34. Epilogue
Epilogue
Lennon
F riends and family fill the house as I find my way onto the front porch, a hard seltzer gripped in one hand.
The porch holds sturdy, and the interior consists of mismatched decor, but for some reason, it all works. While I thrifted most things, the bookshelves Noah and I purchased still stand in the living room, a reminder of all the hard work we put into this place.
It’s hard to believe I’ve made it this far–a grand opening.
Something warms in my chest knowing all these people showed up for me . And tomorrow night, we host our first guests.
“It looks good,” Ellis says from her spot near the porch railing. Cass beams at me, her blonde hair falling in natural waves over her shoulders, sunglasses atop her head.
Last April, she had decided against finding a new house, and opted to move on a farm forty minutes away. I guess the job included a house at the end of the drive–part of the compensation for running the farm.
I didn’t know she knew anything about horses, but I guess I was wrong. Apparently, she grew up riding.
The job’s changed her, that’s for sure. Her skin is sun-kissed, and she hasn’t brought up her ex in a while.
It’s good for her–I think.
“Yeah, yeah,” I say, waving off Ellis’s compliment. “Unimportant. Let’s see it, bitch.”
Ellis rolls her eyes, but the gentle smile on her lips gives her away. “Old news,” she groans.
I hold my hand out, waiting. “I don’t care. Show me again.”
She grabs my hand. A solitaire diamond decorates her finger, carefully held by the twisting rose gold band. The ring looks like it was forged by an elf or something. It’s perfect for her.
I have to give it to Griffin–the rock is huge.
A warm arm wraps around my waist, Noah’s expensive cologne invading my nostrils. He smells like home. “Don’t go swimming with that thing,” he says, staring at Ellis’s ring.
We were somehow able to keep the secret.
A true show of my devotion to my friend. I wanted her to have the full experience, and damn did she.
Ellis chuckles before taking a sip of her drink. “It’s not that crazy.”
Cass nudges her. “Don’t lie to us.”
“Okay, it’s fucking huge,” Ellis admits.
The group breaks into laughter, and Noah kisses my temple, warmth radiating from his touch. His lips brush my ear before he whispers, “I’m proud of you, you know.”
I feel stupid, but my entire soul is glowing at his praise. Things may still be rocky with my dad, but there’s little I can do about that. The good news is I feel closer to Lorelei than I ever have. She and Mom plan on coming to the Inn later this week to check it out.
“Yeah,” I say. “I know.”
Noah pulls back, that dimple popping in his cheek. “I’m going to go find Griffin.”
When he leaves, Ellis’s expression changes, her dark hair swirling with the gentle summer breeze. “So,” she starts. “Your dad still won’t see the place.”
I scoff. “No, but the rest of the family is coming next week.”
Ellis chuckles. “Just don’t get caught fucking in the barn.”
I roll my eyes, glancing at Cass and noticing the way her cheeks tinge pink.
“Speaking of barns,” I say. “How’s the new job?”
She clears her throat. “It’s good!” Cass tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I can actually carry the water buckets now without wanting to die.”
I chuckle in response.
“I think you should arm wrestle Griffin,” Ellis adds. “Assert your dominance just in case he ever steps out of line.”
Cass lets out a soft laugh. “That seems like Lennon’s job.”
When I turn, I notice an old pickup rumble down the gravel road–one I’ve never seen before. A man steps out, cowboy hat firmly placed atop his head, sun-kissed skin, and a pair of snug Levi’s Noah wouldn’t be caught dead in.
“Um,” Ellis starts as we all stare. He seems upset, stomping his boots on the rocks as he makes his way to the porch. “Who is that?”
Cass’s face goes white–like a ghost, and I can’t help the way I step protectively in front of her.
“Well,” she says, her voice small. “So,” she starts again. “That’s actually my boss.”