EPILOGUE

Some weeks after, the couple stood in front of the priest to take their vows. Axel looked at his son with pride. Somehow, Ainsley had healed his brokenness. And though he wanted to believe she did this solely, the bride’s father disagreed. Mr Jones had explained why he felt the couple were a perfect fit. “She didn’t just heal him. He healed her.” he said and went on to explain.

“Then it appears they both had a soiled past.” Axel laughed on hearing how Ainsley had been heartbroken by the very artist he brought back in her life. It’s a wonder she didn’t hate him. Her healing must have started before then. The CEO was a strong woman and had somehow moved past her ex. Then again, she met Damian before Jake returned. Maybe they were already falling for each other far longer than any of them noticed. “They are both good for each other.”

“Perfect for each other.” corrected Mr Jones.

Now, they were seated to witness the union. They were determined to help the love birds be together forever in both their minds. The mothers smiled happily when the couple kissed. They held hands, undoubtedly reminiscing their old days too. The priest had barely said the words before the couple grabbed each other and kissed, eager to get the fun part started. The reception was an outdoor event. Music was already blasting from the place right outside the church.

The event planner made the place look like a royal, even with flowers and decorations. As the couple started to walk out, everyone stood up, clapping and blowing kisses. The DJ welcomed them to the reception with a dancing song, and the crowd went berserk. The brides’ train, which included all her friends paired with elite bachelors, lighted the dance floor, except Jessica. McCarthy was her partner, and the love birds barely left each other for a second. Everyone sweated it out happily, with the DJ changing tracks after another.

Finally, he asked to have just the couple on the floor. Everyone started to walk back to their seat. “I can’t believe you proposed to me at my favourite bar.” said Ainsley as she pulled her husband to herself. “And you had to ask my friends for permission.” she laughed as he lightly touched her waist and twirled her around. Her friends had briefed her how the favour he wanted to ask was permission to ask her hand in marriage. That he did because he needed their help for the surprise, he pulled off that night.

“I had to.” Damian grinned, “They knew me as a playboy, and I needed to correct the impression.”

“One lame attempt at being a perfect gentleman wouldn’t correct that.” she rolled her eyes, “Moreover, I already corrected that the moment I told them I was in love with you.”

“Women, so gullible.” he teased, “You’re saying falling in love couldn’t go wrong?” he asked as he steadied them both on the dance floor. He was impressed with her dancing skill. She matched him in every way. His perfect woman.

“No, the heart never lies.” she teased back, lightly stepping forward as he pulled back. He stretched out his right hand, and she put her left hand in it. The touch was light. They both hide their other hands behind them.

“Really?” he asked, “Even when you fall in love with the wrong guy?”

“The heart never lies.” she insisted. Then remembering how he proposed, she wondered, “Did McCarthy give you a hint on the proposal?” she asked. He had asked the DJ to change the music the instant her friends stepped out. Then two of her artists began singing. She didn’t know how or when he got Kelton and Mush together to do a proposal demo without her knowledge, but she would recognize those voices anywhere. She couldn’t see the singers, who she couldn’t see, started to ask out her hand in marriage. And before she could get that they were singing for her, a love petal designed template began to fall on the stage. It was heart-shaped, and red. Another quite like it, fell too. This one had her name written boldly. As she stood dazed at the scenery right in front of her, she read the question that followed. Every eye was on her by now. She had covered her face shyly. None of her friends were around, neither was Damian.

Then they stepped on stage, carrying a bouquet. He had gotten them changed into pink t-shirts. Smiling, they all turned their back towards her. There she read what was inscribed on the shirt. It was the same question her artists were singing, “why will marry me?” then Damian got down from the stage and walked towards her. He knelt when he was just a foot away and opened the ring case. She remembered jumping in his arms, ring was forgotten as she kissed him breathless. It had been a memory that would always remain in her memory. The perfection!

“Hey, Mrs.” called Damian, feigning offence that McCarthy taught him the proposal gimmicks. He threw his head back and laughed, momentarily, stopping the dance. The DJ changed the song to blues; MICHAEL JACKSON; speechless.

“Did you get the hint from him?” she pressed, taunting him. “He’s so….”

Kissing her, he silenced the words he knew she was about to say, then leaned towards her ears, “Not to brag, but Nah.” he said, pulling back, “I had to borrow him a page from my romantic book.” when his wife looked at him with such wide eyes, he asked, “Who did you think suggested the spa treatment and picnic?”

Ainsley gasped, “You knew!”

“I kept asking what your favourite stuff was, then Jess.” he nodded when she remembered. “See? I’m the boss here.”

“Of course you are.” she giggled as they danced on happily. The song left her mind so much in love for this man. The same man that had stolen this bright heart of hers.

The MC announced it was time to catch the bouquet some minutes later. “They’re letting Jessica have it.” she whispered to her husband while turning slightly. Seeing where Jess was, she flung the bouquet to her. Then the couple turned but didn’t look surprised that Jessica had the flower. The other friends pretended they didn’t deliberately push her to it. Suddenly, the bride squealed excitedly. Damian had just carried her again. He seemed bent on doing that often lately. “Put me down.” she told him playfully as she snuggled closer to him. She kissed his neck as he started walking away from their party. “It appears you like carrying me often. You’re the only man I know who does that, pray why?”

“That way, I can show the world you’re mine.” he laughed, “Forever.”

“As are you.” she crooned, “You are mine, forever.”

“So possessive.” he teased and kissed her before continuing the journey.

“Where to?” she asked with a satisfied grin.

“Our home, Mrs. I need to show you how much I love you over and over and over.”

Giddy with anticipation, she told him how much she loved him. “And I love you too, Damian Greggory.”

The End.