Chasing Jupiter ✔️

Epilogue

Five Years Later

Standing in front of the floor length mirror of my hotel room with a permanent smile on my face. Laci just finished my hair and was now working on Callie's hair. My almost five year old niece was squirming in her seat.

My hair was styled into a beautiful messy bun, my makeup was a simple Smokey eye and a bold red lip. My choker and necklace from Archer still delicately around my neck. Engagement ring flashing on my finger. White converse with blue laces.

I looked and felt perfect.

I couldn't stop staring at myself in the mirror. My gown was perfect. A gorgeous mix of black and white. Full mesh black sleeves that had the most intricate lace on them. The lace went through the back, making the dress appears backless. It was tight to the waist, then flowed out from there in a beautiful white to black ombré. All tied together at the waist with a white bow in the back.

From behind me I could feel Laci placing my black veil into my hair. I was officially a bride, this time it was on my own terms.

Over the last five years I completed my online classes, finishing the semester I had missed. After a makeshift graduation ceremony I went to the local college to get my business and automotive degrees. Archer stuck true to his hopes and studied for his degree as a grief therapist. He took online classes and graduated last year.

Archer and I ended up buying a plot of land just outside of town, close to our still secret cliff side. We built our house there, a cute two story four bedroom house. I also finally purchased the old shop I had been saving up for. Spending nearly a year renovating it to my liking.

Archer held true to his word and helped me pick up the broken pieces that I was when I came back. Always holding my hand reminding me that he was there for me. Everyone was there for me. The nightmares don't happen as often, but on occasion I still can't do certain things alone. And that's okay because I now know that I don't need to be alone to do the things I want.

My mother's court case went better than I expected. Everyone involved was charged with drug trafficking, possession with intent to sell, kidnapping, and my mother was also charged with second degree murder. She would be in prison for the rest of her days, they all would. All of her money was split between Alex and I, and let me tell you my grandkids will have enough money to never work a day in their lives.

With some of that money I finally bought the shop I had been dreaming about. Spending months renovating it to being the shop of my dreams. Although Archer got his own degree in the psych field that doesn't stop him from spending most of his afternoons and evenings helping me in my shop.

Alex officially retired from the army, and now works along side my dad at the police station. My dad got a major promotion and was now the chief of police. Andrew and William (who got married two years ago) of finally moved to Washington a year after everything happened. They bought a house a few blocks away from my dads house.

"Jupiter it's time." My dad cuts me off. "Lets do this!" I walk out of the room with confidence. Never once did I falter, or worry about tripping. I was one hundred percent ready. "Now Callie do it as we practiced okay?" Laci reminds her daughter handing her the little basket with flower petals in it. "Okay momma." William, Andrew and Mac also waiting for us. Mac was Archers best man, William was his groomsman. Laci and Andrew were tied as my Matron and Man of honor. Titles didn't really matter to us anyways.

The doors open and I only see him. There he was in all his glory standing at the alter, looking completely edible in his suit. I could see the tears in his eyes from here. Tears of joy. The walk down was agonizingly slow. The soft sound of 'marry me' by Jason Derulo playing in the background. Reaching the front my dad places my hand in his hand, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek before taking his seat. "We are gathered here today-" I tune out the preacher, only staring at the tear filled man infront of me. "The couple has decided to write their own vows." Tunes me back to reality.

"I'm not going to lie to you and tell you I wrote anything down. But I believe, especially in moments like this that it fair to speak from the heart. Jupiter I've loved you since the moment I met you. It just took me a bit to figure it out." He pauses and we both chuckled.

"You are my sun, moon, stars, galaxy, and beyond. My Jupiter. My princess. I promise to always love you, to cherish you, and to remind you of my love for you every single day for the rest of my life. You make every moment feel like hours, yet I still feel like forever isn't enough time with you. I love you so much." He gently grabs my face in his hands. "I love you so much it hurts princess. A few years back when I thought I'd lost you, it was in that moment I decided that if god ever gave me the chance to get you back I'd never let you go again. And you best believe I'm keeping good on that word to the big man upstairs." I laugh trying to hold in the tears as he speaks again. "Princess you're my world and I can't wait to spend the rest of my natural born life with you by my side, as husband and wife. I love you."

He slides the wedding band onto my finger. Only this time the object doesn't feel foreign, it feels perfect. I just wanted to kiss him now. But the preacher nodded to me that it was my turn.

"Wow you really know how to sweet talk a girl." I giggle wiping a stray tear away. I glance down at the paper in front of me, the words written not even enough for what I want to say. "I spent hours writing these vows, pouring my heart onto the paper. But even looking at the words now I realize that words aren't enough to describe to you how important you are to me." I crumple the paper tossing it over my shoulder. "I still remember clear as day standing in a very similar situation five years ago. Wanting nothing more than for the man who was in front of me to be you." We both glance at Andrew, who flashes a million dollar smile at us. "And now here we are. You are my every waking moment, my reason to breathe easily. You took a broken girl who only cares about her car and turned her into someone capable of loving someone. So for that I want to thank you." I pause taking a deep breath.

"Archer I promise to love you with all of my heart, mind, body, and soul for the rest of our lives. I promise to be by your side cheering you on in the good times, and to hold you close during the bad. I promise to always hold your hand as we walk this life together. Just as you held mine when I was picking up the pieces. I promise to always be a smart ass, and occasionally put pineapple on your pizza to keep things interesting."

Archer mock glares at me, but I could see the happiness in his eyes clear as day. "I promise to fight for you every single day forever and ever. Because I truly am nothing without you. I love you so much and I just want to remind you of that every single day." Shakily I slide the wedding band on his finger, smiling up at him as he interlocks our fingers.

"By the power vested in me, in the great state of Washington, under the unity of god. I now pronounce you husband and wife." The preacher drawls out, taking his sweet time. Looking between us he smiles. "You may now kiss your bride."

"About god damn time." Archer whispers smashing his lips to mine.

I got so lost in the kiss that it wasn't until the roaring cheers from our wedding guests that we jumped apart. After pulling away we walk up the aisle hand in hand, all our guest clapping and whooping.

"Before we go to the reception I need to show you something." I tug his hand upstairs to our room for the night. After Archer left this morning I made sure he wasn't allowed upstairs for any reason. "Close your eyes Mr. Michaels." I whisper in his ear opening the door. "Anything for you Mrs. Michaels." I lightly push him in closing the door. "Open."

Archer opens his eyes and audibly gasps. "Princess are you telling me..." He trails off turning to face me. I nod smiling at him. "Surprised?" He nods his mouth agape, dropping to his knees kissing my stomach. On the bed I put the positive pregnancy test, a blue and pink onesie, blue and pink balloons, and the ultrasound photo I had gotten last week.

"Hi baby, it's daddy. I can't wait to meet you." I slowly drop to my knees kissing my husband. "I love you so much."

He mutters. "I love you too."