Love so Hot (Misfit Millionaires #1)

Epilogue Willow

I stare at my reflection in the antique mirror, wondering how I ended up here. The girl looking back at me is wearing a fluffy white robe, her hair in curlers, and an expression that screams "deer in headlights." Yep, that's me. Bride-to-be. Who would've thought?

"Honey, are you alright?" My mother's voice breaks through my reverie. She's standing behind me, a gentle smile on her face, a flower tucked behind her ear. Classic Margaret Sullivan.

"Yeah, Mom. Just... processing." I take a deep breath. "You know, most girls dream about planning their weddings since they were little. Me? I'm standing here clueless about everything from the venue to the flavor of the cake."

Mom chuckles, her hands resting on my shoulders. "Well, Lawrence certainly seems to have everything under control."

"Under control? More like iron-fisted dictatorship," I mutter, rolling my eyes. "The man won't let me make a single decision. I tried to argue about the dress, you know. Told him it was bad luck for him to see it."

"And what did he say?" Mom asks, her eyes twinkling with amusement in the mirror.

"He said it was only bad luck if he saw me in it. Can you believe the nerve?" But there's no venom in my voice.

"Oh, honey." Mom shakes her head, but she's smiling. "That certainly sounds like your Lawrence."

I turn to face her, suddenly overcome with emotion. "Mom, I... I'm so glad you're here. After everything that's happened, I wasn't sure..."

She pulls me into a warm embrace, and I breathe in the familiar scent of lavender and earth that always clings to her. "Oh, Willy. I wouldn't miss this for the world. We've had our differences, but you're my daughter. And I'm so proud of you."

I blink back tears, not wanting to ruin my makeup. "I can't believe I'm about to marry a guy who tried to build a gas pipeline ."

Mom laughs, a sound like wind chimes. "Life has a funny way of working out, doesn't it? Who would've thought this pairing would happen?"

"Not me, that's for sure," I admit, thinking back to our first volatile encounters. "But here we are."

As Mom fusses with my hair, I can't help but wonder what Larry has planned for our big day. Knowing him, it'll be either spectacularly romantic or a complete disaster. With Lawrence Sinclair, there's rarely an in-between.

"So," I say, trying to sound casual, "any chance you know what he's cooked up for today?"

Mom's eyes twinkle mischievously. "Now, now. You know I've been sworn to secrecy. But I will say this – it's going to be magical."

I groan dramatically. "Great. Magical. That could mean anything from doves being released to Larry appearing in a puff of smoke at the altar."

As we both dissolve into laughter, I feel a warmth spreading through my chest. A gentle knock at the door interrupts our frivolity. Mrs. Sullivan's head pops in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ladies, it's time for the big reveal!"

My heart skips a beat. This is it - the moment I've been both dreading and anticipating. As Mrs. Sullivan opens the door, I see Sage gliding in, cradling something in her arms that looks like it's made entirely of... plants?

"Oh my god," I breathe, my eyes widening as Sage carefully unfurls the most breathtaking dress I've ever seen. It's a Marco Bellini creation, of course, sewn together from an intricate tapestry of leaves, vines, and delicate flower petals. The bodice is a masterpiece of woven ferns and moss, while the skirt cascades down in layers of soft, translucent petals.

"Holy composting worms," I whisper, reaching out to touch the dress with trembling fingers. "It's... it's perfect."

Sage grins, practically bouncing on her toes. "Wait till you see what we're wearing! We look like we just stepped out of a fairy glen or something."

As if on cue, my bridesmaids file into the room, each dressed in stunning gowns that look like they've grown straight out of the forest floor. Ferns spiral around their waists, wildflowers adorn their bodices, and trailing vines form elegant trains.

I can't help but laugh. "We look like we're about to lead the charge in the most fabulous eco-warrior battle ever."

Mrs. Sullivan's eyes crinkle with amusement. "Perhaps you are, dear. Every moment is an opportunity to show the world the beauty of living in harmony with nature."

As I slip into my dress, feeling the soft brush of petals against my skin, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. From protests and confrontations to this - a celebration of love and nature. Who would've thought?

"You know," I muse, adjusting a leaf on my shoulder, "I think Larry might have actually outdone himself this time."

Another knock at the door interrupts my reverie. Roman peeks out, then turns to us with a sparkle in his eye. "Ladies, your chariot awaits."

We file out of the room, a parade of living flowers and foliage, and I nearly trip over my own feet at the sight before us. There, in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, stands a horse-drawn carriage straight out of a fairy tale. It's adorned with trailing vines and blooming wildflowers, the white horses wearing floral wreaths around their necks.

I shake my head in disbelief. "Larry really went all out on the eco-chic theme, didn't he?"

Roman snorts, eyeing the carriage with a mix of amusement and grudging respect. "I've got to hand it to the guy, he knows how to make an impression."

As we climb into the carriage, I can't help but giggle at the absurdity of it all. "You know, a year ago, if someone had told me I'd be riding to my wedding in a flower-covered carriage to marry Lawrence Sinclair, I'd have told them to lay off the psychedelic mushrooms."

The carriage lurches forward, and we're off, winding our way deeper into the forest. The air grows thick with the scent of pine and wild roses, and I find myself holding my breath, wondering what other surprises await us.

