Epilogue

December 31st

It was almost midnight and the twinkling lights were nearly as mesmerizing as the couple dancing under them. Adam said something into Megan’s ear, and she looked up at her new husband with such unadulterated adoration, Stella’s breath caught. The dress shimmered nearly as much as they did. With a full-bodied skirt and sweetheart bodice, it suited her friend completely. Adam looked every bit the charming prince in his black tuxedo. Stella felt like her heart actually sighed.

She didn’t have to believe in miracles or fairy tales to know that magic was real. It was right there in front of her with Adam and Megan. As a hand snaked around her own stomach and she was pulled tight to Zach’s body, she acknowledged that it was right behind her as well. His lips touched the outer shell of her ear, which he had easy access to thanks to the fancy upswept hairstyle she was sporting.

“We going to join them out there, Doc?”

Stella shivered. “To dance?”

Zach’s rumble of laughter traveled over every inch of her body. She’d laughed more, smiled more with him than she could remember doing in a long time.

“I think we do anything more than that out there, we’d steal the spotlight.”

Pressing her hand over Zach’s on her stomach, she bit her lip as he swayed softly side to side, his front glued to her back. A perfect fit. She hadn’t been thinking about dancing, but more, the idea of first dances and twinkling lights. The thought both excited and terrified her in equal measure.

“Do you want to dance?” he asked, his breath tickling her skin.

Declan walked onto the dance floor holding the hand of a tall blond Stella didn’t recognize. She smiled, thinking how not long ago, she’d been as adamant as Adam’s best friend about not needing love or promises. Now, she wanted both and she wanted to give them.

Turning in Zach’s arms, she pushed her own up around his neck and stared into the eyes that had sucked her in from the moment she saw him.

“I do. I want to dance with you. Tonight, and any other night we can. But mostly…” She went up on her tiptoes and Zach scooped her closer.

“Mostly what, babe?”

He’d taken so many chances on her and too many times, she’d pulled away, scared to want too much. It was her turn to take a chance and give him the truth. And she wasn’t even scared.

He ran his nose along hers and she smiled, giving in to her heart. “Mostly, I want to dance with you at our own wedding.”

Zach’s eyes widened, and his fingers tightened, digging into her skin through her dress. “Don’t mess with me, Doc.” His voice was husky and low.

Stella laughed. “I wouldn’t.”

His fingers loosened, but his hold didn’t. The music swelled around them, but everything fell away. All she could see was the hunger and happiness and love in his eyes.

“Just to make sure I’m not misunderstanding, you’re asking me to marry you, Doc?”

Her cheeks hurt from smiling. “You did say all I had to do was ask.”

“I did, and I meant it. There’s nothing I want more.”

“That’s a yes?” Her heart thundered in her chest.

Zach’s forehead lowered to hers and his eyes closed just for a minute. “It’s an absolutely-as-soon-as-possible hell yes.”

She went on tiptoe to kiss him, but he pulled back slightly. “I didn’t bring the ring.”

“You have a ring?” A swarm of butterflies took flight in her stomach.

“Damn right I do. I think I fell in love with you about two seconds after I entered the clinic. Even before we straightened things out, I knew I wanted you to be my wife, my partner, my forever.”

Tears burned, and she didn’t try to stop them. Nodding as one slipped down her cheek, she whispered, “I love you. You’re everything I never knew I wanted or needed.”

They stayed there, staring at each other, laughter and love surrounding them as they basked in their own happiness. Stella rested her head against his solid chest, listening to his heart for a few minutes, absorbing the feel of his arms around her waist. This was home. Pulling back, she looked up at him.

“I thought of something I want more,” she said.

His eyebrow arched. “More than marrying me?”

She nodded, and he stared, kept staring while Stella smiled at him, wondering if he’d guess.

“There’s only one thing I can think of that I want as badly as I want you to be my wife.”

She grinned. Yeah. They were good partners. She might even say they were meant to be.

His hand slid down her back, across her hip, and he swept the back of it along her belly and his eyes glanced up, full of tenderness, passion, and love. Flutters erupted and her heart spasmed so hard she was surprised she could breathe through it.

“You want to have babies with me, Doc?” His words were whispered, but she heard him just fine.

“I do.” She wanted it all. With him. Their very own version of happily ever after.

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