Here we are... 😭 I dedicate this last chapter to all my amazing readers, all of you, my little rays of sunshine 🌞🤩😘

*9 months later*

"The big day has finally arrived! Natesia, our favorite couple, is getting married! Our fair and strong leader, Anastasia Fisher, and the new heartthrob singer, Nathaniel Johnson, will tie the knot today by the beach of their house, from what we know.

"Between sea and mountain, it promises to be a beautiful ceremony, full of love, and with a lot of VIPs. The Olympic medallist Molly Lucas will be there, and of course, all the other worldwide leaders: our favorite Hadi Torres, and his hot husband–"

"Andy!"

"What? I'm just reading the article!" Andy shrugs innocently, though, even behind his glasses, the devious twinkle of his caramel eyes is obvious. "Okay, maybe not exactly, but I'm stating the truth," he adds, shoving another Dulce de Passion chou in his mouth as Anastasia's piercing lawyer gaze doesn't falter.

She might not go into courtrooms anymore, yet she has kept this quirk, which is still useful, more often with her friends than at work.

"Aren't you supposed to help me get ready as my man of honor?"

"Your mom and Khloe are already undertaking excavations to find something old and blue, and Sienna has taken care of your dress. So I have nothing to do!"

He has a point, and she instinctively glances down at her gown upon these words, her fingers brushing the delicate patterns of white lace and tulle. White, a real, pure white, it couldn't be anything else for Nathaniel's angel.

It is still her mom's wedding dress but altered by the talented and now famous designer Sienna because it couldn't be exactly the same dress that Nathaniel has already seen her in.

Her smile widens as she remembers that day when she has been trying the white gown, lost and confused, and he has appeared at her door like the hero he is.

The dress has changed; the strapless corset has been turned into a plunging V-neck to highlight her compass pendant, and her gown is slightly larger with a delicate train 'to fit her leader stance' as Sienna has insisted.

But most importantly, it is Anastasia who has changed since that day. If she had known she would be here today... assured and happy. She isn't perfect, yet she doesn't care. She is herself, and she will marry the man she loves and who loves her for herself.

Through all these changes, one thing is still the same: the skip of her heart at the thought of Nathaniel.

"Plus, you're already stunning!" Andy pulls her out of her daydreams, smirking at her blissful smile, while still putting more pastries in his mouth, and it becomes a funny grimace on his handsome face.

"So you're eating all the choux to help?"

"I'm excited for you, and you know I eat when I'm excited!"

"And when you're nervous, sad, happy... well, you're eating all the time!" She shakes her head, laughing as her best friend fakes an offended gasp, though it doesn't work really well with his mouth full.

Sometimes she wonders how this man can be a genius hacker and the creator of already 4 applications, of which two are used by the governments worldwide for logistics and aid financing – of course, there is no more unfair matchmaking application.

And at this instant, she also questions why she has chosen him as her best man, seeing the splutters of cackle and chou escaping his mouth and flying farther and farther.

Thankfully, three knocks on the door interrupt their fit of laughter before her white dress or make-up can get stained, even if the latter is supposed to be waterproof, just in case.

"Can you at least go open the door, s'il te plaît?" she asks, gesturing to her large gown and then to the door. "It must be my mom and Khloe coming back with the something blue."

"Sure." Andy still grabs a chou bun as if he was scared to lack sugar in the few steps separating the small couch from the door, and his mouth is half-full when he announces by the threshold, "Well, it's something blue, but I'm not sure for the 'old and borrowed'!"

"I don't even wanna know." Darrell rolls his blue eyes, turning back to a bodyguard who is walking by, as he is used to Andy's unique sense of humor by now with all the games nights they have shared.

The games nights are one of the few traditions that they have kept through everything, and Anastasia is always so happy to share these simple moments she has dreamed so much about with Nathaniel and all their friends. Although it isn't exactly like she has imagined because between the competitive spirits of Nathaniel, Darrell, Hadi, herself, and surprisingly, Molly too – her sweet smile can be deceiving, but she is fierce – it never ends without an argument.

So they are diversifying the friends' meetings with movie nights – there are lots of romantic movies to watch with all the old banned ones and the new ones coming out every day – and simple dinners to keep it more peaceful.

