What do you think about wedding epilogues in books?

I generally have mixed feelings about them. Sometimes I feel like it’s too fast. The book takes place over an action-packed couple of weeks and I’m not convinced the lovebirds should be at the altar just yet. When you add a baby to the mix, I start getting twitchy on the newlywed’s behalf.

People have different opinions on the subject. As for me, I think more and more, I’m okay with a HFN in place of a HEA. HFN stands for Happy For Now, in case you didn’t know. Because when an author convinces me the couple is in love and they want to be together, at least for now, that’s enough for me. I can envision my own HEA down the road if I want to. I just have to be persuaded they love each other and it’s gonna be okay down the road. Marrying and having kids too soon actually works toward the opposite end for me because I know how such stressors can doom a relationship.

I went to a wedding this weekend. Beautiful. We drove all the way to a mountaintop, where we went into an open chapel. The simple stucco church was decorated in white netting, ribbons and lilies.

Once we were inside, the rains came, so we had the rush of water against the pavement, and the boom of thunder right outside in accompaniment to their sacred vows. While the priest gave the mass in Spanish, I watched everyone’s faces. Nobody wept. It was such a quiet, solemn occasion, further blessed by the elements.

It was a beautiful ceremony, and I was much struck when they used a white ornamental rope to bind the bride and groom while they spoke their vows. Symbolic, no?

What’s the most unusual wedding you’ve ever attended?

Estella, you won a signed copy of Stone Maiden! Email me with your address, please!