Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Two

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Two
Ezra 

“I now pronounce you Mr and Mrs Barclay.” 

The words coming from the officiant's mouth are ones I never thought I would hear after what happened between Alana and me before she left LA when I thought I had lost her forever. Yet, here we are, finally husband and wife. Our wedding day has finally arrived. It is the happiest day of my life! 

“You may kiss your bride.” I grin brightly at him, calling Alana my bride before I bring her as close to me as I can without squishing her bump and press my lips to hers. Alana smiles into my lips, slipping her arms around my neck and kisses back. Cheers come from our family and friends in the room as we do. Alana snickers against my lips at everyone’s reaction, and even though I can’t see her face right now, I would bet a million dollars she is blushing. 

I hesitantly pull back before I get carried away. I open my eyes and am still in complete awe of how beautiful my wife looks in her gorgeous white, strapless, lace wedding dress with her baby bump. I don’t believe she has ever looked so beautiful to me as she does in this moment, as she stands in front of me. Alana finally opens her eyes, and I notice the tears rolling down her cheeks as she has a massive smile on her lips. 

“God, I love you so damn much, Ezra,” Alana breathily says. 

“I love you too, Mrs Barclay,” I say proudly. “And now, you are stuck with me forever!” I add with a smirk. 

Alana playfully rolls her eyes. “God help me.” 

Everyone laughs at her reply. I place my hand on my heart and pout. “Way to rip my heart out, bright eyes.” 

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, husband. Forever and always.” She smiles and pecks my lips. 

“Forever and always,” I repeat and take her hand in mine. 

We turn to face everyone, and they are all on their feet, clapping. My mom and Jenny have tears streaming down their faces. Lucy stands next to Alana, and she is the same, crying her eyes out. 

Today has been perfect. Thankfully, the sun has been shining for us. Alana had been freaking out in case it rained since we were getting married outside. But not one thing has gone wrong. Yes, it was a small ceremony with only ten people, but it was what we wanted. Alana got a little emotional this morning, though, because she didn’t have her mom or dad here, which is understandable, but my mom comforted her, and my dad walked her down the aisle. I still hate that her damn father hasn’t ever tried to search for her. Apart from that, she has been fine since. 

My parents and Jenny rush over to her. “Welcome to the family officially,” Jenny squeals. She hugs Alana tightly before she hugs me. 

I think I have been replaced. I swear, Jenny likes Alana better than me. I don’t mind because I love how great they get along. 

“Yes, welcome to the family, Alana. I am so excited for you to be part of ours. And I am so happy for both of you,” Mom says between sobs as she hugs us at the same time. 

Alana grins widely. “Thank you. I am excited too!” 

Once mom steps away, my dad takes his place in front of Alana and rests his hand on her shoulder. “Alana, I know we didn’t get off to a great start, but I am happy we fixed things between us. I am more than proud to have you as my daughter-in-law.” 

His words are enough to make Alana cry harder, and she hugs him. He doesn’t hesitate to hug back. I have seen a huge change in my dad these last few months. Not only in his relationship with Alana, but with me too. He isn’t distant in the way he used to be with me. We are probably closer than we have ever been. He seems to have developed a soft spot for Alana. Dad treats her the same way he treats Jenny, which is nice to see. All the changes in him have also made our family dynamic better. I am so grateful it has, especially with Finlay coming soon, because it will show him what family is, rather than the distance and everyone not getting along. He will be a lucky boy when he arrives. 

“Now, come on, let’s get photos and then celebrate this beautiful, perfect day!” Mom exclaims. 

I nod. “Yes, I agree.” 

After photos, we will have champagne before our meal. I am eager to celebrate our marriage with our nearest and dearest. It will take some time to get used to being someone’s husband and soon a father, but I couldn’t ask for anything more in this world to make me happy. 


Everyone is inside now since it has cooled down. I have stolen Alana to myself for a moment. We are outside, snuggled up on one of the couches with a fire pit burning in front of us. It has been great to be with everyone, but I wanted time alone with my wife.  

“Tell me, Alana, are you ready for all of this?” 

“What, being your wife and a mother?” she smiles. 

“Yes.”

“I have never been so ready for anything in my entire life. All I have ever wanted is a family, and now I have you and Finlay.” Alana smiles and rests her head on my shoulder. 

“Alana, I don’t think there are enough words in this world to explain how much I love you and how happy you make me. I know it couldn’t have been easy growing up without a family, but I promise, you have me forever. I will never leave you.” 

I truly believe Alana will always have the fear of everyone she loves leaving, but I really hope she knows I would never do such a thing, no matter what happens. 

“I know you won’t, my love. I love you too, Ezra, more than I thought was humanly possible. I couldn’t imagine being married to anyone else or having a family with them. You are exactly what I have been looking for most of my life. You love me in a way I once believed I didn’t deserve. You are the reason I have healed and realized I deserve to be loved and have a family. You saved my life, Ezra, and I don’t even want to think about what my life would be like if I never met you.” 

Alana glances up to meet my eyes, and the tears brim in her eyes once again. I wipe them away. 

“You are my life, Alana, my entire world. I hated the man I was before I met you. You have made me a better man, angel, and I am more than ready to spend the rest of our lives together. To grow older together.” 

I am becoming emotional myself as we talk. I reach in and kiss her with everything I have in me. Alana said I saved her, but she is the one who saved me. Without her, I would still be broken and fighting my demons, keeping my darkest secrets to myself. I don’t even want to imagine the state I would be in if I were alone when I found out Cora wasn’t mine.

I rest my hand on her bump. “Now we prepare ourselves for bubs to arrive, Mrs Barclay.” 
“Yes, husband.” She giggles. 

“Is this going to be what we call each other from now on, Mrs Barclay and husband?” I chuckle. 

Alana flashes a dorky smile at me. “Yup!” 

Finlay kicks hard. “It would seem Finlay agrees.” I laugh and kiss her forehead. 

Alana places her hands over mine. “I am ready for my forever with you, Ezra. I am ready for us to learn to be parents together and watch our family grow over the years.” 

“You and me both, sweetheart. I wonder what life will bring us.” 

“I don’t know, but one thing I am sure of is that we will get through it together, whatever it may be.” 

“Yes, no matter what life throws our way, we will be fine because we have each other. I am excited for the next chapters of our story. We have been through a lot separate and together, but all of that brought us here and to each other, and we will always be stronger together.” 

I say each word with confidence because I mean it. I am ready for our life together as husband and wife.