25. Epilogue
Epilogue
Willow
The laughter flows around me sitting at the fire pit behind our new house.
Gunnar and I bought the house next door to Adelaide and Porter. I was nervous being so close to my meddling family, but it’s been the best decision we’ve made. Next to the luxurious penthouse we bought in Nashville.
I never thought I’d return, but after my first show at Rebels I got a call from a label executive who was at the show. They love my songs, and wanted me on the team as a songwriter. I compromised and told them I’d freelance for them but I want control of my career after Jake.
Luckily, the record label completely understood and was happy to have me in any capacity they could get me. They also don’t care if I continue to post videos on social media which is huge. I love sharing the writing process and have started a second business, more of a charity, helping other young women get in the business without having to deal with misogynistic assholes .
I have five big name artists that help out, and the record label. It’s been so successful I was just approached to open it up outside of the country music world with a different record label backing us in Los Angeles.
Gunnar is beyond proud of me, and makes sure I know how proud he is everyday. We just put out a new video last night of a duet I wrote, and the response is so overwhelming. I can’t wait for us to show this one to the label officially.
Between Nashville and the inn we’re only in Lupine Valley about fifty percent of the time so Gunnar made Bennett the manager. And the first thing he did was fire Madeline. I can’t say I’m sad.
“Aunty Wiwwow,” my niece, Andrea, Adelaide’s toddler, slams into my knees.
I pick her up and put her on my lap. She looks at me with that mischievous grin on her face. She’s definitely my niece versus her mother’s daughter.
She leans in close to my ear. “Found Mommy’s chocwate.” She giggles, handing me a Hershey Kiss before jumping off and running away. I should tell Addy, but I’m not a rat. My niece's secret is safe with me.
I laugh and throw my head back as my sisters approach me.
Lacey struggles to sit in the deep Adirondack chair. “When are you gonna pop, Lace?” I ask impatiently. I want to meet my next nephew.
“Ugh. Not soon enough.” She fans herself with the paper plate in her hand. “Is it seriously always this hot in the summer? Being a week overdue in July should be actually illegal.” She looks around the big combined yard before zeroing on her target. “Brad! New law, you can’t be overdue with a big ass baby in July. Make it happen.”
He salutes her laughing, clapping Colton on the shoulder.
The poor guy has been frozen out of his house by her and the air conditioner since April.
“So Willow, we need to talk wedding plans,” Scarlett says, pulling out a thick binder.
“Oooh, how about a fall wedding with a deep amber red bridesmaid dress color?” Lauren says wistfully.
“Yes, let’s discuss the wedding.” I look at Lauren. “And who might be your plus one?” I ask.
She looks over her shoulder at Brad. “Fuck if I know. Probably my vibrator.”
We all laugh at her comment.
“Stop. I’m going to pee my pants guys!” Lacey says through laughter.
“What is wrong with that boy?” Adelaide asks, throwing her thumb over her shoulder in Brad’s direction. “I have it on good authority that he was plenty excited when the guys told him that you have a thing for him. And he’s kissed you like three times now. What the fuck is he so afraid of?”
“Addy! You owe Uncle Porter a dollar!” Kayla plops in the seat next to me and I squeeze her hand. She’s been the best surprise I never knew I needed in my life .
She came home from spending the summer with her mom in Florida shortly after my show at Rebels. We were instant buddies much to the disappointment of Adelaide and Porter. Now I’ve got both their daughters on my side.
“Darling, can you come help me for a second?” Gunnar rubs my shoulders and I moan.
I get up to follow him inside. “Don’t take too long, Willow! I said wedding, not honeymoon discussions!” Scarlett yells.
“But the honeymoon is so much more fun!” I shout back over my shoulder.
I can hear my mom admonishing me about being inappropriate as I slip through the slider door.
“What do you-“ Gunnar grabs me by my ass and drops me on the kitchen counter. His hands cup my jaw and then tangle in my hair as our tongues mix together.
“I just needed to touch you, Mrs. Keaton.”
I guess I should probably tell my sisters we eloped a month ago when we traveled to Balsam Cliffs last. We hired a Justice of the Peace to marry us in secret down in the cove at sunset. It was perfect. I wore a white sundress, Gunnar wore his cargo shorts and a black tee. We hired a photographer and it was just us. Perfection.
And now I can let my sisters do whatever they want for our reception without the battle they’re expecting from me.
I already have everything I never knew I needed or wanted, but desperately craved in my life.