Epilogue: Katie
Halle’s fingers worked their magic in my hair and I sat back letting the comfort wash over me like a warm bath. I couldn’t believe how mellow I was, but over the past eleven months, Grant had made me so happy and comfortable I’d learned how to enjoy the small things in life.
“Your hair looks amazing, Katie. You’re going to be the prettiest bride ever.” She brushed back another strand and wrapped it in the curling wand.
“I still think we should have hired someone so you could relax too.” She’d been doing so much work as my bridesmaid, on top of assuring me that everything would be perfect, even if she had to do it herself, which she had for the most part, I was concerned she couldn’t enjoy it.
“I’ll have the rest of my life to relax when this wedding is behind us. Besides, it’s not every day that my best friend gets married, and I’ve always wanted to do your hair. It shouldn’t be any different because I’m related to the groom.” She had a point and I felt myself drifting again as her fingers relaxed my curls.
“Is it terrible that I’m so calm I’m falling asleep?”
“No, but you better wake up so I don’t accidentally burn you.” There came a knock on the door and I lifted my head to see Grant peek in. Halle dropped the curling iron to its resting rack and hurried to the door as he pushed himself inside. “Out! You’re not allowed to see her before the wedding!”
She crossed the room but wasn’t fast enough to stop him. “Stop being ridiculous with the old wives tales, I wanted to see my best girls before I leave for the altar.”
“Fine, but no kissing, you’ll only mess up her lipstick.”
“Do you hear how my daughter talks to me. I can’t imagine how she’ll talk to her stepmother.” He chuckled at his little joke and Halle and I rolled our eyes. He’d been teasing us both since he’d proposed.
It had happened the night after Christmas. We’d finally gotten our island home expansion complete and he was so thrilled to have Halle there with us that he wanted to solidify our family. It was the perfect time and I couldn’t believe he wanted it. Halle had known before me, and she was there for it. We both had cried and I’d accepted before he’d gotten the words out of his mouth.
“You both look beautiful. My two angels.” Grant kissed my hair and then did the same to Halle.
“You look so handsome, Mr. Roberts” I used the name because I knew it sent Halle’s gag reflex into motion.
“Go! You’ll see her before you know it. She’s in good hands, I promise.” Halle pulled him by the hand and urged him out of the room and I blew him a kiss as I giggled and waved.
“You’ll have the rest of your lives to be that sappy.” She put the finishing touches to my hair and then sprayed it in place.
“It’s not sappy.” I inhaled to laugh and tasted the spray fog as she pushed the nozzle. I coughed and we shared a laugh.
“Do you call him Mr. Roberts in bed?” She made a face and stepped back. “Don’t answer that.”
I turned and took her hands. “Are you sure it doesn’t bother you?”
“Katie, you’ve always been like family to me and even though I nicknamed you Mother May-I and never thought you’d be marrying my father, you’ve always looked out for me. I want you both to be happy. I can’t think of a better person for either of you.”
Tears filled my eyes and she stepped away to grab a tissue. “No. No. No. You can’t cry. You’ll mess up your face. Save that for the vows.” She dabbed my eyes and I took her hands.
“I love you, Halle. You’ve always been so good to me. I’m proud to be a part of your family.”
She hugged me and then I glanced to the clock. “I’ve got to get finished up or I’ll be late.” With that we went into a frenzy of trying to get the last touches before slipping my dress over my head.
Minutes later I was walking down the aisle. The fresh smell of flowers filling my nose as I drank in my groom. He had never looked more handsome, his piercing gray eyes ringing red with happiness as he beamed a smile in my direction.
Halle stopped near her father and took my bouquet. Then as the minister asked who presented me, she stepped forward and gave a proud I do.
Tears filled my eyes as I took his hand. The rest of the ceremony was a blur, but I’d never forget the moment his own I do fell from his lips or the kiss that sealed us together forever.
It had been a long journey from that moment he’d harnessed me in, preparing me for the jump, but he was more than worth the wait.
The End.