Epilogue
-One year later -
Leila beamed, happier than she had ever thought possible. She reached up to fix the white flower twisted in her hair as the wind softly rustled her jade dress. Lowering her left hand, she caught the glint of diamonds and white gold shining in the sunlight, and she was reminded of her own wedding so many months ago. The wedding and extended honeymoon had been perfect, so much more than she had dreamed. The ocean crashed faintly behind her, bringing her back to the present. Music began softly wafting from behind a white curtain, and Leila turned her attention to the aisle as a radiant Acelynn emerged, looking gorgeous in a flowing white gown.
The bride glided elegantly down the aisle, the flowers in her bouquet matching those placed delicately in her bridesmaids' hair. Leila glanced beside her at Elvira and Elisia. Both looked equally as stunning in their fitted green dresses. Elvira wiped away a stray tear from her cheek as she watched her friend come closer to her destiny. Leila tilted her head toward Chekov, who waited for his bride at the altar with bright eyes and an awestruck expression. The captain's smile grew wider.
She took in the groomsmen on the other side of the aisle, wondering how fate had treated them all so well. Bones looked dashing in his new tuxedo; Leila chuckled under her breath as she recalled his emphatic grumbles when he realized that he had outgrown the old one sitting in the farthest corner of his closet. Next to Bones stood Sulu. Leila had been surprised and delighted when Elisia and Sulu had hit it off so well. The new couple seemed ecstatic with their budding relationship, and Leila wished them the very best of luck. The captain's attention finally slid over to Kirk, and her green eyes met his cobalt ones. As always, she felt an electric spark whenever he looked at her like this.
Leila still could not believe that the amazing man before her was her husband. He awakened a fire within her soul, and her love for him grew stronger with each passing day. In the past year they had lived, laughed, and loved with such zest and passion that Leila often had a hard time believing that this blissful existence was hers. Yet hers it was, and the new life growing inside of her was a testament to their endless love. She had found out about her pregnancy the week before, and Kirk was overjoyed at the prospect of being a father. He continuously caressed Leila's slowly growing tummy, crooning words of love to their "little captain." Leila had yet to tell her friends, although many times they had commented on her glowing features. Leila outwardly dismissed it as excitement for the wedding. She did not want to take away any of the doting attention Acelynn deserved as the blushing bride. Tonight, when the wedding was over, Leila planned to take her friends aside and share the good news. Realizing her hand had moved to her stomach, Leila quickly replaced both hands on her bouquet just as Acelynn approached the altar.
The priest began speaking, joining the two young people together, and Leila couldn't help but be amazed at the path all their lives had taken. Unconsciously Leila's hand again dropped to her growing belly and the life inside. From horror to happiness, their lives had taken an unexpected turn that had left them all wondering at fate's design. They were all surrounded by a nebula of the purest form of love that anyone could ask for.
And she couldn't imagine it any other way.
The End