Epilogue
KREW
Three months later…
I kept my astonished gaze train on her as she watched the bride and groom exchange their vows. Three months felt like it was just yesterday when we were back together and lived under the same roof. When people thought that our lives were perfect, it was indeed. It was not about no fights, no arguments, or we didn’t have problems, it was how we faced and valued lives and time.
She clapped, looked in my direction, and smiled when the couple kissed. Journey and August looked great, but the love of my life had never ceased to amaze me with her lemon-y gown.
At the ballroom hall of the Selik building for the reception, I kept a low profile. I just kept an eye on my woman. They gave speeches, including my sister. She happened to be one of the bridesmaids. Had I imagined myself to be in August’s position someday? My answer was yes. Many times. I loved River with my cells and soul. I always wanted to have a family on my own. Having River in my life was the happiest. I couldn’t think of anything other than to proudly call her my wife.
“Shut that grin off your face. You look like an idiot.”
“Any luck of finding a woman to bang tonight?” I didn’t bother looking at my brother, occupying the seat that was supposed to be for River.
“That’s the thing I don’t do. Not at the wedding receptions?”
“Why not?”
“Because there’s this thing that most people who met at weddings ended up together.”
My brow arched. I finally faced Kai. “And how is it a bad thing? And you believe in that crap?”
Kai shrugged. “I’m a businessman—”
“I know, Kai. Believe me. But you need to get a life out of the business world. You can’t be alone forever.”
“I get it, man. You’re happy, and River is lovely. She loves you. And I’m happy for you. Truly.” There he went again. Kai was gone.
“Good evening, everyone. I’m River. Please, a round of applause for the first dance of the newlyweds as husband and wife.” The music played. I knew what song she was going to sing because she practiced it in her studio. It was an original soundtrack of a box-office movie.
Her vlog had reached 700k subs. The first original song she uploaded has reached one million views in less than a week. I was so proud of my woman.
The couple walked into the center and started their first dance together. I wished I could dance with River, but being the entertainer of tonight, it would be impossible. I winked when she met my gaze. Her smile widened.
River became my center and my light.
***
As soon as the newlyweds left for their honeymoon, River and I went to our waiting car. We also had a flight to catch for our first vacation.
We met Brad in the parking area. Brad and River became closer, and it was heartwarming to see both of them spending time together sharing the same passion. Brad played guitar on one of River’s covers. The fans went crazy when River introduced him who Brad was.
I shook Brad’s hand. “We’ll be back soon. If you need anything, call Everest or Conner. He won’t be going with us. Lake is.”
“Son, don’t think about me. I know River is looking forward to this trip. Just enjoy, and I’ll be fine.”
River hugged her dad and kissed him on the cheek. “Take care, Dad. Call me if—”
He tsked. “Go. You need this.”
“I love you, Dad.” She gripped my arm. “I’ll wait in the car.”
Once we were alone, Brad smiled, and I could see the pride and happiness in his eyes. “You will take care of her for me.”
“You know you don’t have to tell me that, Brad.”
“I know. My daughter loves you, and you become the center of her world. As much as it pains me to admit that she has another man in her life now, but I can see how much you care for her, and I know you how much you make her happy.”
I scoffed. “That’s not true. Her passion is.”
“You’re wrong, son. You inspired her. She started playing and singing because of you. She’s happy because of you. And I know she’s in good hands.”
“We’re not getting married today.”
“You already have my blessings. Congratulations in advance because there’s no reason that River would say no to you.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
When I joined River in the limousine, she eyed me suspiciously. “What did you two talk about?”
“Nosy?”
“Really? You know I don’t keep secret from you even the passwords of my accounts.”
“And have I kept anything from you? He’s just trying to be a father.”
“Okay then.” She sat straight, still wearing the yellow gown. When I met her gaze, she widened her eyes. “What?”
“You’re beautiful.”
“And?”
“A ripe pineapple.”
We burst into laughter as the limousine pulled out of the parking area toward the busy street.
“You’ll see what riper and sweeter when I take this thing off.”
“Don’t start. I can’t rip that off of you here.” I fixed my seat and thought of something horrible like that last horror movie we watched together on Netflix. It didn’t make any sense why did people fall onto that shit.
We arrived at the airport, and she started taking a selfie, showing the Selik private jet. I knew she had been looking forward to seeing this jet, and as an amazing boyfriend, I wanted to see those big eyes astonished all over again.
“I know what you’re thinking, Krew.”
“Champagne?”
“Yes, please, but let me out of this pineapple dress. I’ll be right back. I need to charge my phone too.”
“I told you to have a smart watch.” I followed her inside the suite.
“Unzip this for me. I’m not a watch girl. I don’t know, I just feel like an idiot talking to a watch.”
I couldn’t help but laugh while unzipping her dress. “A beautiful idiot. You don’t have to talk to it. Trust me. It makes your life easier.”
“Now you sound like a salesman.”
“I’m a businessman, and I’m good at what I do.” I took off my suit jacket, uncuffed the links, and rolled the sleeves up to my elbows.
“You’re good at many things.”
“I know. I could name one or two,” I whispered in her ear, causing her to gasp and shiver. “Put some clothes on before I spread you wide and use one of my many talents right here right now.” I walked out of the suite before I changed my mind and ate her instead.
Before I could sip the Champagne, she peeped her head out and called my name.
“Yeah?”
“I forgot to tell Krys not to post that video. Can I borrow your phone? Please, just ten seconds. I need the clip for my Instagram.”
“Can’t it wait until you’re dressed?”
“Please? I know Krys. She must have been posting right now.” I could sense the urgency in her voice.
“Okay.” I searched for my phone, and I remembered where it was. “It’s in my suit pocket.”
“Thanks.” She knew my passcode, and her face ID was saved on my phone.
Fuck. My heartbeat went haywire. I strode to back to the suite, and I was doomed. My plan was over. I stood frozen, and I was still at the door when I heard a gasp.
When I entered, she jumped, turned around, her hands hidden behind her back. Her eyes were wide as saucers as she swallowed.
“What is it? I’m sure as hell I don’t have nude photos saved in my phone.”
“Can I call Krys, please? Give me a moment.” She stepped back when I stepped forward.
“You found it, haven’t you?”
“Found what?”
“Come on, baby. The one in your hand right now. You’re hiding behind your back.” I gestured at her.
“Sorry.” She grinned sheepishly. “I swear I didn’t open it.”
It was now or never. I went on bent knee in front of her, causing another gasp escaped from her lips. “You’re my world, River. My life is closed to perfect, and seeing you so happy in front of your friends getting married, I know I made the right choice. I want to be your husband, baby. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Here come those damn tears again. Only this time, they were tears of happiness.
“Yes. Of course, yes!” Finally, she showed me her hands with the black velvet box.
I cupped her face, wiping those tears away. I kissed her forehead and her lips. “I love you, River Solen Rouge.” I opened the box and slid the ring into her ring finger. Perfect. It fit just right.
The timing is always perfect. I pulled her and cinched her into a warm embrace.
There was always a light at the end of the tunnel. I found my light in River. Now my life was finally complete, and I was ready to flip the page to another chapter with the woman I loved.
“I love you so much, Krew. More than the word love itself.”
***
THE END
