Just Another Day - Epilogue

**8 Years Later**

On my 26th birthday, and 2 days after the anniversary of my dad's passing, David finally proposed. It was definitely unexpected because Sandra threw me completely off. After we finished high school, Eric, Sandra, David, and I all remained best friends. You see, I had suspected that David was going to propose to me on my birthday, and I told Sandra my suspicions. But she told me that he told her that he was going to do it on Christmas, and I believed her. So, I was shocked to find David on one knee after I entered the living room after doing dishes.

"Melanie Schrader, we've been together for 8 years now, and I think that this is long overdue. Will you marry me, my love?" He pulled out the diamond ring and held it out. All I could do was stare, for a moment.

But then I came to my senses and shrieked, "Yes! Yes of course I will!"

He stood up and kissed me and twirled me around. When he set me down, he slid the ring on my left hand. I gazed at it, it was beautiful. He's so good to me. And I don't know what I'd do without him. He's my everything. I couldn't be happier.

"I love you," I said. I smiled up at him.

"And I love you," he whispered. And then he leaned down and kissed me with so much passion, I can't even put it into words. After we parted and settled down for bed, my thoughts turned to my father. I know that he's watching over me, but I wish he was here to give me away. I miss him so much. The pain has subsided, but it's still there. And not one day goes by that I don't think about my dad.

3 years after his passing, my mother met another man. She sobered up, got a great job, and has been a completely different woman. And when she met Jack, she told me that she never thought she could love again until he came along. He stole he heart. And now they're happily married, and I'm ok with it. I've never seen my mom so happy after my dad died. And she deserves to be as happy as I am. And Jack is a really good guy. He's perfect for my mom.

**6 Months Later**

I stood looking into the full length mirror. My dress was strapless, it had a corset, and a full skirt. And when I first saw it, I knew I had to have it. It fits me perfectly. It outlines my curves just right. I glanced in the mirror at my mother, who started to put the veil on my head. She looked up and smiled at me brightly. But all I could do was smile back sadly.

"Oh honey. I know your father would've done anything to be here today. And he is. In our hearts and memories." She always knew what I was thinking.

"Thanks mom. I just wish he was here."

"I know, sweetie. Me too." She smiled at me then, and swiveled me around. And I couldn't help but smile, looking at her happy face, eyes filling with tears.

"You make such a beautiful bride, Melanie. You really do." Tears spilled over her eyes and I thanked her. And all too quickly, it was time to get the show on the road.

I walked into the church doors arm in arm with my stepfather, Jack. He was thrilled when I asked him to give me away. But all I could think about was David. And when I looked up, his face was all I could see. And when he looked at me, he broke into a smile. And I couldn't help but smile back. I couldn't wait to marry this man.

And not soon enough, we both said; I do.

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I'm so sorry that this chapter is so short! I couldn't think of anything else to write. But I would like to thank each and every one of you who stuck with this story.

And especially those who commented and kept me motivated to finish this story! I couldn't have done it without you guys! You know who you are.

And I would also like to say that my next stories will be A LOT longer than this one. I promise you. Anyway, thanks for reading!