rachel

epilogue

Matt is the strongest person that I know. He's overcome endless battles throughout his life and he is the most deserving of a happy ending. 

The night that Jace stabbed him was just another show of how strong he really is. No one knew the extent of Jace's abuse when they were kids. His parents were furious with him for keeping it a secret for so many years. This new knowledge of what Matt went through growing up broke them a little bit.

Jace will be gone for good this time. His future will be behind bars for a very, very long time. Matt's parent's have completely abandoned him, they refuse to take calls or to visit and the relief that Matt feels is palpable.

~one year later~

"Rach, you are stunning. You practically glow in this gown." Mary Kate side hugs me and fusses over every little detail of my dress. "I don't think that you're going to make it all the way down the aisle before Matt jumps your fucking bones." She laughs at her own joke and straightens the tiara and veil on my head.

"Well, I guess you'll have to yell at him if he tries anything." I give her a smirk, grab her hand and give it a squeeze. "Am I supposed to be this nervous? I shouldn't be this nervous."

"I was literally shitting myself with nerves. It's normal. Trust me." 

"You are so too much information all the time. You know that right?" 

"It's why you fucking love me, bitch." She smooths my veil down my back. "There! You're done. You're fucking perfect. I am so fucking good. Let's go get your man before you fuck it up."

We line up at the back of the open field. My Dad takes my hand and kisses my forehead. The music begins and we start walking.

The music changes when my Dad begins walking me down between the chairs filled with people. My eyes are glued to Matt's and I can't help but giggle when his mouth falls open a bit. He looks down at his feet and I recognize it as a sure sign that he is struggling to get control of his emotions. My heart swells to three times it's size. 

Down in front my dad shakes Matt's hand, kisses me on the cheek and places my hand in Matt's. My eyes are glued to his most perfect blues. 

"You are so beautiful." He wipes at the corner of his eye and then quickly grabs my other hand. His thumbs rub circles into the tops of my hands. The nerves running rampant through my body are immediately calmed.

We make it through the entire ceremony and our officiant tells Matt that he may kiss his bride. He pulls me into his body with an arm around my back and the other is at my cheek. He presses his lips to mine. My lips open just a little and his tongue finds it's way inside. We hear cheers and clapping all around us. He deepens the kiss and I arch my back slightly. He pulls his mouth slightly away from mine.

"I love you, Rach." He whispers this to me, his breath fanning my face. My hand finds the back of his neck and I pull him down to my lips just one more time. 

We finally break apart and look around us at our loved ones and make our way back down the aisle hand in hand. A smile plastered to my face. 

~hours later~

We are at the reception, swaying to the music of our first dance as husband and wife. His hand is on my lower back and the other holding the back of my hand to his chest. I look up at him to find his eyes. He meets my gaze with his beautiful blues.

"I love you so much, Matty." He smiles and gives me a quick peck on the lips. "I need to tell you something." 

"Oh yeah? What's that?" He doesn't miss a beat. We continue to sway to the music.

"Matty, I'm pregnant." He immediately stops, drops my hand and cradles my face with both of his. 

"What? Are you sure? We're having a baby?" His eyes search mine, and I can tell he's giddy with excitement. He kisses me so hard and so fast I didn't see it coming. I wrap my arms around to his back. The kiss is exactly what I needed. There is a faint hum around us from our guests clapping and hooting. He drops his hands from my face, drops to a knee and puts both hands on my hips. He kisses my belly and then quickly stands up. He lifts me easily and spins me around. I tilt my head back and laugh. 

When the song ends, he holds me close to his body, throws one arm up and yells,
"We're having a baby!" I can't help but giggle and smile as everyone around us explode with cheers.

I really hope that you enjoyed Rachel and Matt's story. If you really liked it please consider giving me a star and writing me a comment. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you, for reading.