Page 68 of Coming Unraveled
“I know just the place.”
“And I think Vegas would be a great honeymoon.”
Epilogue
A SEAGULL CRIES OUT across the pavilion as the soft sound of waves beat against the rocks and sand of the beach. The breeze picks up and swirls around her, brushing against her upswept hair, lifting the soft scent of the hydrangeas in her hands across her nose.
Her dad stands beside her, proudly holding her palm against his arm, ready to escort her down the aisle.
“Are you ready?” he asks her as a local ukulele player begins strumming his version of “Somewhere over the rainbow.”
Giggling she looks up at her father and replies, “You know, we’re already married.”
“Yes, but you’re the last daughter I get to walk down the aisle. And it could be the last wedding considering how fast Ryker and Jameson go through their dates.”
“Good point.”
Joseph takes a lungful of air before patting her hand gently.
“You look beautiful, Everleigh.”
The heaviness of what this day means finally settles over her and she smiles weakly at her father. “Thanks, Daddy.”
He returns her smile and she wonders how she could have held a grudge against him for so long. How she could have blamed him for all of her mistakes in life when all along he had loved her fiercely. And that love is what allows her to stand tall today, with the strength of her family behind her.
Charleston, the self-proclaimed wedding planner, shoos Everleigh and her father out of the pavilion and down the aisle. She fluffs the bottom of the intricate creation draped over Everleigh’s body; a heavy mix of silk, lace, and crystals. The capped sleeve dress hugging her curves with every step.
Joseph guides her as they turn the corner, bringing Brooks into view. She misses the faces of the attendants as they stand, the tears of her sisters and the protective scowls on her brother’s faces fall away once her eyes lock with Brooks’.
He stands at the head of the aisle in a light gray suit, the top button of his shirt loose and showing a glimpse of the tanned skin on his chest. The suit fits snuggly against his taut muscles. The dark locks on his head are slicked back away from his face. But what draws her attention is the look of pure awe he reflects. His lips are parted in wonder and his eyes widen in amazement as she steps closer to him.
Her father slides her hand from her grip on his arm and places it into Brooks’ hold.
“I’m sure you’ll be taking good care of my daughter?”
“You have my word.”
“Good. I love you, sweetie.”
She stands on her toes and presses a kiss to his rough cheek. “I love you too, Daddy.”
Joseph pats Brooks’ shoulder and takes his seat. Brooks guides her up to the officiant and they take their places.
His hand squeezes hers as he whispers, “You look beautiful, sweetheart. So damned beautiful.”
Her cries of happiness build in her chest and she’s unable to speak without a sob taking over her body, so in response, she smiles and nods her head all while gripping his hands tightly.
The ceremony ends before Everleigh has a chance to catch her breath, her heart pounding loudly through the vows and readings. All of her focus set on Brooks’ gaze locked with hers. A stare that silently pours out every ounce of love between the two of them.
Cheers from the group shock them from their intent looks and suddenly she finds herself tilted back a few inches, Brooks’ hands sliding on each side of her face and into her hair, his lips brushing against hers. Though they had been married for over a year at this point and knew each other’s kisses well, this kiss is different. This kiss solidifies them as husband and wife, and all of the pain and hurt she had put them through is in the past. They will be moving forward together, as one.
As they head back down the aisle, the cheers still echoing behind them, he pauses every few steps to kiss her once more. A moment similar to Cassidy and Harlan’s wedding from the Fall before.
Standing at the entrance to the pavilion Charleston waits for them with happy tears in her eyes. “Are you all ready to party?”
Brooks winks at Charleston and then turns his attention back to Everleigh. “I’m ready for the after-party.”
Swatting his arm Everleigh joins in his laughter as her family piles in behind them.
