She gazes around the large hall, taking in her surroundings and jotting down some notes in her planner. The event isn’t until tomorrow, but she knows better than anyone how procrastination can bite you in the ass. So, she hustles around the room, making sure every piece of decor is accounted for, all the tables are set with the delicate lacy table runners she selected for this event specifically, and each chair is wrapped in ribbon.
“Boss, I really think it’d be best for you to take a breather. We’ve got this covered.” Joy smiles at her warmly.
“Oh, please, Joy, I’m just fine! Do you know how much coffee I’ve had today?” Irie lets out a jittery laugh. Joy nods, then walks away, pulling out her phone. Irie resumes, barking out orders left and right, when suddenly, her phone pings.
Jasper
You need to rest, Greene.
She blushes, biting her lip. Years later, Jasper still gives her butterflies.
Iris
Can’t, I’ve got to finish this job, love.
Jasper
Non-negotiable. I’m waiting outside.
Her jaw drops.What?She marches outside, seeing him leaning against his car. Fashioned in a charcoal crew neck and blue jeans, he smirks at her. He has some facial hair now, butdon’t fret. It’sverywell-kept, as per her request. Today, he looks extra cool.Ugh.He has the effortlessly cool look down.
“What are you doing here?” She scowls, folding her arms. The breeze blows strands of loose hair out of her face. Her hair is a shade lighter than it once was, thanks to the summer sun.
“Isn’t it obvious?” He quirks a brow, then walks toward her, wrapping his arm around her neck and kissing her temple. “I’m taking you home for the day.”
“Now is not the time for jokes.” She stifles a laugh. “You know I can’t go home, they need me here—”
“I’ve been assured they can take it from here, Greene,” he affirms, pulling her closer. “Let’s go.”
Her green eyes flicker from the venue to the car to Jasper. Obviously, she feels torn. Usually, I’d side with her, but Jasper and the others are right this time. She has been working too hard. She needs a break. I knew leaving her in his hands would work out well. Eventually, she sighs and agrees to go home, settling herself into the front seat of the car.
While they drive down the mountain roads back to the Cove, she gazes out of her passenger-side window. “I don’t see what the big fuss is about.”
He bursts into laughter, wheezing, “Baby, you’re something else.”
She huffs a puff of air and officially accepts defeat, melting in the way she always does in his presence. A sparkle catches her eye as she rests her hand atop his on her thigh. She has allowed herself to get lost in this at least a hundred times, and the glimmer of the gem never ceases to take her breath away. I have to admit, he did damn good.
They spend the rest of the day together, laughing about ridiculous jokes that no one else seems to understand, cuddling on his comfy ass couch, and reminiscing on the last couple of years they’ve spent together. Their home is filled with photosof them and Truman now. Looks like Jasper is sentimental after all—at least, he is when it comes to her. Despite their usual sleeping arrangements, Jasper sleeps at his parents’ home tonight for tradition's sake. They both need to be well-rested and knowing them, they wouldn’t get much sleep tonight if they slept together.
I am at a loss for words. I'm speechless. And I'mneverspeechless. I thought Katherine’s wedding was grand, but this? This isimmaculate. From the greenery cascading down the walls to the delicate lace decorations to the familiar faces, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect ceremony. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the way Katherine honored me at her wedding, but my sister has blown me away. Not only did they save me a seat in the front row, but they insisted on saving a space for me to stand in between Jasper and his other groomsmen.
He chose me to be his best man.
I’m sure the wedding guests don’t understand it. Why would they choose me? In their eyes, he and I never even met. They probably assume this is just a sweet gesture for her, without an underlying deeper meaning. They couldn’t be more off-base, though.
These two love birds may not be able to feel my presence anymore, but I’ve been watching from afar the entire time, just like I promised I would. Amidst all the chaos, Jasper and I became more than friends too—we are brothers now, whether he likes it or not. I couldn’t have picked a better person to be by herside, even if my afterlife depended on it. They are the epitome of true soulmates. As I proudly stand by his side, my heart races. Suddenly, the lights dim, the violin music softens, and the crowd turns toward Marble Grove’s huge fancy wooden doors. In an instant, my heart goes from racing fast to barely beating.
Her half-up, half-down hair is pinned back by a small tiara with a cream, sheer veil. The smile on her face is priceless; it warms my heart, filling my soul with pure light. True to her independent spirit, she chose to walk herself down the aisle in a vintage cream dress with a lace train. As much as I love the choice, I can’t help myself from stepping in true to my obnoxious nature. I walk directly down the aisle and meet her halfway. No one can see me anyway, so it shouldn’t matter, right? Upon reaching her, I link my arm to hers and walk alongside her the rest of the way. Up this close, I can see tears brimming her eyelids. From this angle, I also capture a look at Jasper’s face.
She isn’t the only one with tears pooling in her eyes. He gulps then blushes, beaming at her with the most intimate smile I’ve ever seen him wear, awestruck by her, by this moment of true solace. For Heaven’s sake, I can’t handle how happy I feel right now. I might explode.
As we land at his feet, I let go of her arm. For a split second, she glances right at me, and her lips part as if she could feel the absence of my touch. That shouldn’t be possible, but then again, if I’ve learned anything over the last several years, it's that nothing is impossible for a Greene.
They choose to keep their vows short and sweet—I’m convinced it’s because they want to become husband and wife as soon as humanly possible. They deserve this. After everything, they deserve every ounce of happiness in the world. Choosing love over fear changed their lives forever. I’m so unbelievably proud of them both.
"...You’re my home, Jasper,” she whispers, gazing into his eyes.
“And you’re myeverything, Greene.” He lifts her chin, not breaking eye contact for a single second. This is the moment when I realize these two are the actual main characters—we’re all just living in their world. I can’t wait to see what their next chapter holds. Selfishly, I’d love to become an uncle soon. I mean, can you imagine it? Uncle Kai giving little Charlie piggyback rides? Although, my set of wings might make piggyback rides a bit harder to maneuver… I could also see Truman getting jealous, and we can’t have that, can we?
Speaking of wings, I know you may be curious about the Middle Realm, Archangels, Golden Realm, and everything in between. I don’t blame you. I’d be curious, too. In fact, I was very curious before my mortal life ended, so I get it. I really do. However, knowing exactly what comes next after this life won’t do you much good. If you know all the details, living in the moment will be more challenging. Besides, where’s the fun in knowing what’s to come? As far as my personal afterlife experience goes, that’sdefinitelya story for another day. For now, let’s live in this moment shared amongst soulmates and sear it into our minds so it lasts a lifetime.
