YOU

Epilogue (Hayley)

It was a sunny day. I walked down the rows of benches of the church. Jake stood on the altar in his perfect looking LAPD uniform while I was in a dress that matched the color of his uniform. I was walked down the aisle by Cassandra. I got onto the altar and stood besides the priest parallel to him. The priest then began the ceremony before we got to the vows. Jake went first. 

"Hayley...

From the moment we met, I knew there was something about you that I couldn't quite shake. It was more than your smile, more than your eyes—though, let's be honest, they got me good. It was the way you made me feel like I'd finally found home. Like every twist, every turn, every tough day led me to you. I've spent so much of my life looking for answers, solving puzzles, figuring out what comes next. But with you, everything falls into place. You're my partner, my best friend, the one person who can make me laugh even when the world feels like it's falling apart. You've seen me at my best, and you've seen me at my worst. And no matter what, you've stayed. You made me realize what love truly is—not just the good times, but the hard ones too. It's in the way you hold me when words fail, the way you challenge me to be better, the way you're there, unwavering, when I need you the most. Today, I vow to give you everything I have. To protect your heart like it's the most precious thing in the world because it is. I promise to listen, even when the words are hard. To stand by your side through every storm. To cherish every quiet moment and fight for us in the loud ones. I'll never be perfect, but I swear to love you with everything I am, always. You are, and will always be, my home." By the time he finished, I had tears of happiness in my eyes. I cleared my throat and then began. "Jake...

From the first time I saw you, I knew my life would never be the same. You walked into my world, and everything just made sense. I didn't know it then, but you were the missing piece. The one who could calm the storms in my heart and make me believe in forever. We've been through so much together. There have been times when life didn't make it easy, but you've been my constant. My anchor. The one I turn to when I feel lost, and the one who reminds me to laugh when the weight of the world feels heavy. You see me—the real me. Not the version I try to show the world, but all of me. The parts that are still scared, still figuring things out, still healing. And you love me anyway. That's a gift I'll never be able to repay, but I promise I will spend every day trying. I vow to love you not just for who you are now, but for the person you'll continue to grow into. I promise to always have your back, to be your partner in every adventure, your shoulder when you need support. I vow to listen to you, to lift you up when you feel low, and to laugh with you, even when the joke's terrible. We may not know what the future holds, but I know this—whatever comes, we'll face it together. You are my forever, Jake, and I'm so ready to write the rest of our story together. I love you. Always." I said as tears rolled down my cheeks. Jake instantly wiped them. "By the powers vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." The priest said. I stepped close to Jake. He delicately pressed his lips against mine in a soft kiss that screamed of love. The audience cheered and clapped while some whistled. After we broke the kiss, Jake lifted me in his arms and carried me out to the steps. He then smiled. "I love you babe." He said. I warmly smiled. "I love you too darlin'." I replied. He then took me to a Harley Davidson waiting nearby. He placed me down on my feet, straddled the bike seat, and then started the bike. The engine roared to life. I got on the bike. The guests nearby were happy and smiling. Jake's family had happy tears in their eyes. After our goodbyes, Jake started the ride into a new tomorrow