Knockemout, #3
Things We Left Behind
by Lucy Score
Contents
Epilogue
Overview
On Christmas Eve, Sloane and Lucian marry at home after a private, emotional pre-ceremony exchange where Lucian gifts an endowment to formalize the Simon Walton Foundation. They affirm plans to foster after their Fiji honeymoon. The ceremony is joyous and cathartic, capped by Lina’s pregnancy news and a mysterious angel honoring Simon.
Summary
On Christmas Eve, Sloane prepares for her at-home wedding, overwhelmed by nerves and the ache of her late father’s absence. The house buzzes with family and friends as a meticulous coordinator readies an extravagant indoor ceremony and tented reception, complete with out-of-season cherry blossoms.
Lucian climbs onto the porch roof to see Sloane before the ceremony, steadying her with teasing resolve. They reaffirm their commitments: marriage, an indulgent Fiji honeymoon, and beginning the foster-parent application on return. Lucian gifts documents establishing the Simon Walton Foundation with a substantial endowment, proposing Mary Louise, Allen, and possibly Kayla as key contributors.
Sloane counters with a framed photo of their family and Simon’s final text to Lucian, moving Lucian to tears. They hold each other, acknowledging Simon’s pride and the life they’re building. They agree to keep emotions in check to avoid the coordinator’s wrath and head into the ceremony grounded and united.
Emry officiates through happy tears. Sloane runs into Lucian’s arms, and they speak their vows embraced. When asked who gives the bride, Karen answers “Her father and I do,” deepening the emotion. Nolan hugs a tearful Lucian; Callie captures it, and Petula frames the photo. The first dance is to “From This Moment On.” Lina quietly reveals she’s expecting twins. Knox, Nash, and their father share a dance-floor hug. Later, the family spots a new angel atop the porch tree, strikingly like Simon, as if winking—an apt blessing to close the day.
Who Appears
- Sloane WaltonBride; anxious then steadied by Lucian; affirms fostering plans; gifts Lucian Simon’s final text; overjoyed during emotional ceremony.
- Lucian RollinsGroom; comforts Sloane; unveils endowment establishing the Simon Walton Foundation; deeply moved by Sloane’s gift; joyous at wedding.
- TiffanyFormidable wedding coordinator who meticulously orchestrates the event and intimidates everyone into staying on schedule.
- Karen WaltonSloane’s mother; welcomes guests and emotionally declares, “Her father and I do,” honoring Simon during the ceremony.
- EmryOfficiant; conducts the ceremony through tears, setting a heartfelt tone for the vows.
- Mary LouiseArrives for the wedding; potential key hire for the newly endowed Simon Walton Foundation.
- AllenNewly barred attorney; considered for an official role in the Simon Walton Foundation.
- Kayla RollinsLucian’s mother; reconciled and stabilizing; proposed as an addition to the foundation’s efforts.
- LinaFriend; privately reveals she is expecting twins, adding to the night’s joyful announcements.
- NolanFriend; cries and hugs Lucian after the ceremony, captured in a photo later framed for the office.
- CallieNolan’s wife; documents key moments with her camera, including Nolan’s hug with Lucian.
- PetulaFrames Callie’s photo of Nolan hugging Lucian for display at the office.
- NaomiFriend; holds Sloane’s phone and hears Lina’s twins reveal on the dance floor.
- KnoxFriend; shares a meaningful hug and dance-floor moment with Nash and their father.
- NashFriend; joins Knox and their father in a family hug during the reception.