Epilogue
She beamed as she walked down the aisle in her lacy white gown. He waited impatiently at the other end, eyes locked on her approach. It had taken longer than they’d anticipated, but they were finally getting married. It was everything they wanted and more; their friends and family were there, and the setting was simply beautiful. The cake topped out at five layers with a tiny bride and groom adorning the top.
When the words were said and the rings exchanged, they joined the wedding party for pictures. Everyone laughed and hugged, kisses were freely exchanged, and not one of them had any negative thoughts. They’d all managed to put aside their grudges ages ago, though it hadn’t been without effort. Three of them were teachers, but they all came from completely different walks of life. It had taken work to come to understand each other and what motivated them.
Hudson wanted autonomy from his family name and to work in a profession that brought him fulfillment. Reagan wanted to become a special education teacher, but also to be able to make choices some thought she wasn’t old enough to make. Grant wanted someone to understand what drove him as a person, which was pride in his family and hard work. Alex wanted someone to be wild and carefree with, but who also loved her despite her crazy tendencies. Davis wanted to be seen for something other than his family’s wealth and to work hard to prove he wasn’t a spoiled rich kid. Luna wanted to make a difference in the lives of the children she taught and to be found worthy for who she was.
They’d found these things and more in their partners and their friendships. They’d created a family, a life together, and bonds to last a lifetime.
“You’re getting so close,” the bride said as she rubbed her friend’s belly.
“Four more weeks. You’re lucky I found a dress that fit me.”
“And that she didn’t have the baby in the middle of the ceremony,” Davis added.
The women laughed. “It’ll be you soon enough,” Reagan said.
Luna groaned. “Not yet. Everyone keeps asking when we’re going to have kids.”
Davis slung his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “It’s obligatory. When are you going to get married morphs into when are you going to have kids.”
“And then they ask when you’re going to have more kids,” Grant said with a wink at Alex.
“That’s pretty much the gist of it,” Alex agreed. Grant rubbed her belly and she grinned when the baby kicked his hand. “He loves you already.”
“Of course he does,” Reagan said. “He’s going to make the best dad, Alex, you wait and see.”
“We’re going to get started on that soon, right?” Hudson asked Reagan.
“As soon as I get out of this fancy white dress,” she joked.
Grant let out a groan. “No sex talk in front of me, jeez.”
Hudson chuckled. “Oops.”
They smiled for the camera and eventually joined the other guests at the reception. Reagan had removed her veil and she and Hudson sat at the head table with their best friends.
Davis stood and tapped his spoon against his glass. When everyone else quieted down, he spoke. “I first met Reagan five years ago at a soccer field. I knew immediately that she was someone I wanted as my friend. She has a sharp wit, tenacity to go for what she wants, and a heart that’s larger than life. I admit it took me longer to accept her choice in mate, but I couldn’t ever deny how he felt about her. Hudson wears his heart on his sleeve, much to his chagrin, and he’s only had eyes for Reagan since they met. I know without a doubt that they will go the distance.”
He raised his glass and took a sip of champagne; everyone else followed suit.
“Thank you,” Hudson said as Davis sat back down.
“No problem.”
Luna kissed Davis on the cheek. “That was sweet.”
“I only speak the truth.”
“That’s what makes it sweet.”
Davis shrugged. “He gave a nice toast at our wedding, and I wanted to do the same.”
After the guests were full of cake and champagne, and Alex had sat for hours because her ankles were too swollen to dance, the six of them gathered in the entryway of the venue.
“Call me when you land,” Luna demanded.
“I promise,” Reagan answered and hugged her.
