Page 112 of The Edge Of Us

Epilogue

Corine

Three Months Later

It was my wedding day. Again.

The irony didn't escape me-how different it all felt this time. My heart was still pounding with nerves, but not from fear. This time, it wasn't about expectations or broken promises. It was about love. Real, raw, soul-deep love.

I stood in front of the mirror in the bridal suite, adjusting the soft silk train of my dress. It was simple, just like I asked. No exaggerated sparkle or overwhelming lace. Just elegance, with soft satin hugging my waist and a delicate off-the-shoulderneckline. My veil was pinned loosely to my curls, cascading like mist down my back.

Mom stood beside me, tears already in her eyes. She reached out, smoothing a hand over my cheek like she used to when I was a little girl.

"You look like a dream, baby," she whispered.

I tried to smile, but emotion clogged my throat. "I hope Dad doesn't cry too much. His tux is already too tight."

She laughed softly. "Oh, he's been crying since breakfast. Your brothers have been teasing him nonstop."

A knock came on the door. Dylan peeked in, radiant in her dusty blush bridesmaid gown. "Time to go, sis."

Right behind her was Brit, holding my bouquet and beaming. "Are you ready to change your life again-but this time for real?"

I swallowed thickly and nodded. "With Jasper? Always."

Brit hugged me tightly, whispering, "This is your happy. You earned every second of it. And I'm so honored to be standing beside you today. I can't believe my best friend is my sister in law"

"You were always there. Even when I tried to shut the world out."

"Well, now the world gets to see what real love looks like."

As I walked down the long aisle with my father's trembling hand gripping mine, I locked eyes with the man who had changed my life-Jasper. His mouth parted slightly, his eyes glazed, and then he shook his head in disbelief like he couldn't believe I was really walking toward him. My knees nearly buckled under the weight of that look.

Kyle walked just ahead of me, carrying the ring box with a seriousness only a six-year-old could muster. His tiny tux was nearly drowning him, but he held his head high like this was the most important job in the world.

Astrid, in a puff of tulle and curls, scattered flower petals with enthusiasm and zero grace, pausing halfway to wave at Jasper and then give me a thumbs-up. I could hear her little voice say loudly, "You look like a princess, Mommy!"

I giggled through my tears. Jasper chuckled too, whispering something to Ace, who stood beside him in a sharp tux, grinning from ear to ear.

My father kissed my cheek before placing my hand in Jasper's, and for the first time all morning, I felt fully at peace.

"You're really here," Jasper murmured, his voice husky. "You're mine."

"Only took a lifetime," I whispered back.

The ceremony was beautiful-honest and stripped down. Jasper's vows had me weeping. He spoke of second chances, of falling for me not once, but a thousand times, in every moment we'd shared. I talked about healing, about finding home in his arms, about the children who made our lives feel fuller than we ever imagined.

When the minister said, "You may kiss the bride," Astrid let out a loud, "Eww!" followed by, "Can I get a ring too?"

The crowd burst into laughter. Jasper bent down and took a tiny gold-plated ring from his pocket, sliding it onto her small finger.

"There. Now my girls both have rings," he said.

Astrid beamed. "Now we're really a family."

As we walked back down the aisle hand in hand, Brit blew me a kiss with both hands, tears slipping down her cheeks. Ace gave Jasper a firm clap on the back and said, "About damn time," making everyone around them laugh.

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