Epilogue

Three weeks later, Eliza stood by a window in the church, watching a light snow fall. She turned as Piper raced into the room, Ben and Ming at her heels.

“It’s snowing,” Piper proclaimed.

“I see that.”

“It makes the day more beautiful, like God is sending you kisses.”

“What a lovely thought,” Eliza said, bending to kiss Piper on the forehead.

“Are you ready to go?” Agatha asked, beautiful in a gown of shimmering blue. “I think Hamilton’s getting a bit anxious.”

“Can I call you Mama now?” Piper suddenly asked. “I know it’s not time, but Ben calls you that, and I just wanted to know if it would be all right if I did the same.”

“Of course you may call me Mama,” Eliza said, blinking back yet another round of tears at how lovely her life had turned. “You are the best daughter a mother could ever hope for, and I love you more than you will ever know.”

“Don’t start crying,” Piper ordered. “You’ll ruin your look.”

“Who is crying?” Gloria asked, bustling into the room and coming to a sudden stop when she got a look at Eliza. “Oh, you are so beautiful,” she wailed, dissolving into tears.

“She is indeed,” Mrs. Watson agreed, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.

“Why is everyone crying?” Ben asked.

“That’s what families do at happy events,” Agatha told him.

“Come on, everyone out,” Grayson said, holding open the door as he caught Eliza’s eye.

“Grayson, Ben wants Ming to walk down the aisle with him,” Eliza told her brother.

“Are you sure?” Grayson asked.

“She’s part of our family, and besides, I’ve learned not to argue with Ben when he really wants something.”

Grayson cleared his throat as he watched Ben grab on to Ming’s hand and tug her to their place in line before turning back to Eliza. “This is what you want, isn’t it?”

Eliza smiled. “I’m not changing my mind, Gray. I love Hamilton.”

“Good, because I think he’s perfect for you.”

As Grayson walked her down the aisle a few moments later, Eliza’s breath caught in her throat when she got her first glimpse of Hamilton. He was more handsome than ever in his formal attire, and she still found it hard to believe he was soon to be hers.

Hamilton took her hand when they reached the end of the aisle. Grayson placed a kiss on her cheek and stepped back. The hair stood up on the nape of Eliza’s neck when Hamilton leaned forward and smiled at her.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered and then surprised her by sending her a wink.

She couldn’t help it; she grinned.

The minister beamed at them as he had them repeat their vows, and with every word spoken, Eliza’s grin grew wider. Hamilton returned it and much to her delight, they were soon pronounced man and wife.

“You may kiss the bride,” the minister encouraged.

“Finally,” Piper said loudly, causing everyone to laugh.

When Hamilton’s lips claimed hers, Eliza realized her life was complete, just as she realized God had never deserted her. He had shown her the way back from despair and given her a precious family to call her own along with a precious gift . . . the gift of love.