Epilogue
Elena’s P.O.V
4 years later
“Do you, Knight Blaze Tyson, take Vanessa Kristoff to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Vanessa Kristoff, take Knight Blaze Tyson to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”
“I do.”
“With the exchange of your wedding rings, I now pronounce you, man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Cheers and hoots went up all around us as Knight held Vanessa in his arms, dipped her and stole a passionate kiss.
Soft, tiny hands patted my cheeks and I looked down into bright blue eyes staring back at me from a face that looked familiar to Knight. Azriel David Tyson was only three but he had a sharp mind and looks that already made him popular. My baby boy was going to grow up to be a real heart breaker.
“Mommy…why is daddy kissing aunty Venne?” Azriel asked in his adorable baby voice, eyes wide with curiosity.
“Because Aunty Vanessa is now his wife.” I told my son, kissing him gently on his chubby little cheeks.
“Wife?” He tilted his head to the side, still unfamiliar with the dynamics of our relationship.
“Yes, just like I am your papa’s wife.” I explained to him as best as I could for his age. “When two people, who love each other very much, decide to get married, they become husband and wife.”
“Yes! Papa loves you very much! He gives you kissies!” Azriel clapped his hands, relating kisses to couples.
Knight’s sister Kareena sat next to me with her baby girl on her lap. Lily was the same age as Azriel but they didn’t get along all that well, because…cooties! It was always fun to watch the kids fight but we were sure that they would become fast friends when they grew up. Kareena had also moved on in her life and was now working as the managing director for Tyson Inc. She hadn’t dated after her divorce from Emanuel, who was still rotting in prison, but she was happy with the life she had now and we were all happy for her.
After the cake cutting and first dances were over, I walked over to the dining area with my son, hearing a few whispers along the tables as to who I was and why did my baby look so much like Knight. I decided to ignore the rumors and head to the cake, cutting a piece big enough so that both me and my baby boy could have some before we got lunch.
The wedding was in an outdoor setting with the beach within sight and plenty of greenery around. It reminded me of my wedding last year. I had chosen a traditional church and the wedding had been perfect, but looking at this venue makes me want to get married twice.
“Elena!”
I turned back to look at the newly married couple heading in my direction. Knight was the first person to give me a hug, followed by Vanessa, while Knight leaned down and scooped Azriel up in his arms and gave him a kiss on both cheeks.
“Daddy!” Azriel laughed, holding on to his collar.
“Hey, little man!” Knight nuzzled his nose against his. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come visit you this past month.”
“It’s okay daddy.” Azriel smiled. “Papa said you were busy.”
“Did he now?” Knight smiled. “Are you having fun with papa?”
“Yes! Papa is always fun!” Azriel exclaimed happily. “He even said I’ll have a baby brother or sister to play with soon!”
Knight’s head whipped towards me, his eyes wide. “You’re pregnant?”
“Little devil.” I mock frowned at Azriel but he just laughed. Turning to Knight with one hand on my stomach and another holding Vanessa, I confirmed, “Three months. I just found out two weeks ago.”
“Congratulations!” Vanessa gave me another hug. “I’m so happy for you!”
When Knight first introduced me to Vanessa, half a year after Azriel was born; we had instantly hit it off. Over time we had become best friends and even though I shared a baby with Knight, she never felt jealous. Instead, she loved Azriel just as much as me and Knight. It was a good thing that everything had worked out for us in the end or attending this wedding would’ve been super awkward.
“Congrats!” Knight gave me a one-armed hug as Azriel was still in his arms. “But where is your husband?”
“He had an urgent business meeting today, but he should be here any minute now.” I told him and Azriel yelled ‘papa’ right at that instant.
I looked towards the entrance to the wedding venue to meet beautiful grey eyes. He had changed into a cherry red suit jacket and trousers paired with a black shirt underneath, to match with my red dress and Azriel’s black suit.
“Landon!” Knight waved at him and the two men shared a man-hug before Azriel jumped into his arms.
“Congratulation, man.” Landon told Knight. “Sorry I’m late.”
“I believe congratulations are in order for you two as well.”
“Found out?” Landon smiled his devastating smile.
“Just did.” Knight grinned and we all headed to the dining table.
Actually, it was no surprise that Landon and I ended up together. He had never left my side since the day I came back and even though we had our differences and it took a while for me to trust him once again, he never once complained. He was this silent presence beside me who was constantly there whenever I needed him. Turns out, I had never really gotten over him in the first place.
And the biggest plus I had been that Landon loved Azriel just as much as I did. I had my doubts that Landon might not be happy since Azriel wasn’t his son, but the bond between the two was nothing less than father and son. When Azriel had been a baby, he would fall asleep in Landon’s arms most nights and it had been such a relief when I had been suffering from post-partum depression. It was at that moment that I had realized that Landon had always loved me and he would always be there for me.
Landon was my first love and I hoped that he was my last as well. And while all of us sat down at the dining table, talking about the wedding, Landon entwined his fingers with mine while feeding a piece of cake to Azriel. And in that moment, I knew I had found my forever.
------End-----
N.B- Some people might not like the ending to the story, but this is to everyone who doesn't. Life is unpredictable and doesn't always go according to plan, but the most important thing is to always choose happiness, no matter at what stage you are in your life. And a relationship is based on trust, so if it starts on a lie, you will never be happy. And co-parenting is a very common phenomenon that needs to be brought to light as well. So, yes, the might not be for everyone, but this is my sincere message to everyone, always choose your happiness, because if you aren't happy, no one else will be.