Again, one powerful word that meant everything to her. And it was the very word she’d be saying to him when he got down on one knee to ask her to be his forever. And she knew this without a doubt, because until this very moment, she felt like she’d been counting every single breath just to stay alive. But now she’d finally found what she’d been missing, and that was Jarrah King, and for the very first time in her life she felt whole and happy, as if she’d finally arrived home to her person, her love, her life.

EPILOGUE

Five months later

After a glorious sleep, Millie felt as if she’d been walking on air since her feet had touched the floor at first light. And by the looks of the powdery blue sky stretching out as far as her eyes could see, it was going to be glorious weather too. Hearing Ebony and Tommy’s happy voices floating in from where they were busy setting up the table for their dinner beneath the stars, she turned from the sweeping view of Riverside Acres out the French doors of her and Jarrah’s bedroom, to her antique wedding dress hanging from the cupboard door. Beside it, she caught her reflection in the full-length mirror, and smiled softly. The content woman staring back at her, with the wide grin and the happy sparkle in her eyes, was really her.

Today was the day she’d be walking down the aisle to the man who’d saved her, who’d fought for her, and who’d shown her how good love could be. Stretching up on her tippy toes, she ran her fingers down the soft lace pattern of the bodice and then straightened the pearls that graced the empire waistline. After what had felt like a whirlwind few months, she still couldn’t believe their big day was finally here. Her hands flitted to her belly, where their growing baby girl was awake and kicking, and she smiled. Only eleven weeks and they’d be meeting her for the very first time. There was so much to be happy for, to be grateful for. Her life with Jarrah was even more than she’d imagined it to be.

Her gaze dropped to her left hand, as she admired the most precious diamond ring in the world. She sighed dreamily as she recalled the moment Jarrah had dropped to his knee and asked her to be his wife, only two weeks after she moved to Riverside Acres. It was the most beautifully perfect moment, with just the two of them standing beneath a starry night sky, when he’d told her with such potency in his gaze that he wanted to love her, and be loved by her, forever.

Wandering towards the dressing table, she briefly thought back to Carlo, and how he’d so callously sent the letter to her, to mess with Jarrah, and in turn to regain what he felt was his claim on Tommy. Little had he known that he’d essentially make her life, as well as Jarrah’s and Tommy’s, full to the brim with joy and happiness. It was deeply satisfying to know they’d overcome Carlo’s wickedness, just by being themselves and allowing unconditional love to win out in the end. She and Jarrah were so proud of Tommy, starting up his fishing charter business and staying on the straight and narrow. And he was doing well too, with every one of his five-day tours already booked solid for the next couple of months.

As she picked up her pearl earrings and admired them in the golden sunlight pouring into the room, her eyes stung with tears of joy and anticipation when she thought about the lives that they were all building, together, and how far Tommy had come in such a short amount of time. It just went to show what Jarrah’s endless love and support for his nephew could achieve. It was just another reason for her to love him so deeply. Her Jarrah King really was one in a bazillion.

Racing footsteps came down the hallway, then her best friend exploded into the room. Ebony’s face was a picture of absolute delight and excitement. ‘Woohoo! This is it, Millie! Only a few hours until you’re officially Mrs King, can you believe it?’

‘I know, right, life can really turn around in the blink of an eye, that’s for sure, my darling bestie!’ Millie sat on the edge of her bed and smiled from the heart. ‘I’m so happy you’re here with me today.’

‘Of course I am, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.’ Ebony plonked herself down beside her, and taking Millie’s hand in hers, her eyes drifted to the wedding dress they’d shopped for weeks for, and found, together. ‘You’re going to look so beautiful, Millie, Jarrah is going to tear up when he sees you, I bet.’ She sniffled and beamed brightly. ‘I’m so happy for both of you, because you, my dear Millie, deserve this more than anyone I know.’

‘Oh, Ebs, I love how much you love me.’ Millie threw her arms around her best friend, and the two of them held onto each other tightly. ‘I’m going to miss you so freaking much, living so far away from you.’

‘Yeah, about that.’ Ebony pulled back a little and smiled tenderly. ‘Me and Felix are going to be moving up this way in a couple of months.’

Millie’s breath caught. ‘Oh my god, Ebs, what are you talking about?’

‘I got the counselling job, Millie, at the Riverside hospital.’ Ebony bounced up and down. ‘I only just found out, five minutes ago, when they called me to give me the good news!’

Overjoyed their baby girl would have her only aunty close by, Millie leapt to her feet and danced on the spot. ‘Holy moly! This is going to make today all the more amazing!’

‘I’m glad it’s made you even happier.’ Ebony shot to her feet and met her, and they hugged again, both of them twirling in a happy circle as they did.

Millie’s heart was so full, she thought it might burst. ‘I love you so much, Ebs, thank you, for wanting to move up here with me.’

‘I love you too, Millie. You’re my sister, and always will be, so I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.’ She cupped Millie’s cheeks and smiled. ‘Now let’s get you ready to marry that amazing man of yours.’

Millie clapped her hands together. ‘Yes, let’s!’

Two and a half hours later, while taking a deep breath, Millie looked to Tommy and Ebony sitting on the only two chairs at the ceremony – they were the only guests she and Jarrah had wanted there, to share their special day. The song she’d chosen began, and she slowly took steps in time to ‘It’s Your Love’ by Tim McGraw. Standing beneath the flower arch, Jarrah met her gaze and in that breathless moment, she was spellbound all over again. Looking as handsome as ever in his black tux, matching Akubra and snakeskin boots, his eyes glistened with joy and love. What a lucky woman she was, to be loved by him. This was the man she loved, the father of her child, and the sole owner of her heart.

Reaching him, he took her hand, and she smiled, looking up into his eyes. The celebrant began the ceremony, and when she said ‘for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, until death do us part’, she meant it with all of her heart. There’d be good days and bad days, there’d be joy and sorrow, but they’d always be together as one. She knew that in her heart of hearts. Theirs was a love she’d always longed for. A love she knew she was lucky to have found. A love that would last a lifetime.

As they exchanged their vows, Millie felt her heart swell even more with love for the man standing before her, beside her, with her. Their chosen words were simple, but their meaning was profound. Jarrah promised to love and cherish her, to support her in all of her endeavours, and to be there for her, and their baby girl, through thick and thin. Tears streamed down her face as she made her own promises to him – to love him unconditionally, to stand by his side always, and to create a life filled with joy and happiness, every single day of their lives.

With the exchange of rings, they sealed their love, and as the celebrant pronounced them husband and wife, they shared a passionate kiss. Applause erupted from Tommy and Ebony, and they stepped back, hand in hand, as Mrs and Mr King. This was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one filled with love, joy and possibility. And with each other’s unconditional support, they’d conquer any obstacle that came their way.

Together.

Forever and always.

Source: www.seynovel.com