However, one thing that they aren't doing like Anastasia has imagined is helping at the shelter, and her chest warms up at this thought because all refuges have been closed four months ago, thanks to the great work of solidarity and aids of the new governments.

Everyone has contributed to this, but she has to admit that the team of leaders they are forming is a dream team, as Andy always says.

Speaking of teamwork, Darrell eventually stops talking with the bodyguard, turning back to them, well, almost.

"Today is your day off!" She reminds him as he nods to the tall man, who can, at last, go on with his patrol. "You don't have to worry. They're doing their job perfectly."

And they have proven it when she has tried to go to the bathroom earlier.

In fact, thus far, she has seen more bodyguards than wedding guests, and yet, she is used to having their imposing presences around when she is at work because sadly, there are still shadows lurking around, even if there is no more 'hell'.

All the leaders and some people from the old army and government have been arrested and judged fairly. However, some have managed to slip through the cracks, and they seem to want revenge, particularly on the new leaders. That's why they have a security team, and of course, Nathaniel only trusts one person, if it isn't himself, to protect Anastasia: his best friend.

Darrell is taking this job really seriously, and all the suspect attacks have been detected and stopped so far. Now that he and Anastasia have learned to know each other, she trusts him, and he has become family.

She knows he has made sure everything is safe for today because like the article has announced it, it is a big day, and it could be the perfect occasion for a revengeful attack.

She shakes her head, pushing that thought away with the shiver that comes along. It has been almost nine months that she hasn't felt that dread and its hovering shadows, so she won't let it invade her as Nathaniel and she are starting a new chapter of their life.

Today is their day, and nothing can get to them because they have the most powerful weapon: love, and glutton friends apparently too, as Darrell has joined Andy by the mini sweet bar – or at least, the few green juices that remain of it– installed on the coffee table.

Nathaniel and she aren't helped with a man of honor and a best man like those, and it is a good thing that they aren't particularly stressed.

"Darrell, aren't you supposed to be by Nathaniel's side?" She throws him her lawyer frown with no more success than with Andy.

"Come on, he isn't alone! There's Sacha and Hadi. They know more about love, marriage, and all of that..." He makes a disgusted face at the words, without stopping eating, however. "And I needed a break. Lovey-dovey Grumpy Pants is worse than anything!"

Lovey-dovey Nathaniel... She bites on the bottom of her smile, which is still growing as she tries to picture Nathaniel and how he must be feeling. Has he taken a glass of tequila to calm his nerves?

She doubts he can feel more than the billion of little bugs flapping their wings to create sparking tickles in all her body, and maybe Darrell hasn't come to the right place to take a break because her wide grin hasn't faltered one second since last night.

"Afraid that he'll contaminate you?"

"Your dress is talking?" Darrell lifts an eyebrow, while Andy nearly chokes on his mouthful with a loud laugh when a pair of green eyes come out from under Anastasia's gown to glare playfully at the blond man.

Sienna, Anastasia has almost forgotten she has been doing some last-minute alterations, as her friend has been unusually quiet. It is something odd, but when she sews, she doesn't talk, and no one can talk to her.

It looks like she has finished though, when Darrell retorts proudly, "Never! I'm enjoying too much my single life!"

'Enjoying' is one way to put it, as he must have slept with more girls than there have been days since the decree 123-51316 has been abolished, and she is pretty sure Sienna has been one of these girls, when she sees them bickering playfully every time.

Then again, Anastasia isn't judging; that's why they have fought to have freedom, and as long as they are happy, it is the most important.

"Never says never..." Andy sings out, taking a great delight of the scene like he is watching a movie, snacking of course.

Only Darrell seems to have no more appetite as he gets up, and it is Sienna who is joining Andy's food raid.

"Anyways, I'm not here to get relationship advice." He pulls out a white envelope from the inside pocket of his jacket, handing it to Anastasia. "I'm here for an important mission."

"It's for me?"

The answer is obvious when she glimpses the handwriting of the two words 'For Anastasia', and her fingers are already reaching for the white rectangle of paper.

