Chapter 44

Chapter 44
**Epilogue: Harper’s Arrival and New Beginnings**

Eight months and eleven days had passed since the chaos with Iris Lawson, and now everything was quiet, peaceful. Well, almost. In the early hours of the morning, at a small hospital near Whitehaven Beach, Colette’s cries filled the sterile room as she brought their daughter into the world.

Matt’s heart raced in his chest as he held Colette’s hand, his eyes darting from her face to the nurses scurrying around the room. He had been nervous, a strange mix of excitement and worry taking hold when Colette had gone into labor two weeks early. They had been on vacation, planning to relax before the baby’s arrival. But just like him, Harper Angelis had her own plans and couldn’t wait to make her entrance. Named after Colette's mother, who had died in an accident when Colette had been little.

“Almost there, Colette,” the doctor’s voice was steady, reassuring, but Colette was exhausted. Her body trembled with effort, her breathing ragged as she pushed with every ounce of strength she had left. Matt leaned over, kissing her forehead, whispering words of encouragement in her ear.

“You’re doing amazing, Colette. Just a little more. I’m right here with you,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, his thumb gently stroking her hand.

And then, the room was filled with the sharp, piercing cry of their newborn daughter. Harper Angelis was here.

Colette collapsed against the pillows, her body spent, tears streaming down her face as she smiled weakly at Matt. His own eyes were glistening with unshed tears as he stared at the tiny, wriggling form being placed in Colette’s arms.

“She’s perfect,” Colette whispered, her voice hoarse with exhaustion but filled with awe. Harper’s small hands waved in the air, her tiny face scrunched up, her dark eyes blinking at the new world she had just entered.

Matt couldn’t take his eyes off his daughter. He had imagined this moment a hundred times, but nothing could have prepared him for the overwhelming surge of love that hit him the instant he saw her.

The nurse came over, gently taking Harper to weigh her, and Matt’s breath caught in his throat as he watched her tiny form being carried away. But within minutes, she was back in his arms, and the world around him seemed to fall away.

“She’s so small,” he murmured, cradling Harper against his chest as he sat beside Colette on the hospital bed. The baby’s soft whimpers quieted as she nestled into him, her tiny fingers curling around the fabric of his shirt.

Colette smiled softly, watching the two of them, her heart swelling with love. “You’re a natural,” she whispered, reaching out to touch Harper’s cheek.

Matt chuckled, though his voice was thick with emotion. “She’s just like you, stubborn and impatient,” he said, pressing a kiss to the top of Harper’s head. “Couldn’t even wait for her due date.”

Hours passed, and the hospital room was finally quiet. Colette had drifted off to sleep, exhausted but content, her hand resting on the edge of Harper’s bassinet beside her. Matt stood by the window, holding Harper in his arms, swaying gently as he stared out at the beach beyond.

He looked down at the tiny face nestled against him, her little eyes closed, her breathing steady. For a moment, he felt like the world had stopped. It was just him and his daughter, the waves crashing softly in the distance, the moonlight casting a silver glow over the sand.

“I love you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “And I promise you, Harper, I’m going to give you everything. Everything I didn’t have. You’re going to grow up knowing how much you’re loved, how much you mean to us.”

He swallowed, his throat tightening with emotion as he spoke. “I’m going to teach you everything I know, make sure you’re strong, independent, and fierce. Just like your mom.” He glanced over at Colette, who was still asleep, her face peaceful. “You’re going to be loved more than you’ll ever know.”

Matt leaned down, pressing a kiss to Harper’s forehead, his heart bursting with a love he had never known was possible. “And I promise I’ll never let you or your mom down. Ever.”

He held her a little tighter, feeling her warmth against his chest, and for the first time in his life, Matt felt truly at peace. He had everything he had ever wanted right here, in his arms and lying beside him.

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**One Month Later: The Re-Wedding**

The sun was setting over Whitehaven Beach, casting a golden glow over the crystal-clear waters and soft, powdery sand. It was a breathtaking evening, the kind that made you believe in magic and second chances.

Matt stood at the edge of the beach, his heart thudding in his chest as he watched Colette walk toward him. She was barefoot, her dress flowing around her in the warm breeze, her hair cascading down her back in soft waves. A small bouquet of wildflowers was clutched in her hands, and the smile on her face was radiant.

Colette’s Aunt Beth sat near the front, her hands resting in her lap, her eyes focused intently on Colette. The seat beside her was empty, left in quiet remembrance of Colette’s Uncle, who had passed away six months ago during the winter. He had gone peacefully in his sleep, and though the grief still lingered, Aunt Beth had held strong, just as she always had. Their relationship was far from perfect, but Colette was glad to have her here.

Nearby, Roxy and her husband, Roger, sat with their son Daniel, who was trying to sit still but kept fidgeting with excitement. Matt’s siblings were scattered across the seats, smiling and laughing softly, their joy palpable. Everyone who mattered was here.

Zoe stood slightly off to the side, holding Harper, who was dressed in a tiny white dress, a mirror of her mother. The baby cooed quietly, watching the ceremony with wide, curious eyes, as if she knew something special was happening.

As Colette reached him, Matt’s breath caught in his throat. She stopped just in front of him, her eyes shimmering with love and happiness, and he couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by how beautiful she looked.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this again,” Colette whispered, her voice soft as she smiled up at him.

“I’d marry you a hundred times if I could,” Matt replied, his voice thick with emotion. He reached out, taking her hands in his, pulling her close. “Thank you, Colette. For everything. For giving me another chance. For giving me Harper. For being the love of my life.”

Tears welled up in Colette’s eyes, but her smile never wavered. “I love you, Matt. And I always will.”

Matt leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before turning his attention to the officiant. He was speaking, but Matt barely registered the words. All he could think about was how lucky he was, how grateful he felt to be standing here, surrounded by family, with the woman he loved more than anything in the world. He had everything he’d ever dreamed of—Colette, Harper, and the family they were building together.

The vows they exchanged were simple but full of meaning. Every word carried the weight of their journey, their struggles, and their triumphs. Matt vowed to protect her, to cherish her, and to love her with all that he had, just as he had promised once before. But this time, it felt deeper, more certain.

When the officiant finally pronounced them husband and wife once again, Matt pulled Colette into his arms. Their lips met in a kiss that was soft, tender, and full of promises for the future. Cheers erupted from their small circle of friends and family, but in that moment, it was as if the world had fallen away, leaving only the sound of the ocean and the steady beat of their hearts.

From Zoe’s arms, Harper giggled, her tiny voice carrying over the waves. The sound broke the trance of the moment, and Matt laughed, pulling away from the kiss to look at his daughter. He reached for her, lifting her into his arms, and Colette wrapped her arms around both of them, the three of them together in a perfect, unbreakable circle.

Looking around, Matt saw Roxy dabbing her eyes with a tissue, smiling through happy tears. Roger had Daniel perched on his lap, pointing out something in the sky, and Matt’s siblings all gathered close, laughing and congratulating them. Even Aunt Beth, sitting beside the empty chair left in honor of her husband, gave them a rare, soft smile.

She had been through so much, losing her husband just months ago, but she was holding up, as strong as ever. Colette and she had found a new way to connect, and though they didn’t always see eye to eye, their bond had grown in these past months. Beth was here, and that’s what mattered.

As Matt held Harper close, feeling the warmth of Colette against his side, he knew this was it. This was their forever—the family they had dreamed of, the love they had fought for, the life they were going to build together.

And in that moment, under the golden sunset of Whitehaven Beach, everything felt right.