Serena:We’ll do a post-wedding shower.
Jane:And bachelorette party.
Elle:Oh, we’ll get you a bouquet to toss, too. That way, the odds will be more in our favor.
Kelsey:Thanks. And yes to all of that. Plus, you have to meet Will!
EPILOGUE
February 14, Valentine’s Day
Today was Kelsey’s wedding day.
Starr had been so gracious about the switch from Faith’s wedding to her and Bill’s anniversary party to Will and Kelsey’s wedding. She even told Will, “I told you so,” which he graciously acknowledged with a kiss on her cheek, and “You’re always right, Mom.”
Now, Kelsey stood at the top of the staircase, her father at her side. The mahogany banister was decorated with a garland of flowers, greenery, and twinkling white lights. It was just as romantic as she’d imagined it would be the first time she stepped into Will’s—soon-to-be-their—house. The sweet scent of the roses on the garland and in her bouquet tickled her nose, and she smiled.
Itwasalmost time.
The din of the wedding guests, along with the music from the string quartet, rose from the living room. She wanted to pinch herself to make sure this wasn’t a dream, but she didn’t want to snag the lace fabric of her gown. Faith had graciously offered the use of her wedding dress last night, and Kelsey had accepted without a moment’s hesitation, brushing aside any concerns about whether alterations would be needed. As far as she was concerned, no one except Christina and, one day soon, Will would ever know she’d tried on the dress before.
Christina.
She’d wanted to attend, but traveling such a long way with morning sickness would have been too much for her. Kelsey knew that her cousin would be with her in spirit and watching the livestream of the wedding, accompanying her every step of the way down the aisle.
There’s something about the magical power of love.
Christina had said that once. Kelsey had rolled her eyes then. She believed now. Perhaps a sprinkle of magic had traveled all the way from San Montico. How else could she explain everything that had happened these past two weeks? That was about to happen…
With Christina, Serena, Jane, and Elle unable to be here, Kelsey asked Will’s sisters to be in the wedding party. Her maid of honor, Faith, and her matron of honor, Hope, descended the staircase to the strains of “Canon in D.” The song wasn’t the most original when it came to processional music, but Kelsey didn’t care. It had always been one of her favorites. That was all that mattered today.Shewas the bride.
Faith and Hope turned the corner. A few moments later, a new song began—Mozart’s “Romance for String Quartet.” Each note was like a kiss, rising to greet Kelsey.
This is it.
“Even though you’ll be a married woman, you’ll always be my little girl.” Her father, Charles Waters, kissed her cheek. “Are you ready, sweetheart?”
Kelsey smiled, delighted her brother and her parents had dropped everything and flown to Nevada for her impromptu wedding. “I’m ready.”
Each step brought her closer to her groom, to her new life, and she couldn’t wait. She and her father rounded the corner. At the front of the living room standing before the fireplace were the minister, her brother, Cade, and Will.
Will.
She should have known he would look great in a tuxedo. He would look great in anything. Or nothing. She’d find out tonight. Kelsey grinned.
Will’s wide smile softened. She felt so cherished, so loved. She never wanted this moment to end. Everything she’d never realized she’d wanted—needed—was right in front of her.
As she made her way down the makeshift aisle, his gaze never left hers. Forty-six other people waited in the living room they’d turned into a wedding chapel, but she barely noticed their presence.
The love shining in Will’s eyes took Kelsey’s breath away. Warmth, joy, and euphoria filled her heart and her soul. The depth of the emotions and the intensity of the feelings overwhelmed her. And she loved it. This was what life was all about.
She heard her father say, “Her mother and I,” but Kelsey hadn’t heard the minister ask his question. She’d been too focused on the magic of the moment.
Her father kissed her cheek and placed her hand in Will’s. Will gave it a gentle squeeze. His gaze held hers. She didn’t want to look away. Ever. She saw her future in his eyes. A future full of love, laughter, family. A future with a happily-ever-after.
* * *
Will couldn’t take his eyes off her.
