Trust in Her Tricks

Epilogue: A Love Sealed in Time

The warm spring air buzzed with laughter and conversation, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the garden where Ethan and Eris's wedding ceremony had just taken place. Rows of chairs faced a beautifully decorated arch, draped with cherry blossoms and peonies. It was the perfect backdrop for a day filled with love and celebration.

Ethan stood by the archway, which was draped in delicate cherry blossoms, waiting for the evening's festivities to begin. He glanced at Eris, now his wife, radiant in her wedding dress as she spoke with guests nearby.

The past few hours had flown by in a blur of vows, congratulations, and the occasional tear. Now, surrounded by their loved ones, it was finally starting to sink in for Ethan—he was married to the love of his life. The weight of that realization sent a warm rush of pride and contentment through him.

"Feels surreal, doesn't it?" a familiar voice said beside him.

Ethan turned to see Lucy, formerly Lucas, smiling at him. She was wearing a flowing lavender dress, her makeup done perfectly to match her glowing skin. This was the first time she'd been to such a big event since transitioning, and Ethan couldn't help but feel immense pride for his friend. She looked radiant, happy, and entirely comfortable in her skin.

Ethan grinned. "It really does. I can't believe it's all real."

Lucy chuckled, leaning in slightly. "Well, you better believe it. You're officially hitched now."

He laughed, feeling a sense of ease wash over him. Lucy's journey over the past year had been inspiring to watch. She had faced challenges, but her bravery and sense of self had only grown stronger. Ethan was glad she was here to witness this moment, and even happier to see her thrive.

"I'm glad you're here, Lucy. It wouldn't have been the same without you," Ethan said earnestly.

She gave him a playful nudge. "You know I wouldn't miss this for the world. And besides, someone's got to keep an eye on you."

Before Ethan could respond, the soft clinking of silverware on glasses filled the air, signaling that it was time for the best man's speech. Ethan's stomach did a little flip as he saw Juan make his way to the front, microphone in hand and a grin on his face. The crowd quieted, all eyes on him.

Juan stood under the glow of twinkling string lights, glancing briefly at Ethan with a look that said I've got this. He cleared his throat before speaking.

"Alright, for those of you who don't know me, I'm Juan Martinez—Ethan's best man and lifelong friend. Now, I've had the pleasure of watching Ethan grow from an awkward teenager with terrible jokes into an even more awkward adult with... still terrible jokes."

Laughter erupted from the crowd, including Ethan and Eris, both chuckling at the familiar teasing.

"But seriously," Juan continued, a warm smile on his face, "I've known Ethan for a long time. I've seen him through everything—the highs and lows, the moments when life didn't make sense, and the ones where everything seemed to fall perfectly into place. And through it all, there's one thing that's always been true: Ethan loves with his whole heart."

Juan's gaze softened as he looked toward Eris. "When Eris came into his life, something changed. I saw him light up in a way I'd never seen before. She brought out the best in him—challenged him, made him laugh more, and helped him trust again. She became his safe place, and I think we all saw how deeply they care for each other."

Ethan felt a lump in his throat, Juan's words hitting close to home. He glanced at Eris, who had tears shimmering in her eyes as she smiled back at him.

Juan continued, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "Eris, you've been a rock for Ethan. You've shown him what it means to be loved for exactly who he is, flaws and all. And that's something all of us here admire about you—you love fiercely, just like Ethan."

He paused, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Now, I'm not saying everything's going to be easy. You two are stubborn as hell, and I know there will be moments where you drive each other crazy. But you've already proven that no matter what comes your way, you can face it together."

Juan lifted his glass, his smile wide and genuine. "So here's to Ethan and Eris—two people who are better together than they ever were apart. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and a lifetime of terrible puns."

The crowd cheered and raised their glasses, the sound of clinking glasses ringing out. Ethan could feel the warmth of the moment as Juan stepped down and returned to his side. Ethan pulled him into a tight hug, his emotions catching up with him.

"Thank you," Ethan said, his voice thick with gratitude. "That was perfect."

Juan clapped him on the back. "Of course, man. Wouldn't have it any other way."

As the reception continued with dancing, food, and celebration, Ethan looked around at the people who had shaped his life. He watched Lucy laughing with friends, twirling on the dance floor with carefree joy. She had come so far, and seeing her finally live her truth made Ethan's heart swell with pride.

And then there was Eris, his wife, glowing with happiness as she joined him on the dance floor. Her smile—so warm and full of love—told him everything he needed to know.

This was what they had fought for, what they had dreamed of: a life filled with love, supported by the people who mattered most.

With Juan as his best man and Lucy by their side, Ethan and Eris had started their new chapter. And no matter what challenges came their way, he knew they would face them together—just as they always had.