"I told you he's all lovey-dovey, and wait for him to see you in that dress, he'll go crazy!" Darrell smiles knowingly, and she doesn't know what tickles the most her cheeks: her blush or her grin growing wider and wider.

Anyhow, her fingers are tingling more as she tries to open the envelope delicately, and it turns into an impossible task with the curiosity rushing her movements.

The 'great and fierce leader' Anastasia Fisher struggling to do something as simple as opening a letter... She already imagines the caption when she hears the click of a camera, but she doesn't care.

The whole world already knows she is crazy for Nathaniel Johnson, and she isn't hiding it. They are trying to lead a world advocating the values of the heart, so she always shows and follows her heart in everything she does.

And right now, her heart is taking off to Nathaniel, passing by outer space as she unfolds the letter.

'My angel,

I know we're supposed to meet in only a few minutes, and I know I just saw your beautiful eyes this morning.'

Taking a seat on the lounge chair, away from the curious gazes of her friends, she bites down on her lip, although it does nothing to prevent her large grin and another rush of warmth to her cheeks upon his written words.

Indeed, Nathaniel has seen her this morning, and all night actually.

The tradition imposes that the groom can't see the bride before the wedding. But when he has shown up at her balcony last night, they have broken the rules once more, and they have spent the night at their treehouse in secret.

Well, it hasn't been a secret when her friends have helped her get ready, since the marks of last night have been pretty obvious.

Luckily, she has had a lot of concealers left from the last year, and the skin around her necklace is surely whiter and more spotless than it has been for one year as she grabs her compass pendant and continues reading.

'But I already miss you, and I couldn't wait to talk to you.

I wonder how you're feeling, if you're as excited as I am? I imagine your luminous smile and a little crease between your eyebrows as you're reading this.'

He knows her so well, even though her grin turns into a laugh as she instinctively tries to smoothen her light frown, and it comes back as soon as she focuses her gaze again.

'I hope you're not nervous or scared because there is nothing to worry about. We're stronger together, remember? ;)'

If she has ever had an inch of nervousness bubbling in her stomach, it is gone, replaced with excited butterflies flying freely.

'I also wanted to tell you Happy Anniversary!

1 year ago exactly, I still had no idea I would save an angel fallen from heaven and meet the most important person of my life. At this exact time, I was probably just starting my workout to try to sweat out all the things that haunted me, and you know how the rest has turned out ;)

I can't imagine my life without you, and I wanna thank you for seeing me as I am since our first encounter, for believing in me at every moment, and for loving me as I am.

I still have a billion words to tell you, but you know them, and we'll soon have all life to speak them, or even better show them...

So I'll just add these few ones:

Am I in heaven?

Wrapped in your sweet accent like a breeze,

A little question

Has shaken all my certainties.

That day, I saved you,

But you gave meaning to my heartbeat.

I didn't know you,

You left, and I was incomplete.

I said Let it be,

You said Fight for us,

They said we shouldn't be,

We said you can't stop us.

They called us criminals,

A Love Bug, we proclaimed,

I called you Angel,

You called my full name,

And just like that, I was already yours

As we defied them with the strongest bug: l'amour.

We tried to resist,

But we got tangled in like magnets.

Between lies and lust,

We found the true way in secret.

Haunted in the night,

I was scared to bring you down with me,

But you brought your light

And heaven to reality.

I said Let it be,

You said Fight for us,

They said we shouldn't be,

We said you can't stop us.

They called us criminals,

A Love Bug, we proclaimed,

I called you Angel,

You called my full name,

And just like that, I was already yours

As we defied them with the strongest bug: l'amour.

Now it's my turn to ask you a big question.

Would you make me the happiest man ever

And turn forever my life into heaven?

Veux-tu m'épouser, Anastasia Fisher?'

As she reads these 'few' words, it is his smooth voice that she hears, exactly like he has sung them when he has proposed.

These lyrics, the melody, and of course, the sight of his chocolate eyes shining with so much hope and love at her, along with his godly figure down on one knee, are imprinted forever in her heart.

She may have made him sing it to her almost every night too.

This is their song, although Nathaniel always says that it is 'her song' because she is the inspiration.