"So," I say, turning to my bridesmaids with a grin, "anyone want to place bets on whether Larry will be wearing a suit made of bark?"

Before anyone can answer, the carriage rounds a bend, and suddenly, the forest opens up before us. My jaw drops, and I'm pretty sure I hear an audible gasp from everyone in the carriage.

"Sweet mother nature," I breathe, eyes widening in awe.

I step out of the carriage, my heart pounding as I take in the sight before me. The chapel, if you can even call it that, looks like Mother Nature herself decided to throw a party. Vines and flowers weave together to form walls and a roof, creating a living, breathing structure that seems to pulse with life.

As I approach the entrance, the scent of wildflowers envelops me, and I can't help but smile. Who would've thought that the man I once considered my sworn enemy, a man who wanted to tear through this land with bulldozers, would create something so breathtakingly beautiful?

Taking a deep breath, I step inside, and it's like entering another world. Sunlight filters through gaps in the leafy canopy above, casting beautiful patterns on the floor. The air is thick with the perfume of a thousand blooms, and everywhere I look, nature seems to be reaching out to embrace us.

And there, at the end of the aisle, stands Lawrence. My breath catches in my throat. He's wearing a suit that somehow manages to look both impeccably tailored and as if it grew right out of the forest floor. His red hair is a flame against all the green, and his hazel eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that makes my knees weak.

"Damn," I think to myself, fighting back a grin. "How did I get so lucky?"

As I make my way down the aisle, Larry's lips curve into that infuriatingly charming smile of his. "You look absolutely radiant," he says softly when I reach him, his voice a mix of awe and mischief.

"Not so bad yourself," I quip back.

The officiant begins the ceremony, but I'm barely listening. I'm too busy marveling at how we got here, from bitter enemies to... this. Whatever this is.

Larry clears his throat, pulling me back to the present. It's time for the vows. He takes my hands in his, those piercing hazel eyes boring into mine.

"Willow," he begins, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "When we first met, I thought you were the most infuriating, stubborn, beautiful woman I'd ever encountered." He pauses, a smirk playing at his lips. "I still think that."

I can't help but laugh, even as tears prick at my eyes.

"But," he continues, "you've also shown me a whole new way of seeing the world. You've challenged me, pushed me to be better, and somehow, against all odds, you've made me fall head over heels in love with you. I promise to always listen to you, even when you're telling me I'm being an idiot. I promise to support your dreams, even if they involve chaining yourself to more trees. And I promise to love you, fiercely and completely, for the rest of our lives."

As Larry finishes, I realize I'm crying in earnest now. Damn him and his surprising eloquence.

I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "Larry, when we first met, I thought you were the most arrogant, pig-headed, annoyingly handsome man I'd ever encountered." I pause, mirroring his smirk. "And I still think that."

The audience chuckles, and I see Larry's eyes dancing with amusement.

"But you've shown me that there's more to you than just a ruthless businessman. You've opened your heart to me and to the causes I care about. You've proven that people can change, that love can bridge even the widest of gaps. I promise to always challenge you to be your best self, to never stop fighting for what's right, and to love you unconditionally, even when you're being impossibly stubborn."

As I finish, I glance out at the audience, and suddenly it hits me. My family is here, beaming with pride. Lawrence's friends - Victor, Sebastian, and Roman - are all giving us thumbs up. And even River, who Lawrence insisted on inviting, although I think that was more of a "she's mine now" sort of move, is actually smiling instead of scowling.

I lean in to whisper to Larry, "Is this real life? Did we actually manage to get everyone we care about in one place without a fistfight breaking out?"

He chuckles softly. "Miracles do happen, Wildflower. Especially when you're involved."

As we turn to face our guests, I'm overwhelmed by the love and support radiating from every corner of this living, breathing chapel. It's like the whole forest is celebrating with us.

And suddenly, I'm hit with a wave of pure, unadulterated happiness. We did it. We actually did it. Not just getting married, but finding a way to make our values align. The pipeline project is history, replaced by something that won't make Mother Nature weep. All of the easements that Sinclair Shipping purchased are going to be put to use for solar installations. And here we are, surrounded by nature, family, and friends, proving that love really can conquer all.

I squeeze Larry's hand. "Who would've thought," I murmur, "that we'd end up here?"

He grins that infuriatingly charming grin of his. "I did. From the moment I saw you up in that tree, I knew you were the one."

I roll my eyes, but can't help smiling. "You're impossible."

"That's why you love me," he retorts.

And as we walk down the aisle, showered in petals and cheers, I realize he's right. It's exactly why I love him.

The End.

Are you ready for Book 2?

Dive into Victor's world in *Love So Cold*! As a high-powered businessman from Boston, Victor has always prioritized ambition over everything—until he meets Avery, the fiery single mother who challenges his cold exterior and ignites a flame within him.

But with secrets from his past threatening to resurface, Victor must confront his demons while navigating a delicate balance between love and duty. This enemies-to-lovers romance is filled with sizzling tension, slow-burn attraction, and the undeniable pull of opposites attracting.

Enemies to Lovers

Opposites Attract

- Slow Burn

- ound Family

Can Victor open his heart to Avery and find a way to bridge their worlds, or will the shadows of his past keep them apart?

Join him on this captivating journey of love, redemption, and the warmth that can blossom even in the coldest of hearts.

And here’s a sneak peek of Chapter 1