Epilogue

“Emily you look absolutely beautiful.” Leighanne said as Emily slipped her dress on.

Emily took a deep breath. “I can't believe this moment is actually here!”

“We're all so excited for you two.” Kristin said. “I just can't believe you're getting married today!”

AJ and Emily didn't want a long engagement or a huge, fancy wedding. The week after Emily's birthday they sat down together and talked about their wedding and the pieces just sort of fell into place from there. They decided to get married on New Year's Eve on the beach in Hawaii. They invited only their family and close friends to the event. AJ insisted on paying the airfare for Emily's friends from work to attend.

Emily's dress was a strapless A-line with a full skirt that was embellished with silver beads and embroidery on the front and back. The medium length train sparkled beautiful behind her as Leighanne, her maid of honor placed her veil on.

“Leigh can you zip me?” Kristin, Emily's other bridesmaid asked. Emily had chosen a burgundy, tea length strapless dress for them to wear and it looked great on both of them.

“It's that time girls!” Emily's mom walked in.

Emily hugged them each and they headed outside.

“Are you ready?” Brian asked AJ as they got ready to walk out to the alter.

“I don't think I've ever felt more ready for anything in my life. I can't wait to see her walking down that aisle.” AJ said.

The men were dressed in classic black tuxes with silver ties and white orchids pinned to their coat. Brian was the best man and Kevin stood beside him as a groomsman. Baylee was the ring bearer.

“You know there were times when I honestly thought I'd never see this day.” Kevin said. “I'm proud of you, man.”

“Thanks Kev.” AJ said, hugging him.

“Alright guys, time to take your places!” the minister said.

AJ took a deep breath. “This is it!”

He had imagined this moment for a long time. To stand up there and catch that first glimpse of his beautiful bride walking down the aisle. But even still he was not prepared for the emotion he felt when Emily appeared, escorted down the aisle by her mom. She was beautiful, radiant, beaming. Their eyes met as she made her way towards him.

Emily knew AJ's gaze could melt her heart but she'd never before felt the way she felt when he was looking at her now. He was smiling at her and it looked to her like he was trying not to cry as she walked towards him. She could feel his warmth and love as he looked at her like he'd never seen anything quite so beautiful before.

When she met him at the alter, he kissed the back of his hand before turning to face the minister. The music stopped and the crowd was silent. The waves from the ocean added to the serene setting before them. The ceremony lasted about twenty minutes and as they were pronounced husband and wife and AJ kissed his bride, they were showered in rose petals. The reception that followed was outside as well. They served traditional luau foods and their wedding cake alternated in layers of white and chocolate cake, each with a layer of raspberry filling on the inside topped with white butter cream frosting. Everyone who was there that evening could feel the love that they had for each other.

As the party was dying down, AJ and Emily said their goodbyes and had their grand send-off as they headed off to their honeymoon suite. As they were walking inside, Emily said, “When we have a baby, can we hire a nanny?”

AJ laughed and kissed the top of her head. “Whatever you want, babe.”

THE END (or is it?)