Chapter 249 Epilogue
Chapter 249 Epilogue
Spring arrived quietly.
Inside the suite, Blair stood before the full-length mirror, staring at her reflection. Her dress fell softly over her frame, and a simple veil pinned into her dark hair.
She tightened her grip around the small bouquet of white peonies, her fingers trembling slightly.
“You look absolutely breathtaking.”
Blair turned. Her mother stood in the doorway, looking healthier and stronger than she had in years, her eyes already swimming with tears.
“Mom…”
Her mother walked over, her hands shaking as she carefully adjusted the edge of Blair’s veil. “I can’t believe we’re finally here.”
Blair smiled, her own eyes stinging. “Neither can I.”
Her mother cupped Blair’s cheek, her thumb gently wiping away a stray tear. “After everything you’ve been forced to carry... you deserve this happiness, sweetheart.”
Blair swallowed the knot in her throat. “I just wish Dad could be here to see it.”
“He is,” her mother whispered, her voice full of quiet certainty. “And he would be so proud of you.”
Blair nodded, taking a deep breath to keep from ruining her makeup.
Before she could speak again, a pair of quick, squeaky footsteps echoed down the hardwood floor outside.
“Mommy!”
Blair’s face lit up instantly.
Mave stood in the doorway, wearing a tiny black tuxedo with a crisp white collared shirt underneath.
His little leather shoes looked entirely too serious for a four-year-old, and his dark hair was combed back neatly just like his father's.
“Oh, look at you!” Blair gasped, crouching down as carefully as her dress allowed.
Mave strutted into the room, puffing out his chest. “I’m all ready.”
Her mother let out a soft laugh. “Ready for what, sweet boy?”
“The wedding!”
Blair opened her arms, and Mave ran straight into them, wrapping his little arms around her neck. “You look so handsome, my little man.”
“I know,” Mave said proudly.
Blair chuckled, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “And who taught you to say that?”
“Daddy.”
Blair shook her head, a helpless smile spreading across her lips. “Of course he did.”
Mave pulled back, his bright eyes locking onto the small silk pillow sitting on the vanity table. “Mommy?”
“Yes, baby?”
“Can I carry the rings now?”
Her mother smiled warmly. “He’s been asking everyone since breakfast.”
Blair laughed softly, looking down at her son. “Okay, ring bearer. But you have to make a serious promise not to run off with them.”
Mave gasped, appalled. “I won’t!”
“Pinky promise?”
Mave immediately held up his tiny pinky. Blair hooked hers around it.
“Deal,” she whispered.
Outside, Lucas stood beneath the floral archway.
He wore a tailored black suit, his dark hair styled back, but despite his usual iron composure, his hands remained restlessly clasped in front of him, his knuckles white.
He couldn't keep his eyes off the garden path.
Alexander stood a few feet away with a glass of champagne, a quiet smirk on his face. “You look nervous, Brooks.”
Lucas glanced over his shoulder. “I am.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “You? Nervous?”
A brief, breathless laugh escaped Lucas’s chest. “I’ve faced boardrooms, lawsuits, and armed lunatics. None of it compares to this.”
Lucas looked back toward the garden entrance, his gaze softening completely. “Not even close.”
Alexander’s expression settled into something genuine. He lifted his glass slightly. “To Blair.”
Lucas met his gaze, the past years of rivalry and bitterness dissolving into respect. “To Blair.”
“Keep her happy, Lucas,” Alexander said softly.
Lucas didn't hesitate. “For the rest of my life.”
Then, the strings of the cello began to play.
Lucas turned sharply, his entire body going still as the guests stood up.
And there she was.
Blair emerged from behind the hedges, walking slowly down the stone aisle with her mother at her side.
Her eyes met his across the lawn, a soft, beautiful smile broke across her face.
Lucas forgot how to breathe. Tears welled up in his dark eyes, blurring the edges of the garden until all he could see was her.
That single smile made every year of regret, every ache, and every drop of pain worth enduring.
As she drew closer, Lucas exhaled a ragged breath, whispering under his breath, “God…”
They reached the foot of the archway. Blair’s mother gently took Blair’s hand and placed it directly into Lucas’s palm.
Lucas immediately closed his fingers around hers.
Her mother looked between them, her chin trembling. “Take care of my girl, Lucas.”
Lucas nodded, his voice thick. “With everything I have.”
Her mother kissed Blair’s cheek before taking her seat.
Lucas looked down at Blair, his eyes searching hers. “You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
Blair flushed, her smile radiating. “You don't look so bad yourself, Mr. Brooks.”
He let out a low chuckle, his thumb stroking the back of her hand.
The officiant began to speak, but the formal words seemed to float past them. When it came time for their vows, neither read from a script.
“And now, the rings,” the officiant announced.
Mave stepped forward, holding the small velvet box tightly in both hands.
Lucas crouched down to his eye level. “Hey, buddy. You got them?”
“I got them,” Mave whispered back solemnly. He popped the box open, then paused, looking between the two gold bands.
He looked up at Lucas. “Daddy?”
“Yeah, Mave?”
“Which one is yours?”
Lucas pointed. “That big one right there.”
Mave picked it up with two fingers and carefully handed it over. Then he looked up at Blair. “And Mommy’s?”
Blair laughed through her tears, wiping her cheek. “The little shiny one, sweet boy.”
Mave handed her the second ring. But instead of returning to his seat, he planted his feet right between them, looking up at both of his parents with his hands on his hips.
“Now kiss!”
THE END