Actually, he tells this for every song he writes. Still, this one is special, and no one has ever heard it, contrary to the other ones, which already have billions of streams.

In only a few months, Nathaniel has been met with an immense success.

She has never had a doubt about it, and she has had this intuition it has been his vocation even before the Love Bug has succeeded. Nonetheless, she has let him find his path by himself, never pushing him, and while in the first months after the Love Bug, he has participated a lot in the organization and rebuilding of the new fair society, he has always come back to his guitar.

Of course, because he is talented in everything he does, he has quickly got better at it, and once he has written a 'little' dozen of songs and realized it has been what he has always wanted to do, she has encouraged him at every step, from his first tries to the big arenas.

She is always the first one to clap, and she can't even express how proud she is of him. He is the hero he has always dreamed to be, spreading love and happiness.

At this moment, it is mostly in her body that he is rousing this power with his words, and she takes a breath to finish reading before her eyes get completely blurred.

'I can't wait to hear you say: 'Oui, je le veux'.

Je t'aime my love bug,

Nathaniel.

PS: I heard that there's a tradition about something old, blue, and borrowed, so I thought you might need a little something ;)'

Only then, she notices the light weight at the bottom of the envelope, and when her fingers pull it out eagerly, the precious item is unleashing all the emotions inside. One of them even rolls down to her grin as she observes carefully the simple blue starfish decorated with a few swirls and of course, hooked to a metal circle.

A keychain, she wouldn't have wanted anything else to bring her luck, and as she grips the precious object above her heart, between the compass pendant and her engagement ring, she can feel this special power. Each item symbolizes a part of their relationship, and each time, her heart is surprised, finding more love for Nathaniel.

She is sure he can feel it too in this instant. She can picture him, as handsome as ever, in an elegant tuxedo, his strong figure standing by the window with his hand over his compass pendant, where he must hear the echoes of her heartbeat.

The more she imagines him, the more her heart is leaping, and soon her whole body follows.

"I got my something blue, old, and borrowed. I'm ready to get married!"

Her jumps up and down stop all the chatters around, and as all the eyes turn to her, she realizes that there are more pairs than what she has remembered.

Her mom is here, along with Khloe and Molly, her little cousins, who will be the flower girls and boys, a few other family members, and still Andy, Sienna, and Darrell.

If she has already had trouble recognizing her personal office before with all the make-up and accessories spread on the large desk, and the food and white fabrics set here and there, now, she can barely see the lilac walls, and even less her favorite corner with the window nook, where Nathaniel usually composes while she is at her desk.

"You already have something?" Her mom peeks curiously at the keyring, putting down what looks like a hair clip when her daughter nods eagerly.

"Yes, I have."

Now, she just needs somewhere to keep it on her wide dress, and an idea quickly appears in her mind.

Just a little crazy idea, as she sneaks her fingers under her gown, to her 'pants', or more exactly her garter belt, and she hooks the little item there, her nerves sparking at the thought of the nice surprise it will be for Nathaniel when he uncovers it.

"Now, let's go! I'm ready to get married," she repeats impatiently, adding what everyone has been saying about this wedding. "Finally!"

Apparently, they all have been wondering why Nathaniel and she have waited 'so long' to 'tie the knot', although for them, these nine months haven't felt long.

They have been pretty busy with their careers, while at the same time, enjoying time with each other freely.

No matter how hectic their days can be, they still find each other every night, and it is her favorite moment of the day – in spite of how much she loves her job and everything. Finding back Nathaniel's strong arms and hearing his smooth voice whispering words of love and sexy promises, it is her heaven, even better, it is her safe place, her home.

Not that they don't have other moments, on the contrary. They spend almost every minute of free time together, and their friends are even teasing them because they are always glued to each other.

Besides, exactly like Nathaniel has promised, he has taken her on a first date with fancy green juices, and he, screaming to the world that he is her boyfriend. It has been better than everything she has ever dreamed, and they have repeated the experience many times.

They also have traveled together, as it has become easy and fast to move around the world.

In a few months, there has been more progress made than in 65 years, and this, in every field. Love is the inspiration, the fuel to every fire, and they are enjoying all these inventions to discover and visit countries as much for work as during their free time.

