an. Here's the epilogue for this story, keep in mind that this is FIVE YEARS in the future, please. Also, it will be told in first person; from Randy's point of view. As always enjoy! And thank you to everyone who supported me and this story through all the hiatuses among other things, you guys mean the world to me!

:)

Epilogue

Have you ever felt like everything in your life is absolutely perfect?

You wake up in the morning, look over to your right and see the most beautiful woman laying next to you, clad in one of your t-shirts. Hearing your children's laughter coming from a few doors down. The sun shining through the window, birds chirping, the faint sound of the mailman's truck making it's way down the street. The neighbors cutting their lawns, and children splashing in their pools. The aroma of coffee brewing downstairs in the kitchen. Just like a scene from the beginning of a romantic movie.

Waking up like this all the time would get old for some people, but for me I can't wait to see it all over and over again. I had gone too long and been through too many things to let little things like that just pass me by anymore.

Maria and I got married three years ago, a couple weeks before Maria's birthday actually. It was a beautiful wedding, almost like something out of a fairy tale. She designed – and put together – her own dress, a pearl colored strapless gown with sparkles all around. Trademark fish net arm bands adorned her arms. Her bright red hair was tied loosely to the side in a pony tail. She only had two bridesmaids, Mickie and my little sister Becky. Her sister, Jenny, served as the maid of honor.

I wore the normal thing men wear to weddings, nothing too flashy for me. My own little brother, Nathan, served as my best man, with John and Maria's brother, Bill, serving as groomsmen. About 100 guests attended, co-workers and friends alike. Hell, even Samantha showed up to show her support.

Fast forward to now, and we are still as happy as we were on that day.

Alanna is eight now, and as prissy as she can be. She gets it from Maria, I swear. R.J., our son named after yours truly, is five now. The complete opposite of his sister, the say isn't complete unless he runs through his mothers garden. I am more than happy to state that he got that from me.

And then there is Sophia, our three year old. We adopted her and her brother Andrew, who is one, they joined our little family on our third wedding anniversary. Sophia and Alanna are like the best of friends, despite the huge age difference. Likewise for R.J. and Andrew, nothing like having an accomplice around. Each one of them hold a special place in our hearts, they truly light up our lives.

John and Mickie are expecting their third child in early September. They still live across the street and visit two times a day, every day. They got married in early April 2012. A much simpler wedding than my own, but that's just how the duo are.

Occasionally we all visit the company together, we are all legally – and happily – retired, but the itch to step inside a ring comes to us every now and then.

Samantha lives on the other side of town, she married a lawyer and is expecting to have their baby in a couple months. In a sudden twist to our story, we hang out together. Both of us are nothing but supportive of the others lives and decisions – though questionable at times. Knowing that Alanna won't be stressed about anything makes it all worthwhile.

Everything turned out better than I could have ever imagined. Being with Maria has made me realize that everything happens for a reason, I may not like the outcome most times, but it's all for the best. She's crazy and brings out nothing but the best in me. She completes me in every way possible, never asking much from me besides taking out the trash and such.

I've come a long way from the guy I used to be, all thanks to her. I'm better than I've ever been, or ever will be. I've always told myself that I wanted to find out what forever felt like, what's it like knowing exactly what to expect from life and the people around you?

Well, it looks like I'm going to find out after all.

an. Okay, now I can cry. Again, thank you to everyone who has supported me through everything, Christal, Michelle and that's only naming a couple because I'm too much of a mess to think right now; THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU! Definitely look for more stories from me though, because I promise that they'll be coming!

xo Cristi

LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, MANDY HAS LEFT THE BUILDING.