Epilogue
Samantha
My hands shake as I rub them over the silk ribbon binding my bouquet together. The pink is so light it looks like ivory. The huge peony I'm holding is really a dozen made to look like one giant bud. A gnarled stem hangs from the bloom holding a few small flowers. It’s simply gorgeous.
Jess just left me so she could find her seat. She promised that George would be here any second to walk me down the aisle. I miss my mother and Rita terribly in this moment. I hadn’t really thought much about getting married when mom was still alive, but I wish she was here to hold my hand while I waited. I wish she could have helped me with my hair or slide on my shoes. Jess has been a trouper, but a girl really needs her mom once in a while.
The soft sounds of a cello and piano reach my ears. I know I don't have long to wait. There's a knock on the door, and George pokes his head in.
"You look beautiful Sammy!" He says, looking smart in his tuxedo.
"Thank you George. You look very handsome." He grins and shakes his head.
"No flirting, young lady. I've got strict orders to deliver you to your Beau or else," he leaves the last bit hanging.
I take a moment to marvel at my life. I have been blessed in so many ways that it doesn't seem possible. When I realize all the things that happened in my life to make this moment possible, it's astonishing.
One thing I've learned in this time, is that life is too short for taking shelter from the storm, it's all about learning to dancing in the rain.
I take the hand George is offering me and let him guide me to the rest of my life with the only man that could ever love me the way I needed, especially when I needed it most.
The doors open.
The sweet fragrance of flowers drifts to me as the gentle harmony of music swells at our arrival. Beau is standing at the front of the room, facing me with a look of pure adoration on his breathtaking face. He smiles that crooked smile that had me wishing he was mine before I even knew who he was.
We walk halfway down the aisle. He takes the steps down and meets me in the middle.
"You're supposed to wait for me," I smile, looking up at him.
He bends down and kisses my lips, "I've already been waiting long enough!"
The End
