Epilogue
Cosette was amazed at what Rachel and Mar pulled together in a day. There were chairs arranged on the sand of Destin Beach and facing the ocean, and a beautiful wedding arch was covered in fresh white and pink flowers. She loved her fitted white lace dress, and as she clutched a bouquet of pale blue and pink in one hand and her father’s hand in the other, she could only feel gratitude for her friend and future sister-in-law for making this happen. Cosette had never dreamt about a huge, fancy wedding. She’d only dreamt of being with Isaac.
She could see him over the heads of the seated crowd, standing tall and handsome next to his string of brothers. He stared across the people to the spot where she waited. With a beach wedding, there was nowhere for her to hide. She didn’t care. She wanted Isaac to see her. He accepted and loved her, every bit.
Isaac’s darling niece, Paisley, skipped down the aisle, throwing rose petals pell-mell. Everyone laughed and oohed over how cute she was. Eve went down the aisle, and Rachel followed her.
It was Mar’s turn. She smacked Cosette on the rear and muttered, “Watch me wow those Jewel boys.”
“All but Isaac,” Cosette whispered back.
Mar winked. “Don’t worry. He doesn’t know another woman is alive.”
Cosette laughed as Mar walked away. She noticed that Luke’s gaze locked with Mar’s, and it didn’t look like either of them wavered. Ooh, she’d love for those two to get together.
Her dad tucked her hand through his elbow and smiled down at her. “I wish your mom could be here.”
Cosette nodded, but peace washed over her. “She’s here.”
He studied her, then nodded as well. “You’re right. You ready?”
“Yes.” She’d never been more ready.
They walked sedately up the sandy aisle, her heels sinking with each step, but it didn’t bother her. Nothing could bother her as she met Isaac’s blue gaze, which was warm with love for her and full of promise of how their time together would be. They might not have as much time together as they wanted, but she’d savor each moment she got.
Her dad gave her away, and she kissed his cheek. She handed her bouquet off to Mar and then put both her hands in Isaac’s. As she did, she felt another surge of the same warm peace of her mom was watching over their union, this time telling her that this was right. Isaac’s warm hands would steady her and love her. She was safe and loved, even if she was a crazy chemist. Isaac loved her for her, especially the whimsical, funny parts, and she loved every inch of him.