Epilogue

So, is Dorothy Gale your real name, or a pun?

You tell me! And I'm from Kansas, to boot. You have no idea how many people asked if I had a dog named Toto.

Do you?

No. Toto's my laptop. Kidding! I travelled a lot, Europe, Canada, before I moved home. So no pets, unfortunately. Maybe one day. I do love dogs.

You love dogs, and computers. What else can you tell me about yourself, then? Who is Dorothy?

Hum… Dorothy is… complicated, I guess. Or very simple. She believes in the power of the Press. She knows the price of freedom. She's independent. A bit secretive as well. She loves to cook. She's hard to get close to, but she'll always have your back if you win her over.

Romantic?

I don't know, actually. I never really looked for Romance, since Romance never really looked for me.

Ah, so Mr. Queen here had to work for it.

You could say that. A common friend connected us, but we didn't realize right away how much we complete each other. There was an attraction of course, but… I guess you could say we started on the wrong foot too. A silly argument about property or something. But Oliver is nothing if not persistent. And he loves to have the last word. So we met again, and again. We became friends. Then we became more.

The more happened pretty fast.

Oh yes. But like I said. Oliver is persistent.

Stubborn?

That too. He prefers the adjective confident. He's generous, and a bit arrogant. Impetuous. Brave. Protective. Smart. Playful. Loving. A bit childish, sometimes. (At that, Dorothy turns to her fiancé and pats his knee). Don't pout, Ollie, you are too. The public likes to draw simplified pictures of its heroes, but the truth is Oliver is a complex man.

"Many will say Dorothy Gale is a lucky girl. There's no doubt in my mind Queen's the one who lucked out. His bride-to-be is a pint-size blonde with a brain, a heart, and a sense of humor. I believed the species was extinct."

Chloe shook her head, looking for her nightshift. She spotted it on the floor, just out of reach and sighed. "Aren't you tired of reading that thing? You must know it by heart now, it's been two months…"

"Well, first of all, it's an excellent read. It takes talent to say everything without saying anything. Then I am still trying to get over the fact you forgot handsome to your list of my numerous qualities."

"I did mention arrogant, didn't I?"

"And loving. Which you thoroughly enjoyed last night."

"I'm almost four months pregnant, Oliver, you could stand in a mud field covered in burlap and I would jump you."

His smirk turned up just a little wolfish. Chloe moved out of reach right before he grabbed her. "No! No don't touch me…"

"Again, not what you said—"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence, Oliver Queen! Get up and get out before Lois realized you spent the night here instead of the penthouse."

Oliver leaned back on the pillows with one hand crossed behind his head. The position made the shredded muscles of his chest bulged. Chloe tightened the sheet around her. She would have closed her eyes against the temptation, but he looked so delicious…

"No. Go. We're getting married in… Oh my god, three hours! Out! Get out!"

At the same time she shrieked, she felt herself sink back on the mattress while he played with her fingers. Good God, he was not even tugging at her hand. She was hopeless…

The bang on the door and the shout that followed made her jump out of her skin.

"Chloe Ann Sullivan, you opened that door right this minute, and I better find you alone in that bed!"

Oliver grinned. "Oops…"

Six hours later…

Tess circled the table to face the happy couple. "Chloe's downplaying tendencies and Oliver's bank account made choosing a gift a tad complicated. Since Hal volunteered for Baby Sitting, it left me with only one thing to offer. Oliver?"

He stood with a beam that would have lit the entire state. Truth be told, he'd been grinning nonstop since Chloe had walked toward him, glowing in a simple, yet tasteful ivory dress. "Would you dance with me, Mrs. Queen?"

Her light blush when she took his hand gave his grandmother's necklace and earrings a sparkle that imprinted itself in his memory forever.

Tess gave a micro nod toward Emil, who was apparently their DJ for the night.

The first note of a song Oliver had chosen for their first dance echoed, and Tess began to sing Ed Sheran's wonderful balad.

I found a love for me

Oh darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was

I will not give you up this time

But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own

And in your eyes, you're holding mine

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song

When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight

Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know

She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home

I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets

To carry love, to carry children of our own

We are still kids, but we're so in love

Fighting against all odds

I know we'll be alright this time

Darling, just hold my hand

Be my girl, I'll be your man

I see my future in your eyes

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song

When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful

I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song

I have faith in what I see

Now I know I have met an angel in person

And she looks perfect

I don't deserve this

You look perfect tonight

The end is the only the beginning.

July 2021

Note : I realize the ending might be a bit abrupt. Truth be told, the story ran its course a couple of chapters ago. But I really wanted to make Dr. Adams the big villain so I dragged it a tad. I hope you enjoyed the story. K.