It is by the way during their vacation in France that he has proposed, on a quiet and idyllic beach.

Thus 'busy' is quite the word. They don't need a ring, a fancy party, or an official paper anyway. With everything they have gone through, they already know they are forever, and these last months have confirmed it.

But she must admit that it feels like a fairytale with a perfect happy ending, or rather the beginning of a new chapter, to share this meaningful day together. That's why they have picked this date in particular, and have chosen to wait 'so long'.

However, she can't wait more. She needs to find back the strong arms of her hero and start this forever with him.

"I'll try to find your dad then." Her mom recognizes the determined sparkle in her hazel eyes, offering her a warm hug before she exits the room in a rush, and Anastasia has no doubt she will find Dennis quickly.

Even divorced, her parents are still remaining best friends, and they know each other better than anyone else.

"Come on! You heard the bride, and we never contradict the bride." Speaking of best friend, Andy pushes everyone to the door with grand gestures. "Even less the tornado Anastasia!"

He isn't wrong, and she is currently a tornado of fire, burning with love and ready to fly to Nathaniel.

***

"Ready?" Dennis asks, turning to his daughter when they finally reach the white wooden gate leading to the beach.

"1,000% ready."

It's a euphemism for all the sparks of anticipation ready to burst through Anastasia's chest, and she actually has to hold herself from running headfirst, as it wouldn't be really graceful, and surely not possible in that dress.

Besides, her arm is still linked to her dad's, who slightly nods at her answer, while the lines between his eyebrows are telling a different story.

"Anastasia..."

The mention of her full name announces nothing good either, and for a second, the twinkles of eagerness are weakening, or more exactly, they are taken through a knot in her stomach.

She doesn't want something to ruin this beautiful day, and even less–

"I know I don't tell you often... but I'm really proud of you and who you've become."

That, she hasn't expected it. She has been fearing the worst, but it is the contrary, and her bouquet almost ends up on the ground as she tries to make sure she has heard it right, she is seeing right the look under her dad's frown.

Pride, love, and a lot of emotions, which he isn't used to showing, she recognizes them before pulling him into a hug.

"You're gonna make me cry!" Or explode, as her heart is overfilling with all the love surrounding her today, and she hasn't even joined Nathaniel yet.

It might be simple words, which her dad has already proven to her by always being there and supporting her in his own way. But hearing them at this instant makes them even more meaningful, just like the stunned 'merci' and 'I love you' she whispers before her dad pulls away from the embrace to wipe the tear sliding down her cheek.

His own eyes are also shining with emotions as he replies, "I love you too. But now, let's go. I don't wanna make you late."

There, she recognizes her dad, and with a soft laugh, she gladly lets him lead her, holding on to his steady arm as her heart and her eyes are everywhere at each step she takes.

The path to their corner of private beach has never appeared so long, and actually, it is hard to recognize it with the petals of white roses on the sandy ground and the colorful bouquets all around.

The wedding planner has really done a splendid job, and it is exactly as Nathaniel and Anastasia have wished, exactly like them.

They haven't asked much, and Anastasia believes they have been a nice engaged couple, staying simple – unlike another couple, whom she won't name, but who has almost driven its wedding planner crazy with their billion of requests between 'only black' and also 'colorful', many things that she can't even pronounce the nerdy words, and of course, tons of food.

Nathaniel and she have had only one specific demand: a lot of colors and no gray – like the decoration of their house, which has a different color, even if just pastel, for every room – because they have seen enough gray during their whole lives before.

Actually, there has been another request too: no straw, no plain vanilla, and no shiny drapery. They don't want to be reminded of certain people who have almost separated them forever, and she is glad it is now the past.

Fergus has been arrested for kidnapping her. He is currently in jail, a real harmless and rehabilitating prison that is nothing like 'hell', and he should consider himself lucky because he is safer there than in the outside world, where five men want him dead. She is even surprised that Nathaniel hasn't found a way to still kill him, but let's say she is quite good at distracting him.

As for Pamela, she hasn't seen her since the Love Bug either, when she has punched her, and from what they have heard, she is desperately looking for a rich husband.

