Epilogue

Misha ~ 1 year (and 10 days) later

“You ready for this?” My dad’s smiling face instantly calmed my nerves even though I had no reason to be nervous. I’d already been through this once before, this time was just much, much bigger.

“What’s there to be ready for? This is the easy part.” Wearing the silk maxi dress was tedious with all the straps I thought sexy and beautiful just eight weeks ago, particularly in my current state, but with a team of professionals I had to do little more than stand or sit when prompted. Hair and makeup were done for me, and Edith and the girls helped get me into sexy lingerie and my wedding dress. “We’re already married.”

“I know,” he grinned and leaned in conspiratorially. “I was there, remember?”

I could never forget. Dad was there with his date Alicia, along with the rest of the Mahoney family which included Roc and Abby with their daughter Chelle, Jax and a new mystery woman that had the brothers all a-flutter, Noah and Melanie, plus a half a dozen people from Sunshine Daze. Those same people who watched us say our vows during a casual ceremony on the beach at sunset, were here today. “You were fantastic Dad. I can’t believe the man who doesn’t believe in religion got ordained.”

“Officiated, dear. I am willing and able to marry all consenting couples.” He took my shaky hands in his and held them out, giving me a long appreciative look. “You look so beautiful today, Misha. Your mother would love everything about today.”

I sighed and dabbed at the tears threatening at the corners of my eyes. “I know.” I was more than happy with our first ceremony that took place exactly one year ago. Ethan was so eager to get married that he’d had his team of assistants take care of it and it had all been settled by the time our plane landed in California. And he’d insisted we plan the big wedding for today. And I knew Mom would love the outdoor venue with several weeping trees and verdant green grass. The lights and fabric that gave the whole place a fairytale feel. This was the fairytale she’d wanted for me.

I’d even worn a crown of blue and white flowers to honor her.

Everything had gone off without a hitch, until about four months ago when I found out I was expecting our first child, which was exactly three weeks after I’d found the perfect dress to wear down the aisle. From there things had gotten a little emotional and I wasn’t sure I’d make it to today. But now with my dad by my side as Chelle strutted down the aisle in her white Mary Jane dress shoes, tossing flower petals in her wake, everything felt perfect. “Okay, now I’m ready.”

“Let’s go get you married to my biggest fan.” Dad’s proud grin never wavered as he walked me down the aisle this time, whispering things in my ears that no father should. “It’s important that you talk about what pleases you sexually, Misha. This is your husband, you can’t just trade him in if things get stale.”

“Dad,” I hissed, wearing a bright smile for the hundreds of people seated along the grassy cliffside.

“Honey, just listen. Don’t be afraid to experiment, it’s the only way to know what you’ll like.”

I rolled my eyes and squeezed his bicep tighter. “Dad if you say one more word I’ll raise this baby as a Puritan.”

He made the zipper motion against his lips as we stopped in front of Ethan and the Justice. “Take care of each other. I love you both.” He pressed a kiss to each of our cheeks and took his seat beside Alicia, Noah and Melanie.

“You look very handsome, Ethan.” He looked more than handsome in his morning suit. The vest and pants highlighted his tall, muscular form and the dark jacket gave his broad shoulders and narrow waist an appealing silhouette that took my breath away.

“And you, wife, you take my breath away.” One large hand cupped my jaw and his thumb brushed against my bottom lip before he leaned forward and kissed me.

“Uh, we’re not at that part yet,” the Justice of the Peace muttered, face growing red with embarrassment.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist. My bride looks amazing today.” His blue eyes twinkled like the sapphires and diamonds in my engagement ring, which doubled as my wedding ring because I refused to take it off.

“Thank you, future husband. Now how about we get married?”

“Best plan I’ve heard since I woke up. Alone,” he pouted, still put out because we slept apart last night.

“Just think of how much better tonight will be, now that you’re all hot and bothered.” He licked his lips and my eyes tracked every movement as my body grew closer to his. The officiant cleared his throat and we both looked up and grinned. “Married, first.”

“Honeymoon later.”

“Sounds perfect,” I told him and we stayed mostly quiet while we made our way through another wedding ceremony, this time without rings but with our own vows.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Ethan flashed a grin that lit up his face and my hands went right there, to the face that always made me smile. That never failed to make me feel better. Feel loved. Treasured. He took a step forward and pulled me close. “This is the best part.”

When he held me, kissing me long and hard while our friends and families clapped and whistled, I knew my path was set. I hadn’t planned on falling for a gorgeous former model and health nut, but fixing the bad boy had led me to a much greater adventure.

One that was set to last a lifetime.

* * * *

~ T H E ~ E N D ~

Wow! I hope you loved this story as much as I loved writing it! Turn the page for more yummy goodness!