Epilogue
Luke
Three years later…
AskingDanika to marry me was the simplest decision I’ve ever made. Finding time in our busy schedules to have a wedding is a different story. Coaching football and her movie deals—yes, I said deals because three of her books are now being made into movies—have made it difficult to schedule. I’ve begged her to elope more than once, but both of our parents would’ve had our hides if we’d done that. Besides, we want to share our nuptials with our closest friends and family and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Watching her walk down the aisle this afternoon is one of the happiest moments of my life. With each step she glides toward me on her father’s arm, I’m in awe she’s choosing to be with me for the rest of her life. Aside from the day I found her on my doorstep in the pouring rain, I don’t think I’ve ever had such a reaction to her. Her beauty makes me breathless and whether she’s in a beautiful gown like today, or looking hideous in a disarray of assorted clothes, she’s still just as beautiful. It takes everything in my power to not rush down the aisle and haul her into my arms.
When her father finally places her hand in mine, a tingle runs through my spine, and pure joy washes through me. I whisper, “I love you,” and she repeats my favorite words and practically mirrors my feelings. She squeezes my hand as the minister begins the ceremony.
Words are spoken, vows are made, but my entire focus is on her beautiful face. When the minister says the words I’ve been dying to hear, I kiss my bride for all she’s worth, not giving a fuck who’s there to witness it. I love this woman, and I’m not holding back any longer. Cheers erupt from the crowd, along with a few people clearing their throats and comments, like “Get a room,” when it apparently becomes uncomfortable for them to watch. But when I pull away from Danika, her beautiful face lights up with delight.
“I love you, Luke Leighton,” she whispers for only me to hear.
“I love you, Mrs. Leighton. You’ve made me the happiest man alive.” I quickly peck her once more before we are introduced as ‘Mr. and Mrs. Leighton’ to the ecstatic crowd.
We chose to be married during my off week before the season starts, on what we consider to be our anniversary. My family’s flown in, and we’ve invited a few of our close friends and immediate family to help us celebrate. Pops and Mama couldn’t welcome Danika into our family fast enough. They love her as much as I do and have made her feel just as welcomed.
As we make our way to the reception being held at the Tacoma Glass Museum, I can’t help but think of how much my life has changed since Danika’s accident on the island. She’s flipped my world upside down, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
To our relief, it turns out she didn’t need to worry about her losing her anonymity. Her fans wholeheartedly accepted her using a pen name, which she will continue to do now that we’re married. Our close friends know us as Luke and Danika, but most of the world still calls her Charlotte Ann.
“What are you thinking about so hard over there, Mr. Leighton?” Danika asks as she draws me out of my own thoughts.
“Just reminiscing on some of my fondest memories with you, Mrs. Leighton.”God, I love hearing that.The fact she’s officially a part of my family makes me smile even wider.
“I have a few of my own,” she teases. “And if you’re lucky, when we’re alone, I’ll share them with you.”
“Do we really need to show up at the reception? I’m sure everyone will be fine without us and can enjoy the food and open bar. I’d rather direct the limo driver to our hotel room.”
“Luke Leighton!” she pretends to scold. “Your mama would kick your ass from here to next Sunday if we didn’t show up. Not to mention, my family would likely hunt us down. God knows, we don’t need my pesky brothers butting their noses in where it doesn’t belong.”
“Speaking of brothers…” I raise an eyebrow, and my curiosity sets in. “How long has Damien been dating Vanessa? He looks at her the way I look at you. I’m sure he’s fallen for her, even if he won’t admit it to anyone.” Damien’s always been focused and kept his personal life private to my knowledge. “It’s interesting he’d choose our wedding to bring a woman and her child for the long weekend.”
“No kidding, and her daughter’s adorable. I never thought I’d see him settle down, but if I had to guess, I’d say he’s heading that way in a hurry.”
“I’d say so,” Danika agrees. “It’s funny, I always thought I’d be a parent before him, but clearly things between him and Vanessa are serious, if he’s bringing both of them to the wedding.”
“Well, I couldn’t be happier for them,” I admit. “Though I can’t wait to be a father.”
“Someday.” She smiles as I reach over to place my hand on Danika’s flat stomach, and she rests hers on mine. She’s no longer on birth control, and I hope we get news that she’s pregnant sooner than later. I can’t wait to have our baby growing inside this beautiful woman. The thought alone makes me giddy.
I never pictured myself as a family man, but after meeting Danika, there’s no way I’d picture my life otherwise. I thank God every day since she crashed into my life. She’s turned it upside down in all the best ways possible. She’s a force to be reckoned with, but I never doubt my decision to make the call and ask to see her again.Hands down, best decision. Ever!
We arrive at the museum, and our close friends and family who’ve arrived before us greet us. As we get out of the limo, I pull Danika into my arms and kiss her breathless. “God, I love you, Danika,” I whisper as I pull apart from her all too soon.
“I love you, too, Luke.” She takes my hand and guides me through the glass sculptures at the entrance. We stop for a few photos along the way, and her laughter fills the air.
Just as we’re entering the reception area, Dani rocks my world in a way that only she can when she reaches up and cups my ear, to whisper the words I never expected to hear on my wedding day.
“By the way, Luke, we won’t have to wait for someday.” Confused by her train of thought, I cock an eyebrow in her direction, encouraging her to continue. “By the time the season’s over, you’ll be a dad.”
My mouth drops to the floor, and I feel as if my eyes are about to pop out of my head. “Are you kidding me?” I ask in disbelief. There’s no way I’m getting married and finding out I’m to be a father on the same day. I haven’t felt this excited since the Rainier Renegades finally won the championship game with me as head coach last season.
“Surprise! We’re having a baby! I’m due at the end of April.”
Filled with emotion, I fling my arms around her and lift her to my height. I twirl her around in a circle, and she squeals with delight. “You’ve just made me the happiest man, ever! Thank you so much, Danika!”
