A/N:

Hey, guys!

This is the last chapter! That means no more General Belikov. *sniffle* *sniffle* I had the ride of a life time writing both "A Blessing in Disguise" and "Open your Eyes", and I can honestly say that I'm happy with the way it turned out. Heartbreak and all. I just want to thank everyone who has reviewed and stuck with these stories. It's what keeps me writing!

Again, thank you all so much! I hope you enjoy the epilogue! :-)

Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, profit from this story and all creative rights to the characters belong to Richelle Mead.

The original content, ideas and intellectual property of this story are owned by Ms. Belikov. Please do not copy, reproduce, or translate without express written permission.

1 year later...

Abe lifted the veil over my head and gently let it fall in place. "You ready, Kiz?"

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, I think I am."

My father cracked a dazzling grin. "You're not getting cold feet, are you?"

I watched Rosie walk down the aisle in her ocean-blue gown. Like a perfect lady, she waved and smiled charmingly at everyone as she threw red rose petals on the floor.

"No." I said. "Just nervous, that's all. I'm all strung out and jittery. Had too much coffee this morning. Oh, God. I'm sweating too. Is there any pit stains on my dress? Shit. What if I fall?"

"Then I would hope the photographer would catch it. I'd frame it and hang it." Abe said. "Don't look at me like that. I'm kidding, Kiz. You could run away at any time. No one is stopping you."

My eyes bulged.

"Or I can just take care of your fiance for you. It's dark outside, and there's an alley out back. I got a club in my trunk—"

I hit him with the bunch of red roses in my hands. "Dad!"

Abe gave a belly chuckle. "I'm kidding, Kiz. I don't mean to be giving you a hard time. It's just, you know, hard to see you grow up so fast. You're getting married. You have a son. On the way here, I was listening to "Cats in the Cradle" on the radio, and I literally had to pull over because I started to ball like a baby. You should have seen the horrific look your mother gave me...felt like my balls got crushed and tucked away in her purse."

I tried to stifle my laugh, but failed and ended up laughing right in his face.

The piano started and I immediately straightened, feeling that panic return to my body. My heart raced as my father hooked his arm through mine.

"You look absolutely beautiful. I just wanna tell you more thing, Kiz..." Abe whispered in my ear.

"What is it?" I hissed.

"I couldn't be more proud to call you my daughter."

The doors opened and the instant I met Dimitri's dark eyes, all of my worry and doubt vanished.

As I walked down the aisle, I couldn't believe how far I'd come.

My maid of honor and best friend in the whole world, Lissa, who was very pregnant, gave me an encouraging smile.

The best man, Christian, gave me a thumbs up.

Behind him, Adrian gave me two thumbs up and the biggest, cheekiest grin ever.

Sydney, his pregnant wife, snorted on the opposite side of the altar, next to Lissa.

I could only laugh.

My eyes landed on my son standing at the love of my life's feet, dressed in his small black suit. Ivan was such a beautiful two year old, the splitting image of Dimitri, it was unbelievable. He was also the best child I could ask for. He reminded me so much of his father, always so serious, diligently followed the rules and always did what was best.

Just last week, Ivan started going to work with his father. Dimitri even had a uniform made for him that matched his own, which was hilarious and absolutely heartwarming at the same time. My son definitely took his work seriously when he was on the job with Dimitri.

Ivan was a General in training, aspiring to be just like his father when he was older.

Abe released me with a kiss to my cheek. He took his seat next to Janine.

I grabbed Dimitri's hands and couldn't seem to look away from his hypnotizing gaze.

He leaned forward and whispered in my ear, "Your beauty takes my breath away."

My eyes watered.

I had never been more in love than I was in that moment. Finally, I had everything I could ever want and more. A loving family. Amazing friends. A child I loved more than life itself. And a man that brought me all the happiness in the world and desired me as much as I desired him.

Dimitri.

I had fought for him, lost him, and even given up on him. But at the end, we were meant to be together. Nothing and no one could break what we had worked so hard to build. I couldn't ask for a better ending to our story.

Being forced into the the Military academy by my parents all those years ago really had been a blessing in disguise.