Bonus Chapter

A month had passed since we left Paris. Our little family had settled into a cozy villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Well, we moved in for the wedding, actually.

Now, standing in front of the mirror, I smoothed out my lace wedding gown. My heart fluttered as I thought of Xavier waiting for me at the altar.

"Sarah, you look stunning," my maid of honor said, adjusting my veil. Who else would it be? It's my best friend, Helen.

I smiled, feeling like a princess.

The ceremony was intimate, with only close friends and family attending.

"Hey, kiddo." A voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing a smile to my face.

"The guests are waiting. Are you just gonna sit there and admire yourself?" Juniper appeared at the door, crossing her arms and wearing a feigned frown on her face.

Juniper had helped out with the wedding planning; she even brought her kids along.

Although I was grateful for her expertise, her planning ways exceeded Xavier's budget, but he didn't complain.

"Juniper, you're as impatient as ever," I teased, turning to face her.

She chuckled, her expression softening. "Someone has to keep you on schedule, bridezilla."

Helen laughed, fluffing out my train. "You're not helping, Juniper. Sarah's already nervous."

Juniper's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, don't be nervous, kiddo. You're marrying the love of your life. Now, shall we get this show on the road?"

I took a deep breath, feeling a surge of excitement.

"Let's do this," I said, smiling.

Juniper offered her arm, and I took it, feeling a sense of calm wash over me.

As we walked down the hallway, the sound of gentle music and murmured conversations grew louder.

We reached the doorway, and I caught sight of my father standing tall and handsome at the entrance of the venue.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Here we go," Juniper whispered, giving my hand a squeeze as she handed me over to my father.

Helen handed me my bouquet, and I took a deep breath, ready to start our journey.

My father's eyes shone with adoration as he took my hand, his voice soft and gentle.

"Sarah, you look beautiful. Even though I don't want you to look this beautiful for him," he said playfully. Well, Xavier has had his fair share of taunts ever since he returned from Paris; he had been teasing him non-stop.

I laughed, wrapping my arms around his.

"I know he'll take care of you," my father continued, his voice filled with emotion. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, baby doll."

I smiled, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

"I love you, Father," I whispered, leaning on his shoulder.

"I love you too, baby doll, but you might want to raise your head and walk straight; the guests are watching," he added, and I couldn't contain my laughter.

As we stepped into the sunlight, the warm glow illuminated the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. The guests turned, smiling, and I caught Xavier's gaze.

His eyes locked onto mine, filled with love and adoration. My dreams came true; sometimes I have a hard time believing it. Even after everything we went through, here we are, getting married. It felt surreal. Despite our age difference, we pulled this off, not caring about what others thought. We defied conventions, ignored the whispers, and followed our hearts.

As Xavier's gaze held mine, I felt grateful for every moment we shared. The laughter, the tears, the adventures – all leading to this.

As my father walked me down the aisle, the music swelled as we approached the altar.

"Who gives this woman to be married?" the officiant asked.

My father's voice rang out clear.

"I do."

He placed my hand in Xavier's, and I felt a jolt of electricity.

Xavier's fingers intertwined with mine, his eyes burning with promise.

The ceremony unfolded like a dream, our vows spoken with conviction.

As we exchanged rings, the sun dipped into the horizon, casting a golden glow.

"You may kiss the bride," the officiant announced.

Xavier's lips met mine, and I felt consumed in the moment as if nothing else existed beyond this kiss.

Time stood still as our lips danced, the world fading into the background. The cheers and applause from our loved ones were distant, a gentle hum of happiness.

As we broke apart for air, the officiant smiled, his voice filled with warmth.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present Mr. and Mrs. Xavier."

Our friends and family erupted into cheers, whistles, and applause. I caught sight of my father's girlfriend, whom I later learned was named Claudia. She smiled and blew a kiss my way.

I guess my father, too, had found happiness again.

I smiled back at Claudia, feeling a warmth in my heart. My father deserved it after everything he'd been through.

As Xavier swept me into his arms, twirling me around to face our cheering loved ones, I caught sight of Juniper's older teens beside her, laughing and winking at me. Helen and Juniper were beaming with joy, while Lucy kept wiggling her eyebrows at me.

It felt nice having them all beside me on this special occasion.

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Epilogue: Two Years Later

The sun-drenched backyard was filled with laughter and chaos as we chased down our fourteen-month-old bundle of energy, who tore across the lawn. His tiny legs moved at lightning speed, dodging capture with an infectious giggle.

"Gotcha!" Xavier shouted, swooping in only to miss Damon by inches.

Seriously, was this kid born with a speed ability or something? He's damn fast, and we are careful not to trip because of him.

Elizabeth squealed with delight, chasing after him. "Damon, wait!"

Harper and Hayden joined the fray, almost bumping into each other. "Come back here, Damon!"

I stopped running and bent down, panting with ragged breath as I watched Damon giggling at his sisters.

The kids were taunting us. I'll show him.

I sprang back to my feet and dashed towards him, and in an instant, he darted to the side, evading my grasp by mere millimeters. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he toddled towards Xavier, who was now on his hands and knees, ready to pounce.

Damon squealed, his tiny hands waving in the air.

"I've got you now, little speedster!" Xavier exclaimed, but missed him again.

I ran up to him, ready to try the same trick, but Damon shrieked with delight, zigzagging around my outstretched arms.

I burst into laughter and slumped on the lawn. "Xavier, I think we should do this the hard way."

Xavier slumped down beside me and nodded. "He thinks he’s got the upper hand; he has no idea we are just playing possum," Xavier whispered, a sly grin spreading across his face.

I giggled, "Exactly! Let him think he's won."

We exchanged a knowing glance, and simultaneously, we sprang into action.

"Okay, kiddo, time's up!" Xavier shouted, lunging forward.

Damon's eyes widened as we closed in, his tiny legs pumping furiously.

But this time, we were ready.

Xavier swooped in from the left, while I flanked from the right.

Damon attempted to dodge, but our parental trap was too clever. Xavier scooped him up, and I wrapped my arms around them both.

"Gotcha!" we chimed in unison.

Damon's squeals turned into belly laughs, his tiny body wriggling with delight.

Harper, Hayden, and Elizabeth cheered, "They got him! They got him!"

As we hugged Damon tight, I whispered, "You may be fast, little one, but Mommy and Daddy are faster."

Xavier smiled, "And more cunning."

A playful look appeared on my face. "Did you have to add that?"

Xavier chuckled, "Hey, someone's got to keep him humble."

I playfully rolled my eyes. "What if he ends up with a cunning personality?"

"Then he'll know how to negotiate for the biggest slice of pizza," Harper chimed in, chuckling. "And how to claim the last slice without getting caught!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

"Hey, that's advanced training," Xavier said with a grin.

Elizabeth jumped in, "And how to eat it without getting cheese strings all over your face!"

Hayden giggled, "Damon's already mastered that!"

Damon squealed, his face still smeared with pizza sauce from lunch.

Yeah, I must have forgotten to clean that up.

As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, our children's laughter filling the air, I knew this was life's greatest joy.

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Hi readers,

I've come to the last chapter and roadmap for this book. I really had fun writing this one, and I hope you guys had fun reading it too. We explored a forbidden love story. I'd like to know what you guys think about it and how it resonated with you. Don't be a stranger; hit that review section and tell me how you feel about this story. Don't forget to support this book—and maybe even gift me. Thank you; love you guys.

Don't forget to check out my Billionaire romance-- "Married To My Ex Billionaire Uncle"

There are lots of plot twist, suspense and drama and a spicy slow burn romance.