Epilogue
Two years later…
“You look beautiful.” Cole cradled Leah’s face in his hands, softly kissing her lips.
“We’re not at that part yet, you two,” Pastor Hill said.
The congregation at Piedmont Valley Church laughed as Cole pulled away from Leah. She didn’t mind that he caved and kissed her before it was time. She glided down the aisle on her father’s arm, locking eyes with her husband to be. By the time she made it to the altar, kissed her father’s cheek, he lifted her veil from her face and kissed her lips. She didn’t mind at all.
“Sorry, Pastor Hill.” Cole clasped Leah’s hands in his, as the wedding ceremony officially started.
Leah smiled and his upturned face made her knees weak, but she stood firm on her feet.
“You may start with your vows, Leah,” Pastor Hill said.
Lifting her chin, she gazed into Cole’s eyes. “Cole, if someone would have told me I would fall in love with you, I would have said they were crazy. Our friendship was too precious to risk, but now I love the fact we started as friends. While our days aren’t perfect, they’re worth every minute.”
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
Leah’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I love you so much. I vow from this day forward to love you no matter what. You have my support, trust, fidelity, and my heart. I choose you.”
Cole cleared his throat. “I love you, Leah Renee Morris. No matter where life takes me in my travels, know I’ll always come back to you. I vow to you today my love, support, trust, and fidelity until I take my last breath.”
With that, Pastor Hill moved onto the rings, and Leah and Cole exchanged vows putting them on each other. Following a final blessing, Pastor Hill pronounced the couple man and wife. Cole wasted no time kissing Leah, wrapping his arms around her waist. She rested her hands on his shoulders as her heart pounded. He moved his mouth lightly over hers but then deepened it, stealing her breath. The world around him faded like a dream as her one true love was holding her. She was his bride. His wife.
“I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Cole Parsons,” Pastor Hill said.
The congregation applauded as Cole gave her one last peck to her lips. He clutched her hand in his, as they sauntered down the aisle. After the couple made it to the limo outside, he assisted her inside the limo.
Leah removed her veil as a dull headache surfaced. “This was hurting.”
“You look amazing.”
She faced him, his eyes sparkling with warmth. “We’re really married?”
“Yes, Mrs. Parsons, we’re married.” He scooted closer for another kiss. Leah was thankful the divider blocked the driver’s vision.
“You know what I can’t wait for?” she asked.
“The red velvet cake at the reception?”
She pointed at him, but he only took her hand in his.
“I can’t either, to tell you the truth.”
She then rested her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe we’re going to Rome for our honeymoon.”
He stroked her arm. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”
“You left the brochure on your desk in your office.”
“Which you were ‘cleaning’ for no apparent reason.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine, I was snooping. I was only getting my things settled for when I move into your place.”
He kissed her temple. “It’s okay. I love you anyway.”
“I love you too. Do you think Seth will propose to Celeste?”
Cole shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know for sure, but he said he hated leaving her behind for his book tour. I can’t believe my brother is a best-selling author.”
Leah nuzzled closer to him. “I’m glad he’s happy.”
“Me too.”
“Are you happy?” She leaned her head back.
He met her gaze and cupped her cheek. “I’m more than happy.” He kissed her lips only for a moment and then cradled her closer to his chest. She shut her eyes, basking in his fresh manly scent. For the rest of her life, she would love that scent. Then Leah jerked back, turning her body to face the window.
“Stop here, please,” she said into the intercom.
“What for? We can’t be late for our own reception.” Cole’s eyebrows etched together.
“Just for a moment, please?” She gave him her puppy dog eyes.
His shoulders sagged. “Okay, only for a moment.” The limo came to a stop.
She grabbed the door handle. “Besides, we’re the guests of honor.”
Leah walked to her beloved fountain with Cole behind her. The wind picked up, causing her loose curls to float in the breeze and the hem of her dress to levitate. He came up beside her, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Grateful for the secret pocket in her dress, Leah took out a quarter.
“What’s that for? A wish?” Cole asked.
She faced him. “I never told you this, but…” she held up her coin. “I made a wish here two years ago. I stood in this same spot heartbroken and afraid that I would never find true love. After I made my wish though, I decided maybe I needed time for myself.”
“Was it worth it?”
“Yes, because it gave me you.” She stared at her quarter. “I want to make one final wish. I know it’s a legend, but the sentiment means a lot to me. I want to share my wish with you.”
“What is it?”
“That you and I will love each other always. No matter what happens, may our love keep us together.”
His grin grew on his face as he grabbed a piece of the coin with her. Then he gestured his head to the fountain. “Shall we?”
Leah grinned, and they tossed the coin in the water together. They each leaned over to watch it sink to the bottom. Cole wrapped an arm around her waist as she touched a hand to his chest.
“Silly, huh?” she said.
“It’s our secret.”
She cupped his cheek this time, grazing her fingers in his stubble. “I love you so much.”
His hands splayed over her back. “I love you too.”
Cole kissed her as the sound of the water gurgled behind them. Leah coiled her arms around him, teasing the nape of his neck with her fingers. She couldn’t have asked for a happier ending.
###
Thank you for taking the time to read my
book! If you enjoyed Wish for Love, please leave a review at
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Best Regards,
Daria
About the Author
Daria started writing as a teenager. Since she loves romance novels, she figured why not write them too? She graduated with a degree in health care management, so writing was not in the cards for her. It’s rare that you won’t catch her reading. Aside from that, she loves Turner Classic Movies, Hallmark/Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, Pilates, the piano, and chocolate.
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Thank you from Daria
I really appreciate you taking the time to read my book. I only meant writing to be a hobby. For a long time I wanted to be a doctor and even had the opportunity to be a singer. Despite this, my passion for reading took over. I never thought about publishing until college. Even then I wasn’t convinced to do it. Eventually I took a risk, and it’s the most vulnerable state I’ve ever been in, but people enjoy my work. So, I intend to write more for those who will love my stories.
Thank you so much! Again, if you enjoyed this story, please take a few minutes to leave a review. If it’s only a few words, it’s perfectly fine with me. Unbelievably, it helps other readers to decide if they want to read my work or not.
I look forward to sharing the next story with you. There’s more to come!
God Bless,
Daria
Shout outs!
www.firstediting.com (Thank you Christine!)
www.viladesign.net (Tatiana as always you deliver the perfect cover every time)