Anyway, Anastasia won't think about these people today. No shadow from the past can spoil this beautiful sunny day. The only things remembered will be the power of the Love Bug and two special people that they have chosen to honor with a few red roses here and there.

Her gaze lingers particularly on the white and red rose slipped in her bouquet, which comes from the garden where she has planted it with Nathaniel.

However, when she hears the first notes of a song she knows by heart, she instantly looks up and forgets all about the decoration.

They have picked carefully every detail, every flower, and the greenery arch. Still, all she sees is the man standing on the other side.

Just like the ocean behind him, he is her infinite, and the sun setting in an orangey lighting is illuminating his strong figure to make him look like an angel.

With his navy blue tuxedo fitting him perfectly, the same white and red rose for his boutonniere, and his shorter curls highlighting his sharp yet relaxed jaw – although his hair is still long enough for her to run her fingers through it and also tug on it – she is as awestruck as on their first encounter.

Maybe even more when he turns around, and as she meets the light illuminating his dark eyes, she has no doubt this time; she is in heaven.

Nevertheless, today, it might be Nate who is the most breathless, as nothing could have prepared him for the strength that knocks the wind out of his ribcage. Not even all the nights he's been dreaming of this. Not even knowing how every little moment with Anastasia is already so meaningful and intense, and not even the memory of seeing her in a wedding dress, almost the same in fact.

She is the same angel, yet she's now spread her wings, and it shows.

She is radiating love and light like a goddess as she's walking confidently toward him, and only him, and they're alone in their bubble of happiness.

He vaguely hears a 'Close your mouth, Grumpy!', but it's quickly blown away by the hammering of his heart louder and louder with each step Anastasia is taking closer, and he doesn't control the breathless awe sounds leaving his parted lips as his gaze runs all over her silhouette, catching so many breath-taking details.

First, it's the large white gown still following her movements and making it look like she's floating in tulle. Then, there's the corset with subtle patterns of lace hugging the lines of her slim waist, and higher, it's accentuating each rise of her chest, where her compass pendant is nestled between the tempting swells. His sinful angel.

There is no way he can close his gaped mouth and blissful smile at this heavenly vision, and even the spotless glow of her skin can't dim it when he notices she has used her secret tips to conceal his marks. Maybe because he's already imagining all the new ones he'll add soon.

But mostly, he is drinking in each detail to imprint this moment forever, and going from her white gown to the golden strands arranged in an intricate, braided waterfall of curls, he always comes back to her eyes, attracted like by a magnet, as he discovers a new color in the mystical hazel.

When she stops in front of him, he's dazzled, and he has to force himself to straighten up and close his mouth – with his smile still as wide – as her father kisses her forehead and then sets his merciless frown on him.

What he isn't prepared for, though, is that Dennis offers him a quick embrace and whispers for only him to hear,

"I trust you to take good care of my daughter."

His voice blown away with a wave of emotions, he can only nod as his soon-to-be father-in-law puts Anastasia's soft hand in his rugged one, and the contrast with the first time he's met him, where Nate's hand has been left hanging, makes it all the more meaningful.

Even if nothing and no one could ever stand in the way of his tornado and him, Nate's chest fills with pride and happiness to have been accepted by her whole family.

He has to thank Archie for the few tips he's given him to charm his dad by the way. This kid is the best, and Nate can now proudly say he has a little brother.

Above all, he will have the most amazing woman in the universe as his wife – that, if she says 'oui' of course, but he has no doubt when her curious sparkling eyes come back to him, and an ardent spark of love is lighting up there.

He wants to wake up to this sight every day, to see the same warm colors on adorable chubby faces, and he wants this gaze to be the last thing he sees when he leaves this world.

Through the shine of her eyes, he knows she's picturing the same: a life together, forever together.

It appears so possible, so close, that they both jump when the preacher brings them back to the present.

"Let's start."

They've almost forgotten why they have been here, and as she hears a few laughs, Anastasia takes her first glance around.

