Chapter 20: Epilogue—Six Months Later

Melinda looked in the long mirror. Her hair was pulled up off her neck, and she had decided to forgo the veil this time. It had taken a lot of time, and some scissors, to get the last one off.

“You look beautiful,” her mother said, walking up behind her.

Melinda spun around. “Thank you, Mom.”

“From watching you two, I can tell you are perfect for each other. I’m sorry—”

“No more of that,” Melinda said. Her mom had spent a lot of time apologizing over the last several months, and it was time they both moved on from their mistakes and on to a happier future. “I’ve had plenty to apologize for myself, but we’re done with that now.”

Bree walked in and gasped. “Daniel is going to take one look at you and forget his own name.” She looked like the happier version of herself that Melinda remembered, not to mention nice and tanned from her time in California. It had done her a lot of good to get away to Starlight Ridge, and it looked like she would probably be there to stay. They all really had gotten their happy ending. Though to Melinda, it felt more like the beginning of a wonderful new adventure.

“You ready?” her mother asked, fussing with Melinda’s dress, though there was no need. The dark blue dress already hung on her frame perfectly. It sat off the shoulders, the lace bodice snug, and the skirt fanning out.

“I forgot why I came,” Bree said. She grinned. “It’s time.” She handed Melinda her lace shawl and her bouquet of flowers and squealed.

Melinda’s heart beat against her ribs like a fast-tempo drum solo, but it wasn’t out of anxiety or fear. The last six months had been the best of her life, and she couldn’t wait to spend the rest with Daniel Armstrong. Neither of them was perfect, but they were perfect for each other.

Melinda took her place behind Bree and looked out the window. The sun was deceptive, belying how cold it really was outside. Just because they didn’t get snow in Amor didn’t mean that the temperature didn’t drop below freezing. Melinda held her shawl tight around her shoulders, grateful they had decided on holding the wedding in the town church.

The music started, and Bree turned back, giving her sister a thumbs up. Melinda didn’t need a long line of bridesmaids; she had her sister back in her life, and Bree was more than enough. Her dad walked up beside her.

“This seems familiar,” he said.

“No, it’s so much better,” Melinda said. “I’m grateful every day that Grams stopped the first wedding. It wasn’t right.”

Her father glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips. “I’ve felt the same way.”

As the doors opened and they walked down the aisle, Melinda smiled at Daniel’s parents, who had turned in their seats to watch the procession. She had had the opportunity to meet them shortly after she and Daniel worked things out. And they were some of the most delightful, kind people she had ever met. They were just one of the many reasons Melinda was glad the first wedding hadn’t worked out.

Melinda’s attention turned to Daniel, who stood at the altar. He was smiling so big, she was sure he was going to pull a muscle. When she stopped in front of the preacher and faced Daniel, he took her hands in his.

“We made it,” he whispered.

“You’re not going to go running off on me again, are you?” Melinda teased.

“Are you kidding? Have you looked in the mirror today? I’d have to be insane to run away from the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Not to mention the most caring, kind, hilarious, and hardworking accountant I’ve ever met.”

“Hey, you’re supposed to save all that mushy talk for the vows,” Melinda said, though she was loving every second of it.

They managed to keep mostly quiet while the preacher said his spiel, and no one objected this time, so that was a definite improvement from the first attempt.

But as soon as they both had their rings and said “I do,” Melinda gave Daniel a kiss so passionate, it made the preacher blush.

Just like she’d always wanted.