Dead Ends // Hugh Jackman

Epilogue + Author's Note

If you told me 2 years ago that this is where I would be, I wouldn't believe it.

My life has vastly changed. From living with Milo and working part-time as a transcriber to being a published author and being with Hugh.

At the beginning of it all, I didn't think I would amount to anything like this.

I had been fine with things how they were, but left wondering what could've been if I had just taken a chance on myself and my passion. I probably would've finished that book and Avi would have been the only one to read it if I hadn't sent it to Hugh.

Imagine how different things would be if I had taken precautions like I usually do.

One accident. That's all it took for my life to turn a complete 180°.

It's all lead up to this moment.

I'm standing in front a floor length mirror on the verge of tears. Happy tears full of pure awe and love. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this day. Of me wearing a long, flowy, cream wedding dress. The entire bodice and the off shoulder sleeves are sewn with lace. The skirt is made of a soft silky fabric. I feel like royalty, like the queen Hugh says I am. The small pearly crown on top of my carefully pinned up hair certainly makes it seem like it.

In just a few short minutes, I'll be walking down the aisle towards my person, towards Hugh. He's become everything. The epicenter of my success and growth. Of this fondness that blooms in my chest each time I think of him or am with him.

To him, I'm his anchor. What he holds onto to keep him grounded and remind him how lucky we are to share this kind of overflowing love together. To be the person he continuously chooses no matter the circumstance. He's always there, and he's proven it several times throughout the years. Being there every step of the way when I was working on my book, when our relationship went public, to proposing to me.

He's been so patient and understanding. So sweet and selfless. Before I would say I don't deserve him, but right now, as I walk out of the bridal suite, he's exactly who I'm supposed to be with.

The small train to my dress drags across the floor as I walk in the hallway to the ballroom. Inside, there are 4 rows of wooden chairs split down the middle. All decorated with the same lace I'm wearing. It's a quaint, private event. Away from the media and all that madness. In fact, they don't even know about today. It's a secret.

Hugh and I purposely hid our engagement so we could have this intimate moment between close family and friends. Who are all waiting for me, but as soon as the doors open, my gaze instinctively finds the love of my life.

Hugh's hazel eyes brighten upon seeing me, lips pulling into an earsplitting grin. My features mirror his. He's all I can focus on.

Everyone else fades away. It's just Hugh and I.

He's wearing a satin, black tuxedo with a navy pocket square. His hair is swept up in a quiff, and his salt-and-pepper beard is short but full. Those crinkles by his eyes are pronounced as he smiles widely at me.

My wedding gown glides forward with every step until I reach him. We stand in front of each other and everything blurs together. I don't even hear the officiant. Those words go in one ear and out the other. The only voice that resonates with me is Hugh's as he says his vows.

"Erin," he starts, his adoring stare not once leaving mine. "Before you, I had a routine. I'd work, go home, sleep, and repeat. I thought maybe that's just how my life was meant to be, but then you showed up in the most unlikeliest of ways. You taught me that those moments were just a pause, waiting for something bigger and better to come along.

"That something was you. You brought excitement into every part of my life that had become a familiar repetition. Every moment with you became an adventure, and I found myself looking forward to each one.

"I know that we can face anything together. We've turned obstacles into opportunities, uncertainty to certainty. You've shown me that love isn't about finding a smooth path, but about making the journey, no matter where it leads."

Hugh takes my hand in his. His final words hitting right at home as tears well up in his eyes. "Today, I vow to never give up. I promise to always keep moving forward with you by my side. You are my love, my future, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life walking this road with you."

I smile up at him warmly with tears of my own. If I could just skip the rest of the ceremony, I'd kiss him right then and there, but now it's my turn to make my promise.

Sniffling, I tighten my hold on him.

"When you proposed, you called me your dead end."

He laughs softly, slightly shaking his head at my humorous tone, but I quickly drop it, wanting my vow to be meaningful and heartfelt.

"I used to think those were times where I felt lost, unsure of where I was going, or if I'd ever find what I was looking for. I thought that's what love was for me - always winding, always out of reach.

"But you proved me otherwise. You showed me dead ends always have more to them, because they weren't endings at all. They were beginnings. Every setback turned into something beautiful. You're my dead end too, Hugh. My beginning. You've given me direction and purpose, and most importantly you've given me a love that I never imagined could exist."

My voice starts to shake, and I don't know if I'll make it through the rest of what I want to say without crying, but even if he may not understand me, I need him to know how much he means to me.

"I vow to always walk beside you, even when the road ahead seems unclear. I promise to love you through every unexpected detour, because with you, I know we’ll always find our way. I love you."

This isn't the first tear of mine today as one rolls down my cheek, but it is the most emotional.

As soon as we exchange rings, I don't wait for the officiant to tell us what to do next, because I already know.

I throw my arms around Hugh's neck and pull him close. He chuckles against my lips at my eagerness before pressing his lips tenderly to mine.

This is the first day of the rest of our lives, and we seal it with a kiss.

...

As predictable as this ending was, I want to take the time to put aside jokes and express my sincerity when I tell you how much you all have impacted my life by reading this story and leaving comments/votes. It's been a really eye-opening experience for me.

When I started this, it was because I wanted to write for myself, but in the end I was writing for you, and it made me realize that I loved creating this story, even with all its flaws, and sharing it with you. You all were so supportive and encouraging. I'm amazed by how much you believed in me as a writer. I've never written anything so quickly and so passionately, fanfiction or otherwise.

I know 'Dead Ends' is far from perfect, and it needs some really heavy editing, but it's completed! My first finished story where I wasn't overthinking every single thing and just went with what felt right, and maybe that's why this story is all over the place, but you know what I'm proud of myself, and it's because of you all.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! So, so much. I'm forever grateful for every one of you who have read this, left comments, voted, and even followed me.

Let's continue obsessing over Hugh in my next book, 'Between Then & Now'. The introduction is already up, and if you find that it's something you'd be into, and you want to continue on this adventure with me, I hope to see you there!

Here's the link to it (check the comments if you can't click on it): https://www.wattpad.com/story/376893994?utm_source=android&utm_medium=link&utm_content=story_info&wp_page=story_details_button&wp_uname=jooniper_moon

And, guess what? I'll still be updating everyday!

XO, Juniper ❣️