Everyone is here: Andy, Hadi, Khloe, Sienna, Molly, Sacha and his girlfriend Teresa, Darrell, Archie, her mom and an 'old acquaintance' she has met again a few weeks ago, her dad, Vera, and so many more people. Seeing all their eyes on Nathaniel and her, with so much kindness, happiness, and love, Anastasia will never be able to fully express how thankful she is for each one of them.

All of this wouldn't be possible without each person. Nathaniel and she wouldn't be alive without them. It is their strength, and her gaze finds his tender brown ones again as she savors this chance.

Even when they have to turn to the preacher, their eyes are still finding each other through sparkling sideways glances, and she has trouble focusing on what the man is saying over the loud thumps of her heart.

Though she doesn't miss her time to say 'oui, je le veux', loud and assured, even repeating a 'Yes, I do' to make it clear to everyone, and once Nathaniel does the same, she gives up listening to any other part, as these three words are echoing in her chest again and again.

Only when it is Nathaniel's turn to speak again, everything quietens inside to capture the intensity of this instant.

"Anastasia Fisher." His penetrating gaze dives into hers, easily reaching every part of her being. "I would have never thought this moment would be possible, but you're the one who made it all possible. You taught me how to fight for it, and for the rest of my life, I promise to fight for it, fight for us, for our bubble of happiness, and to make sure your fire keeps shining even in the darkest times.

"I'll be there for you as your husband." He pauses for a second as if savoring the word, and she relishes the way his smile turns into a wide smirk of happiness as the reality of it all sinks in. "And loving you every second of this forever we're starting right today."

His speech ends with a shaky breath, and he doesn't even throw a glance at Darrell who is handing the rings, his eyes fixed only on Anastasia's and the glistening reflections twinkling for him as he grabs her delicate finger.

He's trembling as much as on their first encounter, and the same leap of his heart still happens, except that this time, the jump is out of joy and love, and there is no question. She's answered them all with her 'oui, je le veux', and the single diamond of her engagement ring there is proof of it.

"Moi, Nathaniel Johnson, je te prend Anastasia Fisher comme épouse," he adds carefully.

After all, he hasn't learned French for nothing. Now, he can understand everything Anastasia is saying – almost everything because she still likes to tease him with new words he doesn't know – but he can also surprise her, and that's what happens as her eyes widen slightly, letting the shining emotions escape in a few tears, which he immediately wipes with his knuckle.

He's vowed long ago to always be there to soothe her tears, and he'll keep his words, though adding a new promise as he brushes the corner of her smile: to make sure that it's only tears of happiness.

His own grin is growing larger as he realizes that all these promises are wrapped around her finger, the ring fitting her as much in size as in the precious and unique details, from delicate swirls to a 'let it be' engraving, of course.

Anastasia Fisher, now Anastasia Fisher Johnson, is his wife. That's what this little ring is claiming, even if he hasn't needed this concrete symbol to scream to the world that she is his and he is hers.

He's about to repeat it once more when she takes his voice, his breath, his heart, and everything away with two words.

"Nathaniel Johnson."

Enveloped in her sweet accent, he'll never get tired of hearing his name, and along with the wavers of emotions in her voice and the folded paper in her right hand, it holds a meaning even more special, more official.

The whole world is stopping when she inhales a deep breath and focuses on her notes, a familiar crease deepening between her eyebrows before... she throws the paper away.

Yet he doesn't even get to freeze as her determined gaze bores into his, and with the ardent fire he glimpses there, he knows what's coming: the words straight from her heart.

"I promise to let it be, to always follow your crazy ideas because, even through the wildest tornados, we'll always find the right way home... As long as we're together and that we follow our hearts."

She pokes his compass pendant, leaning closer and taking another breath as she tries to translate the bangs resonating against the metal, or maybe just to hold back the same spinning emotions that are reaching his eyes.

"You made me listen to my heart, and right now, all it's screaming is: Je t'aime, and I can't wait to start this forever journey as your wife."

Upon this last word, her smooth hand slides easily the ring on the same finger she's stripped months ago, and he doesn't even look at it. It's perfect; he can feel it in tickles all over his skin.

Now, it only remains to seal all these words... in their unique way as he grabs delicately her chin and jumps on her lips, which are welcoming him with the same eagerness.

