“I did indeed.” Nan didn’t look remotely apologetic. “But by then you two had already planned this lovely wedding, and I thought, why waste all that effort?”
“Nan.” Jack’s voice held equal parts exasperation and relief. “You let us believe?—”
“That I might not have much time left?” She shrugged. “Well, technically, none of us know how much time we have left, dear.”
“You manipulated us,” Jack said, but there was no heat in his words, only a growing amusement.
“I prefer to think of it as giving fate a helpful nudge.” She turned to me, her expression softening. “You two were always meant to find each other. I just made sure you didn’t waste precious time once you did.”
I laughed softly. “I should be outraged, but honestly, I’m just impressed. And also, thank you.”
“You can thank me by getting started on those great grandbabies. I’m not getting any younger, you know.”
Jack’s eyes almost bugged out of his head. “Babies? Nan, we’ve been married less than five minutes.”
“Well, you also aren’t getting any younger, are you? But for now,” she raised her champagne glass. “To the Sullivans.”
As we clinked glasses, I caught Jack’s gaze. The love I saw there, open and unguarded, still took my breath away. Some distances were indeed worth crossing, and I’d cross them all again to end up right here, right now, exactly where I belonged.
“I love you, Jack,” I whispered, just for him.
He leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. “I love you, Mia Sullivan. Forever.”
And in that moment, with the mountains surrounding us and the people we loved beside us, forever felt like exactly the right amount of time.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
JACK
Iadjusted my tie for what felt like the hundredth time, watching the dance floor from my seat at the corner table. The reception was in full swing, fairy lights twinkling overhead and champagne flowing freely.
There were a hundred and fifty people in this room, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of Mia. My wife.
The pale blue bridesmaid dress fit Mia’s curves to perfection, the silk complementing her skin tone and making her gorgeous gray eyes more luminous. There was no denying it. My wife was fucking hot.
As I watched, she laughed at something Megan said, the sisters sharing a moment of genuine connection that would have been unthinkable six months ago.
“You’re staring again,” Emily remarked, slipping into the empty chair beside me with a fresh glass of wine.
“Can you blame me?” I grinned, not taking my eyes off Mia.
“Fair point. She looks incredible. Blue is definitely her color.”
Mia looked up then, catching me watching her. She smiled, that perfect, radiant smile that never failed to make heart skip a beat, and excused herself to cross the room to my side.
“Hey, handsome.” She slid onto my lap without hesitation, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Getting tired of all the wedding excitement?”
“Just enjoying the view,” I slipped my arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “You’re the most beautiful woman here. Sorry, bride included.”
Emily stood up with an exaggerated eye roll. “And that’s my cue to leave before you two start making out. Try to remember you’re at your sister’s wedding, Mia.” She winked at us before sauntering away, calling over her shoulder, “Save me a dance later, Jack!”
I spotted Helen across the room, deep in conversation with Monica. When she glanced our way, I felt Mia tense slightly on my lap. A moment later, Helen was making her way toward us, wine glass clutched tightly in her hand. Mia quickly slid off my lap, and we both stood to greet her.
“Mia, Jack,” Helen greeted, her smile tight around the edges. She clutched her own wine glass like a lifeline.
“Mom,” Mia nodded. “Beautiful wedding.”
“Yes,” Helen agreed, her eyes darting between us. “Everything turned out perfectly.”
