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Epilogue

Peter

“ A re you sure you do not want to wait?” I turned my head to look at William beside me with a smile on his face. He had remained aboard the ship at Dominick’s request.

“What do you think?”

“I think you always do what you want. However, as your best friend, I had to be sure.”

“Thank you, but this is perfect.”

And, indeed, it was. Pixie Isle, while not mine nor Gwen’s favorite place because of the constant rescue missions, was beautiful. The setting sun? Also, the perfect touch.

Dominick emerged from his captain’s quarters, along with Meria, carrying the smile he saved just for her. That was something I completely understood. Meria waved to me, then walked to the wheel of the ship with Dominick .

“So, are you ready for this, brother?” Dominick asked, rolling up his sleeves.

“More than ready.”

“I am going to go check on Gwendolyn,” Meria said with a grin and a kiss on Dominick’s cheek–but then, upon mine, as well.

“You are like a brother to her,” Dominick said with a chuckle.

“You married–well, higher than yourself,” I said with a smirk.

He nodded, his dark hair falling into his eyes. “That is true, and so are you. Lady Darling will be a fine companion for you.”

“Thank you.”

A few of the crew members had some musical instruments, so when a flute and fiddle began to play, I knew Gwen would soon make her appearance. My heart raced with excitement.

When she came into view and the crew parted for her, they took off their hats and bowed their heads as she walked gracefully across the deck toward me.

Her dress was light blue, her hair falling around her face with a beautiful blue bow tied in the back.

Gwendolyn Darling needed no wedding finery.

She did not need a fancy gown, nor jewels; she was absolutely stunning in her everyday clothes.

“Peter,” she said with a gasp as she finally reached me. Not able to control myself, I pulled her into my arms, and with my arm around her waist, we walked over to Dominick.

There were a few chuckles from the crowd behind us.

“You look absolutely stunning,” I said.

“I look as I always do,” she said with a slight tilt to her lips, finding me amusing.

“You always look stunning.”

“Would you two like to get married?” Dominick asked.

“Yes,” we both said in unison.

“I, as captain of this ship, and the Crown Prince of Walden do conduct this ceremony. May the Creator and the Ancients look upon this union and smile.” He paused and looked at both of us. “Do you both vow to love, honor, and cherish each other?”

“Yes," we said in unison.

“Do you vow to cleave only unto each other?”

“Yes”

“Then by the powers vested in me–”

“Wait–should there not be more?” Gwen said, looking from Dominick to me.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I mean should we say something?” she asked.

“If you want–”

“No, no, it is okay, I am just nervous–please continue.”

“Nervous to marry me, huh?” I pressed with a chuckle.

“Just standing here, marrying you in front of all these people. I know it is not the entire kingdom, and yet– ”

“Just look at me,” I said, cupping her chin in my hand. “Right here, just me.”

She took in a deep breath and locked her eyes on mine.

“You can go on,” Peter said to Dominick, never taking his eyes off of mine.

“You are now husband and wife!” he said.

“Gwen, you just married me,” I said with my lips barely brushing against hers.

“I know; I cannot believe it!” she said, out of breath.

“You may kiss now,” Dominick said.

“You ready? You kiss me, and you are mine for all of time.”

“Are you? You kiss me and you are stuck with me,” she said, and I knew she was trying to be playful, but she was also a little unsure that I would want to be “stuck with her,” as she put it.

Ridiculous question, but I knew it would take time for her to unlearn all the lies her mother had taught her to believe about herself.

So, without saying a word, I kissed her soundly because there was nothing I wanted in all of the kingdoms other than to be stuck with Gwen as mine and I as hers.