TENACITY

EPILOGUE

"You don't need me to survive, but you chose me anyway because you wanted me, you loved me. And if that doesn't make this devil gleeful, I don't know what will. You are so vital to me that I would sacrifice anything to see you smile at me every morning, to be the first person you say good morning to and the last one you say goodnight to.

"So, please, let me also love you even more than before, in every way. Be the one to love this selfish man. Let our children grow up surrounded by love, and always know that, although the kids are a priority, you will forever be my top priority. I cannot bear to lose you, and I don't care if it sounds caveman-ish; I just want to love you. So, please, say yes."

The crowd erupted in collective "awws," and Trey, feeling vulnerable for sharing such personal sentiments, couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Nonetheless, the officiant continued, asking for the rings.

Their twin children emerged from the back row, each holding a plush-looking box. They exchanged a confused glance and then looked up at Ashley. She said, "Go on, sweeties; give them to mommy and daddy."

With that simple command, they sprang into action, racing down the aisle, their excitement contagious. Jason caught them before they could tumble, instructing them to walk, but this only added fuel to the fire.

Winslet, the wilder of the two, placed her ring box on the ground and began running around it. Rhett followed suit, causing laughter among the guests. Jason intervened again, asking them to stand still, and realized only then that they were dizzy.

They ended up falling on their butt's, Rhett even lying on the ground, and Winslet joined him, giggling uncontrollably while playing with Rhett's hair.

Their small group of guests thoroughly enjoyed the kids' antics, and Trey suspected he would hear about this for a long time. Their videographer captured the scene, ensuring they'd have precious memories to show the kids when they were older.

Finally, Rhett stood up, attempting to brush off his tiny suit of dirt. Winslet held out a hand and he took it, pulling her up with both of his, then tried to fix her hair, albeit not very successfully.

After clearing the petals from their hair, Winslet picked up the ring boxes, handing one to Rhett. They both eagerly gave Lexi and Trey their respective boxes. "Thank you," Trey and Lexi both expressed their gratitude, sharing kisses in return—two kisses for each of them.

In the midst of the excitement, Rhett was momentarily distracted when he noticed the bouquet that Sierra was holding. Pure joy bubbling within him, and he let go of his mom's legs to make his way towards Sierra.

With a joyous smile, Rhett reached out and plucked six flowers from the bouquet. He didn't know much of counting and couldn't care less; he was too caught up in the moment. Instead, he rushed back to his family, distributing the flowers with enthusiasm.

One went to Lexi, who somehow managed to tuck it into her hair, while another found its place in Trey's suit's front pocket. Both parents bent down to kiss their son, and Rhett blushed in response, overwhelmed by the affection.

Winslet, who had been observing with longing eyes, immediately lit up when Rhett presented her with a flower. She pressed it to her nose, inhaled its fragrance, and muttered, "Mm, nice," before planting a kiss on Rhett's cheek.

Realizing that their antics had gone far enough, Andrew called the twins over, as they had already stolen the spotlight.

Not that their parents minded.

"Hoops, take Trouble's hand and come here," Andrew called out.

Rhett turned at the use of the nickname his grandfather had given him and tilted his head, inquiring, "Bring sissy?"

"Yes," Andrew answered patiently, "bring sissy. Hurry."

Rhett beamed, but first returned the rest of the flowers to Sierra, then went back, took Winslet's hand, and led her toward their grandfather. Andrew caught them, smothering them with cuddles and quiet raspberries that made them giggle.

Trey stared for a moment at his father with his children, then turned his attention back to the officiant. Lexi squeezed Trey's hand, and with a smile, he rubbed hers in response as they silently indicated to the officiant to continue with the ceremony.

They exchanged rings, and the moment Trey had been eagerly awaiting arrived. He kissed Lexi passionately, and the twins joined in with cheers and claps, as if they understood the significance of the moment.

. . .Maybe they did, but even if they didn't, they would someday.

*

"Are you all ready?" Lexi asked, her back to her small group of bridesmaids. It was time for the bouquet toss.

In unison, they all enthusiastically responded with a resounding "Yes!" They were well-prepared for what was about to happen, except for one among them who had no idea what was coming.

Lexi began to count down, "Three, two," and on Trey's signal, she spun around on 'one', making her way towards a small group of bridesmaids. Their smiles couldn't hide their knowledge of Lexi's plan, but there was one person who looked utterly confused—Melissa.

Lexi handed the bouquet to Melissa, who couldn't help but ask why she had received it and what was going on. Lexi swiftly grabbed her friend's shoulders and turned her around, saying, "Ladies," signaling the bridesmaids to move away, leaving Melissa exposed to her surprise.

Melissa's eyes locked onto the man who was casually reclining in his seat, his gaze fixed on her, and froze. Sensing the impending trouble, Lexi wisely whispered into Melissa's ear, "All the best," before quickly grabbing Trey's hand and making a run for it.

In the short moment it took Melissa to realize what was happening, she hurled the bouquet at Lexi, and it was followed by a sandal that narrowly missed Lexi's face. Trey wasn't as lucky, as the second sandal hit him in the calf.

Then Melissa yelled, "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!! BOTH OF YOU!" Lexi had no doubt she could.

So instead of looking back, Trey and Lexi sprinted away, leaving behind a furious friend and sister.

Side by side, they embraced the path ahead, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of an exciting new one. One brimming with love, and with the promise of countless adventures.

The end.