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"There's no wedding," Harper is quick to interject, but it doesn't stop my mind from wandering. It definitely hadn't occurred to me, but now that it's planted in the back of my mind, it can't help but grow roots. One day, I can definitely see that happening.
We all laugh nervously, sharing a moment to absorb the weight of everything that just happened. Never in a thousand years would I have seen this all coming, even if I could have peered into the future. What we have now is infinitely better than anything I could've conjured up inside my head.
"Well, I for one am delighted," Mom offers, and she does seem genuinely thrilled for us.
Dad reaches his hand across the table, his eyes dancing between me and Harper. "May I be the first to welcome you to the family, sweetheart."
Mom follows his example, arms wide for a joint hug, with Sasha smooshing in tight. Although Harper and I hold it together, Sasha bursts out in joyous laughter. I try to savor this feeling for as long as I can, the acceptance of the most important people in my life. Their approval means so much more than a profit ever will. I pat each of them on the shoulder when the embrace is done, grinning like a madman.
"So, you'll be sticking around long term after all, then?" Dad probes. "You are that serious with this young lady?"
I glance at Harper, catching her gaze. She can't contain her grin either, and we thread our fingers together. I don't even have to say the words, but that doesn't make me less ecstatic to do it anyway.
"Yes. She makes me happier than I've been in a long time."
"She certainly has been good for you," my mother agrees. "For all of us."
Sasha bursts with excitement and wraps an arm around my neck. She leans close to my ear and whispers loud enough for everyone to hear. "So, is Harper gonna be my mom or not?"
Dad throws his hands in the air, sharing a warm laugh with Mom. "Kids today, am I right?" he jokes, and the two of them walk out of the conference room leaving Harper, Sasha, and me staring at each other.
When they've gone, I throw my daughter in the air and hold her close. "Little spy, peeking around corners and sneaking up on your father," I say, pretending to scold her.
Harper watches fondly as I place her on the ground. I can already see the wheels in her head turning, processing the comment Sasha just made. I reach for her, circling my arms around her waist and drawing her body toward mine. "Don't worry about it," I say, as much as a reassurance to her as it is to myself. "Let's talk about it later tonight when there isn't an audience."
"Agreed," Harper says, sliding her fingers along my hand as she steps away to meet my daughter eye-to-eye. "You know what the best part of all this is? I get to spend more time with this little monkey of yours."
My heart swells when she takes Sasha's hand and leads her out of the room. I trail behind them, admiring the view, with no shame in doing so. My precious daughter and my gorgeous girlfriend are very much at the center of my world. I couldn't want for any more.
EPILOGUE
HARPER
One Year Later…
The sun sinks low in the Georgia sky, painting the landscape with hues of amber and peach. A year has passed since Deacon and I took the plunge into transforming this resort and our lives. Today, our friends and family gather in rustic wooden chairs that have been draped with beautiful ivory flowers and bows for our wedding ceremony.
Sasha, wearing a crown of flowers, is poised with a basket of petals, ready to make her entrance down the aisle. She bounces with excitement as she waits for me to tell her it's time to go. Themelody from the live band signals the start of our journey into marriage, and I take a steadying breath, my heart racing with a mix of nerves and joy.
"Now?" Sasha asks, her sweet little face grinning eagerly. "Can I go, please?"
"Absolutely," I tell her, returning the smile and giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Just remember, slow and steady. Don't let the music rush you."
She nods and tiptoes through the gaping doorway, following the long white cloth that trails down the middle of the resort's grand staircase. She tosses flower petals when she reaches the bottom and starts between the rows of chairs, looking over her shoulder at me with every three or four steps, never too far in front of us.
Bella walks behind her, carrying a bouquet of magnolias that complements the ones in her hair. Kip meets her when she reaches the bottom of the staircase, ready to escort her the rest of the way.
Mr. Reynolds appears by my side, holding out his elbow for me to take. "No looking back," he says, following my gaze to watch Kip and Bella reach the finish line. "You and Deacon are perfect for each other. Your parents will always be watching you, and they will rejoice with you. For now, I'm honored to step in as your escort."
I blink back tears, smiling through misty eyes at the man who is soon to be my father-in-law. "Thank you. That means so much to me."
One step at a time, we make our way down the aisle. Deacon's eyes lock with mine as I join him at the altar. He's wearing a dashing navy-blue suit, and his smile fills me with certainty that I've made the right decision in becoming his bride. With him by my side, I will be able to handle anything. He takes my hand,extracting me from his father's hold, and guides me to stand next to him.
Pastor Walker begins the ceremony, welcoming everyone to the momentous occasion. Although I've heard the vows every other time I've attended a wedding, I find myself listening intently with new ears, memorizing his words.
"Throughout time, and in different ways, people have asked themselves if there is a single force in the universe that creates lasting connections between souls." He speaks boldly, the rest of the words echoing in the space. "There is only one common factor that unites us all: love."
He continues. "Today we are gathered to celebrate the undeniable love that Deacon and Harper have for each other. As their family and friends, we are honored to share in this eternal union."