They may have shared a billion kisses since they have met – the last one has even been just this morning – yet this one is completely different.

It isn't because of the cold metal contrasting with his warm skin brushing her cheek, neither because of their fancy attires, or the new titles they have gained. It is because they are finally sharing a full taste of forever, and mixing with Nathaniel's unique savor, it is the most addicting combination.

Each word they have pronounced is imprinting in burning sparks like stars in an infinity that is now their forever, and the intensity of it all resembles a big bang with just the light caresses of their lips.

So too quickly, their breaths are blown away by this power, and they have to pull away.

Even so, they stay close, so close that she doesn't know if the wetness on her cheeks is from her eyes or his penetrating ones. It doesn't matter, and in this instant that they are sharing everything, she feels more complete than she has ever felt.

He is the 49% she has always needed to be whole.

"Ahem." A voice interrupts them before they can lean in again, reminding them they aren't alone.

There are people outside of their bubble, and in fact, all around them as laughs and a few whistles are echoing from everywhere, and they turn with wide eyes to the preacher, who is shaking his head.

"You're supposed to wait that I declare you husband and wife to kiss."

"It's not the first rule we break!" Nathaniel shrugs, pulling her even closer in his arms and kissing her cheek, which is burning as much from the embarrassment of all those eyes on them as from the wide smile that hasn't left her all day.

She is surely redder and hotter than the first time Nathaniel has seen her, the first time they have broken a rule, and this time, she won't ever cool down from this heat, this fire because it is love.

It has started as a little bug, and they have turned it into a Love Bug, she concludes when the preacher finally announces,

"I declare you husband and wife. You now may kiss the bride!"

She is the one leaping on Nathaniel's lips this time, letting this fire of love consume them.

THE END

My dear little readers, my little rays of sunshine,

I can't believe this is the end! Have you cried? I am right now, and I may have made this epilogue extra long because I was like a clingy mama not ready to let my babies go. 😭😭

The end of a book always makes me emotional, and this one will always hold a special place in my heart. It's been a crazy ride of 1 year and a half! I've grown with these characters. ❤

First, as a writer: I started with commas splices and tenses problems, and I'm finishing, I hope, as a better writer, with a lot of sexy scenes, a full trailer, aesthetics, an Insta account, and mostly, a love story close to my heart.

But I've also evolved as a person. Ana, Nate, and all these characters have helped me get back up in the darkest times, and they've taught me to fight for love, especially for self-love and putting my dreams and myself first. Most importantly, they've allowed me to meet beautiful people, some that I can now call friends. Yes, I'm talking about you, my little rays of sunshine, who make this story so special!

Whether we've met thanks to Ana and Nate or through my other babies (Alex, Elena, Penny, Theone, and all the others...) I wanna thank you for all the support you've shown and keep showing me. I'm repeating myself, but every vote, every comment, every read (yes, I'm also talking about my shy silent readers) and every notif is a ray of sunshine in my days (and you know I love the sun as much as Ana!). Without even knowing, you've helped me at my lowest, when I felt like giving up with no hope. You were and still are my lights. That's why I tell you: Je vous aime, my little rays of sunshine! 🌞🤩😘

I hope you enjoyed this journey as much as I did, and remember to always follow your heart. Fight for it when needed, but also, don't forget to let it be and enjoy! 😉

I'm sorry for this long-ass speech (though by now, you must be used to my excessiveness), but I'm really emotional, and I think I keep talking because I'm not ready to let go. It tears a part of my heart.

However, like everything in life, we have to let go of the past to head for new horizons sometimes, and now that Ana and Nate got their happy ending, it's time to discover a new love story, new characters, and embark on a new adventure.

Yes, yes, A NEW STORY WILL BE COMING SOON!! It'll be a little different, but still, it'll be 100% romance, sexy, passionate, and with hot guys of course! 😏

PS: Let's hope I didn't predict the future, but if so, I hope to see you in the rebels' team! 😈😘

And for the last French lesson 🤓: s'il te plait = please, Moi, Nathaniel Johnson, je te prend Anastasia Fisher comme épouse = Me, Nathaniel Johnson, I take you as my wife, and je t'aime, well, you already know it 😘