Epilogue

A warm, buttery aroma with a splash of citrus wafted through my nose as we smeared icing and wrapped edible sheets around the four-story cake, topping it up with esculent red laces, rose petals, and finally a cute pair of tiny bride and groom. Proud we stepped back and observed the masterpiece we two expert ladies made.

"It's perfect," I gushed, glancing at my mom and bursting out in laughter as traces of shortening decorated her rosy cheeks giving her a look of a curious kid. "You got some..." I pointed at her face cackling more.

"You should see your face, darling," she said.

Widening my eyes I turned back observing myself in the glass door that separated the kitchen from the shop and gasped as bits of the white coating laced my nose as well. As I looked back both our frames shook from mirth and fueling it appeared dad showered in cake mix.

Mom's laugh ceased. "Oh my God, my cupcakes! What have you done again, Joseph?" She ran to the other room where all the delicious delights were baked, dad following behind.

I shook my head at them and glanced around the warm, cozy bakery, rows of colorful cupcakes, pastries and cookies embellished the glass shelves. The sweet, yeasty fragrance was so strong in the air one could literally taste it, and the satisfactions on the customers' faces declared my mother's divine talent.

Yes, I finally got my parents their dream bakery. It took me two and a half years, but I did it; worked my ass off till I earned enough. Hunter did insist on helping but I forbade because I wanted to do it all by myself, and he respected my decision.

A familiar car horn seized my attention, and I hastily wiped my face clean taking off the apron when my beloved parents reappeared, both occupying a tomatoey expression; one from anger and the other from embarrassment. Well, I'm sure you can guess who wore which one.

"Careful, baby!"

"Slow down!"

Both called at the same time drawing a giggle out of me.

"I'm fine, guys. Mom, do send the cake on time."

"Of course, baby. On it."

"Alright. Gotta go." I placed kisses on both their cheeks receiving two in return.

"Don't forget to congratulate her from us," dad yelled from behind as I stepped out of the shop.

My smile broadened at the sight of my dear husband leaning against his Austin Martin in a navy-blue tux. Taking off his shades he flashed me one of his ice-melting smiles.

"It's time, sweetheart."

Striding towards him I pressed my lips on his warm, inviting ones feeling as his hand travelled down to my growing baby bump rubbing circles there.

"Mm how's my little King?" his deep voice queried.

"He is angry at daddy."

"Why?"

"He forgot to bring his ice cream."

Leaning down he pressed a kiss on the bump. "Daddy never forgets that."

My smile broadened from ear to ear.

"But his mommy should know her teeth will be rotting soon." He eyed me.

I bit my lip to stop the smile. "Mommy can't control the cravings."

Taking a sharp breath he claimed my lips once again, his hand clasping the side of my face. "Don't do this again," he murmured against my lips.

"Aren't we getting late, honey?" I breathed.

Delivering another peck he opened the car door for me and supported me inside. Rounding the car he got in as well and took off to our destination as I fixed my makeup and the dust pink bridesmaid gown. It didn't take long as we stood before the huge iron gate decorated with white fabrics and garlands.

"Come on, love." Hunter stretched his hand.

Putting my hand on his we ascended the small stairs and walked through the aisle. Fabrics and fairy lights hung from the oak trees while laces and roses adorned every frame. The air was buzzing with the chitter-chatter of the guests and lights flashed around as the paparazzi took their desired shots of the elites.

The feeling of a shoelace loosening halted my steps, and I looked down over the baby bump to see a lace undone. I was about to lean down when a hand held my arm, stopping me, and to my surprise, Hunter's towering build lowered into a squat. Without hesitation, he tied the lace as lights furiously flashed around us. Straightening back up his hand snaked around me cupping my butt and lips mashed against mine in a dominant kiss.

Breaking apart we resumed our walk to the front as I stared at the man of my dreams, a smile possessing my lips on its own. His posture straight and expression stolid as he delivered short nods at the familiars. For the world he was still the arrogant, domineering billionaire people thought thrice to cross path with, but for me he was the sweetest, devoted and loving husband.

However, I was elated on how his perspective on women had fervently changed. The man who hated women now didn't even hesitate before extending a helping hand towards them. The properties confiscated from Christian were offered to Hunter for they were rightfully his but astonishing everyone, he had donated them to a trust for oppressed women. Even in his industry, a lot of female employees had been hired in these past three years.

I was more than sublime of the man he had become, exalted of the love and bond we shared. What else could I ask for?

"Hunter, my man, you're late." Matt approached us in his blue tux, a line formed on his forehead and fingers fidgeted.

"What can you say? He was late to his own wedding," I joked, earning a chuckle from the groom guy.

"Right. Sunshine, Ana's waiting for you in the dressing room. She's not in a good mood. Please handle," he requested.

Nodding I strode through the manor to the dressing room. On opening the door her eyes met mine on the huge mirror occupying half the wall, and she bolted from her seat in her white mermaid gown.

"Finally you're back."

Nodding at the makeup artist as she left I flashed my bestie a smile. "I had to make sure your cake was baked perfectly."

She stretched her arms and frowned, then began swirling back and forth. "Look at me. Do I look okay? Do you think the dress is too tight? What about the makeup? Should I change the lipstick?"

Holding her arms, I twirled her to face me. "Liliana, relax. You look stunning." My lips curved into a proud smile. "I'm sure all those friends of Matty are going to be very jelly."

She giggled and put both her hands on each of mine. "I'm just nervous, Em."

"I know, but you can do it."

She embraced me in a hug. "Oh Em, what'd I do without you..."

"Like I couldn't do without you."

In the next hour Ana's father took her to the aisle while I returned to my beloved to the side of the gazebo entwining our fingers as he pressed a brief kiss on my temple bringing out an involuntary smile on my lips.

We watched as the adorable couple said their vows reminding me of my wedding day. Though it wasn't exactly perfect, I still cherished it because that brought us together and all those lies, and bad days only strengthened our bond. Right now even though life seemed perfect I was certain it wouldn't be forever. But I was ready for I had my knight in shining armor, in this case, an Armani suit and together we would impede any storm life decided to throw our way, trample any thorn life unfolded on our path.

Soon the wedding was sealed with a kiss, and it was time for throwing the bouquet as all the maidens lined up behind Ana.

"Ready? 1, 2, 3!" she yelled as the bouquet flew in the air landing on a hand in the middle of the girl crew, and everyone curiously peered in the crowd to get a look of the lucky soon-to-be wedded adolescent. All the girls parted and out stepped a short petite woman with wrinkly skin and a full-fledged smile.

Karen.

"No!" Hunter and Mr. King's alarmed voices shouted at the same time.

And the whole garden busted into a hubbub of laughter bringing the dictum of love and hope with a pinch of perfection.

~~~~THE END~~~~