Chapter 6: Epilogue

Cassie was able to leave Pete's café after working the next Saturday morning shift. The next day, all four friends enjoyed a French style Sunday lunch at the Côte Brasserie in Hampstead before Sid loaded Cassie's things into his estate car and drove her back to Bristol and her new home. That evening, Liz welcomed the couple with open arms, as she now knew her son had rediscovered his purpose in life and, hopefully, found real happiness.

Cassie soon found work as a waitress in Bristol, but it was not long before she obtained a job in Sid's office following his promotion.

Not very long after Cassie's return from London, Sid took her to their favourite bench on Brandon Hill. As they appreciated the view, Sid linked fingers with Cassie.

"We've been back together for a month now, Cass." said Sid, "I've loved every single minute of it. How about you?"

"I've loved it as well." said Cassie, "It's as if you've brought me back to life. I really don't know what came over me in Phoenix when I said goodbye to you. I suppose I had one of my 'hate everything' moments. It was the biggest mistake I made in my whole life."

"I know." said Sid, "I wish I'd had an argument ready to keep us together. That would have saved so much heartbreak."

"Once you'd gone, I was so lonely." said Cassie, "I should have broken our silly pledge and looked for you."

"That's all in the past now." said Sid, "You're back home with friends who appreciate you, my sweet Cassie. You're happy again and we have a future. That's all that matters."

"I suppose so." said Cassie, "I certainly feel more secure than at any time in my life. It's a lovely feeling and you've been my rock since we got together. You're so dependable. In fact, you haven't let me down since we got together in Chris's flat before the 'A' levels."

"You're still my inspiration, Cass." said Sid, smiling, "I feel so much better about myself when I'm around you. You make me believe I'm worth something. Your bright smile is one of my reasons for living. Anyway, how are you with Michelle now?"

"I've settled all my differences with her." said Cassie, "I realise why she did what she did in South Wales. Both of you were in a bad place back then and I now realise that she almost certainly saved your life, so really, I should be grateful to her. I'm so happy that we're on good terms again because she's such a good person to have as a best friend."

"Does that mean you're happy to be the chief bridesmaid when she marries Tony next March?" asked Sid.

"Of course." said Cassie, "And you'll be an excellent best man. I wouldn't miss that for the world."

Cassie embraced and kissed Sid.

"Anyway, my sweet Cassie." said Sid, "I'm not quite sure how to put this, but how do you feel about us?"

"What a question!" said Cassie, "I really, totally love you, Sidney. As I said, I love all of you and everything about you. My feelings haven't changed."

"That's good." said Sid, looking straight into Cassie's eyes, "Because I would like to make our relationship even more secure. My sweet Cassie, I love you. I have always loved you. I will always love you. You're the one person I'd like to share my life."

Sid got off the bench and went down onto one knee in front of Cassie, produced a small red box and opened it, presenting a solitaire diamond ring to Cassie. Anticipating what Sid was about to ask her, she produced her most radiant smile.

"So, my sweet, gentle, beautiful Cassandra Ainsworth," continued Sid, "Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife."

"Wow! You are an old romantic after all." said Cassie, "Of course I will. I should have said 'yes' back in Phoenix. I love you so much, Sid."

Sid placed the ring on Cassie's finger. He got back onto the seat, embraced her and kissed her to seal their engagement.

"Thank you so much." said Sid, "I feel even better now. I'm so happy you said 'yes' this time. I feel as if a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I was worried you might say 'no' again."

"Oh sweet Sid." said Cassie, smiling, "You needn't have worried. I feel secure and I realise that I'm surrounded by love here. I'm so glad you've brought me home. I'm so happy. I love you. I love this city. I love everything."

Sid smiled at these comments from Cassie, embraced her and once again kissed her.

"I'm ecstatic that you feel like that, my sweet Cassie. Thank you." said Sid, "I suppose we'd better go home and tell mum. She should be the first to know. We'll also have to tell Tony and Michelle."

The couple embraced, kissed each other again, and then returned to Sid's home in Bishopston to tell Liz the good news. When Sid and Cassie came through the front door with big smiles on their faces, Liz somehow knew what the couple were going to tell her.

"I suppose congratulations are in order." said Liz as Sid and Cassie came in.

Early the following spring, Tony married Michelle at St Mary Redcliffe with Sid as best man and Cassie as chief bridesmaid. Because of the date of their engagement, Michelle selected a wedding dress similar to the one worn by Kate Middleton when she married Prince William.

At the end of May that year, Sid married his beautiful Cassie in the same church. Sid selected some of the music to be played during the service. He chose three science fiction film themes. He entered to the Star Trek 'Voyager' main title theme because he was setting out on the voyage of life. Cassie entered to the main title theme from Star Trek 'First Contact' because Sid felt it was Jerry Goldsmith's most beautiful creation and was appropriate for the entrance of Bristol's most beautiful girl. Sid walked back down the aisle with his new bride to the strains of the Throne Room Theme from 'Star Wars'. Cassie wore a simple strapless dress with a straight bust line which displayed her exquisite shoulders and did not detract from her natural beauty. With her golden hair, her tiara and her bridal veil, she really did look like a fairytale princess. Nobody there would ever forget her radiant smile as she emerged from the church with her new husband. Sid, when asked about his choice of exit music, said that by marrying her, he was crowning Cassie 'queen of his heart'.

Maxxie and Caterina came to both weddings. At Sid and Cassie's reception, they too announced that they had become engaged to be married.