I blinked, surprised. “Really?”
She nodded. “Yeah. Carmen and Kim will be here soon. I know they’ll be happy to hear.”
Something warm and fierce swelled in my chest. I reached out and squeezed her hand gently.
“I’m proud of you, Nat,” I said. “That takes a lot.”
She smiled, eyes glassy but calm. Trevor leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
I would be the luckiest person in the world if I ended up half as happy as both of them made each other.
EPILOGUE ONE
ONE MONTH LATER
Present
Long Island, New York City
I stood alone in the quiet room, facing myself in the mirror.
This time, the dress was different. Lace instead of silk. No veil this time.
White roses rested in my hands, their scent clean and gentle. My blonde hair fell loose down my back, kissed by the open windows and the warm June air drifting in from the gardens. Sunlight spilled across the hardwood floors, turning everything golden and real.
And on my left hand, the true diamond ring caught the light. The one Matteo had slipped onto my finger as the sun rose behind him, voice steady and eyes full of love that had never once felt forced.
I swallowed, blinking at my reflection.
Four months ago, I had stood in a cathedral, wearing a much different white dress. Bigger. Heavier. Armor disguised as a gown. I remembered the way I’d looked at myself then – composed, prepared, detached.
I had no idea how much my life was about to change.
My gaze dropped to my hands, to the red flower clip Matteo had given me.
Hawaii.
Before love had a name.
I smiled softly and lifted it, sliding it into my hair just above my ear. Not hiding it this time.
We were back at my family’s mansion on Long Island, the grounds alive with green and sunlight and laughter drifting in through open doors. The excuse was a vow renewal.
But this was real.
Matteo and me – standing in front of the people who knew us best, choosing each other again. Not because we had to. But because we wanted to.
I took one last look at myself.
Not a Made woman carrying out a job.
But a woman in love.
And the reflection smiled back like it knew everything would be okay.
The door behind me opened softly.
I turned just as Matteo stepped inside – and my breath caught instantly.
