Epoch (Transcend Duet #2)(92)

I lean to the side to see into the hall. In walks a little two-year-old angel in a red dress with tiny white flowers around the neck.

I clench the tissues in my hand. Sorry, Mom, I’m going to need them. It’s been over a year since I’ve seen her except in photos.

“Morgan.”

She stops, clearly no longer recognizing me, and turns. Then just to bring out ALL of the tears, Nate walks around the corner. I haven’t seen or talked to him since I left the cemetery. He sends photos of Morgan. That’s it.

“I heard you needed an arm to hold to get down the aisle. I also heard you didn’t have a flower girl. That’s not right.”

I press my fisted hand to my mouth, tissues ready for me to blink. The safest bet is to simply not breathe.

Nate’s wearing a black suit and a red tie that matches Morgan’s dress. Blue eyes make a full inspection of me. And that grin … it’s perfect.

“This life looks beautiful on you.”

I laugh, but it comes out as a little sob.

Morgan lifts her hands up. Nate picks her up. She gives him that adoring look, the one I always wanted for him.

“Hi.” I find one word that I can say without crumbling.

“Hi.” He grins.

The familiar no longer haunts me. He will forever live inside my soul, next to Daisy. He will forever know how far Griffin went to give me this life.

Nate and Morgan are my family. They left their fingerprints all over my heart. I feel incredibly honored to have been touched by them.

“Tell me you’re even half as happy as you look.”

“In this lifetime…” I grin “…I’m certain no man has ever made me as happy as Griffin.”

Nate nods. I don’t see anything but true love for me—for my life.

“Thank you.” I step closer and stretch up to kiss Morgan’s cheek and then Nate’s cheek.

“For what?” he asks.

“For not letting me be yours.”

Nate’s lips pull into a tiny grin. “I knew you deserved a real boyfriend.”

A real boyfriend.

I can’t predict the future. And I don’t want to, but I’m certain those three words will tie us together for eternity.

“So we’re leaving tomorrow,” he says.

“Disney?”

He laughs. “No. The world.”

Now I laugh. “That’s a bit broad. Is that what your airline tickets say?”

“When Jenna was pregnant with Morgan, we agreed that we would pause our careers and take her around the world. Let her learn from experience. Be a citizen of the world. Cultural immersion.”

“Whoa … so you’re …”

He nods. “Taking Morgan to experience life.”

My smile feels like it could crack my face. “I’m speechless. And really proud of you for doing this without Jenna.”

“It feels right.” He kisses Morgan’s head which prompts her to hug his neck like she’s conditioned to give back every bit of love he gives her—times a hundred.

“Ready?” The wedding coordinator peeks in the room, holding a little basket full of red and white petals for Morgan in one hand and my all red flower bouquet in her other hand.

I turn and make one last inspection in the mirror, glancing up to see Nate’s reflection and his huge grin. After fixing my eye makeup and lipstick, I turn. He offers his arm.

“Griffin asked you to do this? Really?”

“Yes.”

Grocery Store Guy … I love you to the infinite depths of my heart.

The intimate gathering waits in the sanctuary at sunset.

Candles.

A harpist and a flutist.

Griffin’s sisters walked down the aisle in their black dresses, holding all white bouquets.

Next is Morgan. She walks surprisingly slow, distracted by everyone staring at her, but Nate’s parents are in the front row, coaxing her to complete her trip.

She does and that brings tears to my eyes.

But I blink them away.

The processional begins and everyone stands—bringing tears to my eyes.

But I blink them away.

There he is. My groom. He looks sinful in that tux, but it’s the way he’s looking at me that is something beyond beautiful … beyond words.

Nate walks me down the aisle and kisses me on the hand like a true gentleman before giving me away. Tears sting my eyes.

But I blink them away.

I glance at Nate’s parents and my mom. More tears threaten my makeup.

I blink them away and hand Hayley my bouquet.

Griffin and I face each other, holding hands. Before the minister starts speaking, Griff leans forward and whispers in my ear, “I can’t wait to hear about your day, Swayz.”

Tears spill over. He pulls a handkerchief from his jacket and blots my cheeks.

There’s an audible “aw” from a few friends and family. I’m sure they’re wondering what he whispered in my ear.

I mouth, “I love you, Grocery Store Guy.”

There are vows.

Rings exchanged.

More tears.

And the introduction of Mr. and Mrs. Griffin Calloway.

There’s a reception filled with good food, even better friends, and the very best family.

The DJ announces it’s time for the first dance. Griffin wanted to choose the song, and he wanted it to be a surprise. I just know it’s going to be something from Dirty Dancing, and we’re going to have our first official fight as husband and wife before we leave the reception.