My dad places my hand into Keaton’s. “I loved her first, boy. But I’m trusting you with her now. Remember how precious her love is and know that she finds you worthy of it. Don’t take that for granted again.”
Dad doesn’t give him a chance to reply as emotion overcomes him. He kisses the top of my head and takes his spot beside Mom in the front row.
The beginning of the ceremony goes quickly, and then it’s time for Keaton to say his vows.
“Charlie, there are so many things I want to say, but we all know I suck at words. So, I’m going to keep it short and do my best. I love you. More than I’ll ever be able to show you. I wish I could because if there’s one person on this earth who is worthy of every beat of my heart. As cheesy as it sounds, you really do complete me. Coming home to see you dancing around the house is my favorite highlight of every day. My arms feel empty when they’re not wrapped around you. It’s been such an honor watching you grow into the beautiful person you are. You don’t falter, and you never fail, no matter what life tosses your way. Your smile steals my breath and your love…fuck, Char, your love gives me life. The day you agreed to be my wife after the hell I put you through was one of the humblest moments of my life. I love you, Charlie. There’s never going to be another day that I make you doubt that.”
I smile at him through blurry eyes, mouthing ‘I love you’ as I squeeze his hand.
Then it’s my turn.
Inhaling deeply, I blow out a silent breath. “Keaton. This…standing here in front of you and about to become your wife is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a little girl. You were always there for me. My person. My endgame. Then life happened, and I didn’t think we’d make it here. It’s been a long, hard road, huh, dragon boy?” His hand cups my cheek and I lean into it with a watery laugh. “The truth is, I’d rather walk the most painful road with you, knowing the beauty that waits for us on the other side, than love anyone else. I love you. So much. And I can’t wait to call you my husband.”
Our friends and family shout their excitement when we’re finally declared husband and wife.
Keaton cups my face in his hands and rests his forehead on mine. “My wife,” he whispers reverently.
“My husband,” I whisper back.
Amelia tells me at the reception that while everyone was watching me, she was watching him. She wanted to seethatmoment. The one that ensured it was finally okay to trust him with my heart again. Amelia said that when the first tear fell from his eyes, she knew it was okay to let go of her distrust. She said the man that stood at that altar knew what he held in his palm and there was no way he’d ever take it for granted again.
I believe her because it’s something Keaton shows me every day we’re together.
The day Keaton broke my trust changed us forever. But together, we rebuilt something sturdier, something almost unbreakable.
We’ll always bear the scars of Keaton’s betrayal. They’re faint, almost invisible, but they linger—a quiet reminder of how fragile love can be.
People only ever talk about the love stories that crumble after infidelity.
No one tells you about the ones who survive.
But we’re here.
We’re quietly rebuilding.
We’re growing stronger.
We’re learning to love again.
And we’re thriving.
This has been the hardest road we’ve ever walked, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I watch the love in my husband’s eyes deepen as I place his hand on my stomach and tell him he’s going to be a father, that I understand something so fundamental to me…
Every struggle was worth it for this moment, right here.
Epilogue Two
Keaton
Another Five Years Later
“It’snotfunny,Keaton,”Charlie whines playfully as I help her to her feet. “Do you know what it’s like not being able to control your bladder? Not being able to stand up on your own or even see your feet because you’re growing a tiny human?”
I press my teeth into my cheek, fighting back a grin as she rants. “You’re right, baby. I’m sorry. There’s absolutely nothing funny about peeing yourself.”
She places her hands on her hips and glares at me. “I did not pee on myself. Just tinkled a little. And it’s not nice to make fun of your pregnant wife, you know.”
