laughing, I tap his black vest.

“And you are looking mighty fine, Jayson.”

He wiggles his eyebrows. “That’s what Carl said.” I look around for his boyfriend, but before I can ask, Jayson continues, “He just went to snag his seat. Wanted to give us some bro time.”

“Well, that sounds like my cue. You two are photo ready. I am going back to check on Rose and her party.”

Cole picks up an envelope from a nearby table. “Please give this to Rose for me?”

“Of course.” I take it and turn toward the door as Jayson makes some wisecrack about half the female population crying their eyes out today.Brothers.

I hurry to the bridal suite, my smile wide. Inside, Suzanne distracts her daughter Emma, the almost two-year-old flower girl, with some blocks while McKenna fusses with her orange maid of honor dress. Her pitch-black hair has a shot of white in it. I will tend to them in a second, but my attention is drawn to gorgeous brunette in front of the full-length mirror.

“You are beautiful, Rose.” Ice blue eyes—a color that should be cold but rather is warm and engaging—meet mine.

“Thanks, Emilie.” She motions to her one-of-a-kind off-the-shoulder bridal gown. “I feel beautiful in this dress.”

The Spanish designers did a spectacular job on the gown, but her beauty comes from within. “Believe me, you outshine every model on the runway.” I hand her the envelope and give her a double air kiss so as not to mess her makeup. “Cole wanted me to give you this.”

While she opens the note, McKenna joins us. “Emilie, can you please help me?”

“Sure.”

She motions me over to the window. Seems like McKenna cannot zip her dress. “I put on a few pounds since the final fitting.”

“No worries. Let me see what I can do.” After several attempts, I manage to get the dress zipped. “There. How does that feel?”

McKenna inhales. “Good. Thanks so much!” She flips her hair, the shock of white catching my eye.

I reach out trace the dyed hair. “White?”

She nods. “I needed something demure for the wedding.” We burst out laughing.

From the other side of the room, Rose lets out a sob. McKenna and I look at each other and rush to her side. She waves the note from Cole.

McKenna’s eyes bounce from the letter to Rose’s face. “No crying! It’ll ruin your makeup!”

“He’s so,” sniffle, “amazing! Listen to what he wrote.”

Suzanne carries her beautiful daughter over to join us. Rose looks around to confirm we are all here and clears her throat. “My dearest Rose, you are making me the happiest man today. I can’t wait to go to bed and wake up together for the rest of our lives, sharing the happy and the sad. From our night in college to today, you have been there for me, even when I was too stupid to realize it. I impatiently wait for you at the altar to declare to the whole world that I am yours. All my love, Cole.”

My knees go weak at his words. As one, we put our hands over our mouths. A second later, McKenna reaches into her pocket and waves a tissue in front of Rose’s face.

“Here. Let me.” I grab the tissue and dab the tears, then add some more powder and blush. “There. Perfect.” Her brilliant smile is all the thanks I need. “I think my work here is done. I will go take my seat and await your perfect day.”

Emma races around in a circle and claps as I leave them to find my own happily ever after.

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