Own Me (Savage Bosses)

Epilogue

AYANA

T he sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the garden where Sterling and I are about to exchange our vows. The scent of blooming flowers fills the air, and a gentle breeze carries with it the promise of a new beginning. As I walk down the aisle, my heart swells with a mix of emotions — gratitude, love, and a profound sense of forgiveness.

The guests, a mix of friends, family, and colleagues, are seated in white chairs adorned with delicate ribbons. The aisle is lined with flowers in hues of blush and ivory, creating a path that leads to a rustic wooden arch adorned with fresh greenery and roses. It's a picturesque scene, a reflection of the beauty that has blossomed from the ashes of our past.

Sterling stands at the altar, his eyes fixed on me as I approach. He holds our six-month-old son, SJ, in his arms, a bundle of joy and innocence that symbolizes the new life we're building together. SJ's tiny fingers grip onto Sterling's suit, his wide eyes that are so much like his father’s curiously taking in the world around him.

As I reach Sterling, the officiant smiles warmly, welcoming everyone to this momentous occasion. The ceremony begins, and Sterling and I exchange heartfelt vows that echo the journey we've taken to get here.

"Sterling," I begin, my voice steady but filled with emotion. "From the moment we met, our path has been anything but smooth. We faced challenges that tested our strength, our love, and our ability to forgive. Today, as we stand here surrounded by the people who have witnessed our journey, I vow to continue choosing love over resentment, understanding over judgment, and forgiveness over bitterness. I promise to be your partner in every sense of the word, to stand by your side through thick and thin, and to cherish the love that has grown from the trying times of our past."

Sterling's eyes glisten with unshed tears as he begins his vows. "Ayana, you are the light that guided me out of the darkness. I've made mistakes, hurt you in ways I never thought possible, but you saw the potential for change in me. Today, I vow to be the man you deserve — to love you unconditionally, to support you in all your dreams, and to be a father to our son and any future children we may have that they can be proud of. I promise to cherish the beauty of our love, to nurture it every day, and to be the partner you can always rely on."

As the officiant pronounces us husband and wife, the guests erupt into applause. We share a kiss filled with the promise of a new beginning, and as we turn to face our loved ones, I see tears of joy and genuine happiness in their eyes. My best friend Shayla gives me a thumbs up and a big smile. I know she’s as happy for me as I’m happy for myself.

The reception is a celebration of love, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. The tables are adorned with centerpieces of flowers that match the ones from the ceremony, and soft fairy lights twinkle overhead as the evening progresses. A dance floor is set up, and Sterling and I share our first dance as a married couple, holding each other close as the music wraps around us.

As the night unfolds, I find myself surrounded by the people who have supported us through thick and thin. Friends who stood by us during the darkest moments, family members who offered wisdom and guidance, and colleagues who witnessed the transformation of a once-broken relationship into something beautiful.

Later in the evening, Sterling and I take a moment to ourselves, stepping away from the festivities. SJ is cradled in Sterling's arms, peacefully asleep, a symbol of the new life we're building together. We find a quiet spot under a canopy of twinkling lights, and Sterling looks at me with a mixture of gratitude and love.

"Ayana," he says, his voice is a sexy rumble. "I never imagined we'd be here, surrounded by so much love. Thank you for giving me a chance, for believing that people can change. I love you more than words can express."

I smile, reaching for Sterling's hand. "I love you too, Sterling. Today is evidence to the strength of our love and the power of forgiveness. Let's cherish this moment and all the moments to come."

He squeezes my hand, his eyes reflecting the depth of his emotions. "Every moment with you and our son is a gift, Ayana. I never want to take that for granted."

We stand there for a moment, under the canopy of twinkling lights, surrounded by the soft hum of laughter and music from the celebration. The night is alive with joy, and I can feel a sense of peace settling within me. Sterling's transformation from a man lost in his obstinance to a husband and father who has embraced change is nothing short of amazing.

As we return to the dance floor, Sterling and I share dances with our guests, and friends who are just like family that have come together through our union. The atmosphere is filled with warmth, and I catch glimpses of our guests’ sharing stories, toasting to our happiness, and savoring the joyous occasion.

Later in the evening, as the stars twinkle overhead, Sterling and I find ourselves seated at a table on the far side of the dance floor. SJ is still asleep in his father's arms, a peaceful expression on his tiny face. The night air is cool, and Sterling drapes a jacket over my shoulders, a small yet thoughtful gesture that warms my heart.

"I never thought I'd have a family like this," Sterling admits, his eyes fixed on our sleeping son. "I always believed I was too broken for something so beautiful."

"You're not broken, Sterling," I say, gazing at him with a soft smile. "You've grown, changed, and become the man you were meant to be. Our journey has been difficult, but it brought us here, to this moment."

He nods, a mix of gratitude and humility in his eyes. "I owe so much to you, Ayana. You believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself. I promise to spend every day proving that your faith in me was not misplaced."

Our conversation is interrupted by the clinking of glasses, and we turn our attention to the impromptu speeches that have begun. Friends and family share anecdotes, offer well wishes, and express their joy for our union. Sterling and I listen with grateful hearts, appreciating the support that surrounds us.

As the night comes to a close, Sterling and I find ourselves standing under the same rustic arch where we exchanged vows earlier. The atmosphere is quieter now, a serene backdrop to the beginning of our shared journey as a family.

"I never thought I'd be so lucky," Sterling says, his eyes locked with mine. "To have you as my wife and SJ as our son, it's more than I ever dreamed."

I rest my head against his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "We've come a long way, Sterling. Today is not just the end of one chapter; it's the beginning of a beautiful story filled with love, growth, and endless possibilities."

He brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch gentle. "I promise to make every chapter beautiful, Ayana. To love you, cherish you, and be the partner you deserve."

And with those words, we share a quiet moment, embracing the promise of a future filled with love and redemption. As the night sky watches over us, Sterling, SJ, and I walk hand in hand, ready to embark on the next chapter of our lives. The celebration may be over, but the echoes of love and forgiveness linger in the air, shaping a story that will be retold with smiles and laughter for years to come.

And as the night continues, I dance with my husband, share laughter with our guests, and hold our son close, grateful for the journey that brought us to this beautiful, joy-filled day. It's a beginning and ending to a story that had its share of ups and downs, but in the end, love prevailed, creating a family that I love more than anything.

Thank you for reading Own Me!