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Chapter twenty-eight
EPILOGUE – Parker – One Year Later
The morning sun filters through the gauzy curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. I lie awake, staring at the ceiling, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today is the day. The day I finally marry Chloe. I can hear the faint hum of activity downstairs—the clatter of dishes, the murmur of voices. Our families and friends are bustling around, making final preparations for the ceremony. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart.
A soft knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts.
“Come in,” I call, sitting up and swinging my legs over the side of the bed. The door creaks open, and Lauren peeks her head in, a broad smile spreading across her face.
“Morning, groom-to-be,” she says, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. She’s holding a cup of coffee, which she hands to me. “How are you feeling?”
“Thanks.” Taking the cup, I savor the warm, bitter taste. “I’m good. A little nervous, but good.”
Lauren sits down beside me, and her smile turns more thoughtful. “Nervous is normal. This is a big day, after all.”
“Yeah, it is,” I agree before taking a sip of the coffee. The warmth spreads through me, helping to calm my nerves. “I just want everything to be perfect for Chloe.”
“Everything will be perfect,” Lauren assures me and pats my hand. “You two are perfect together. And everyone is here to celebrate that.”
I smile at her, grateful for her unwavering support. “Thanks, Lauren. For everything. I don’t think we could have gotten here without you.”
She waves off my gratitude with a playful roll of her eyes. “Please, you and Chloe did all the hard work. I’m just here to make sure you don’t freak out and run off.”
I laugh, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.”
Lauren stands up, brushing imaginary dust off her dress, and nods her head. “Good to hear. Now, finish your coffee and get dressed. The sooner we get you ready, the sooner you get to see Chloe.”
“Right. I’ll be down soon.”
As Lauren leaves the room, I set the coffee cup aside and head to the closet. My wedding suit hangs there, a sleek, tailored ensemble that Chloe and I picked out together. I run my fingers over the fabric, remembering the way her eyes lit up when she saw me try it on. I pull on the suit, feeling the weight of the day settle over me. It’s a good weight, though—one filled with love and anticipation.
Once I’m dressed, I take a moment to look at myself in the mirror. The man staring back at me looks confident. Happy. Ready. I smile, straightening my tie one last time, then head downstairs.
The newly-renovated house is a hive of activity. My parents are bustling around, making sure everything is in order. Friends and family are chatting excitedly, their smiles and laughter filling the air. I spot Lauren across the room, talking animatedly with a group of friends. She catches my eye and gives me a thumbs-up, which I return with a grin.
Things with my family have greatly improved over the past year. The cracks that had formed because of Bethany have all but healed, and it helps that we’ve all decided together that she will no longer be part of our lives. There was an investigation into the money she took from my parents, and she was arrested and spent a little time in jail, but ultimately, I’m not sure anything that happened to her will cause her to make any lasting changes.
All we can do is focus on the people in our lives who are good and lift us up rather than tear us down.
Speaking of, my mom approaches me, and she’s got a bundle of white silk clasped in her arms.
“He’s been fed, changed, and is sleeping,” she says with a wide smile, gazing down at my son in her arms. “Lauren is holding him during the ceremony, right?”
I nod while running a hand over my boy’s soft head. “Yeah, she is. I still can’t believe Chloe chose a white tuxedo for him. He looks like a mafia baby going to his baptism.”
Mom laughs and shakes her head. “Oh, no. Little Charlie is the most handsome baby in the whole world, and he’s going to be on his best behavior during the ceremony.”
“But just in case, you know where the milk is in the freezer, right?” I ask, even though I know it’s not necessary. My mom knows where all of the supplies for Charlie are in this house. She’s been a great support system for Chloe and I as we adjust to parenthood, and I couldn’t be more thankful for all her help.
“Of course,” my mom assures me. “Now, you need to get going. Things are going to start soon!”
I nod and give her and Charlie both a kiss before moving through the house to the backyard.
I step outside, where the wedding will take place. The backyard has been transformed into a beautiful venue, with rows of white chairs set up facing a floral archway. The scent of fresh flowers mingles with the crisp morning air. I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. This is where I will marry the love of my life.
The guests begin to take their seats, and I take my place in front of the archway, waiting for Chloe to walk down the aisle.
My dad appears next and stands beside me, clapping a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You ready for this, Parker?”
