Midnight Butterflies

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Reid

That day in the barn was life-altering. I thought that I had been dealing with the worst of what could come, but it turns out that my future wife having a stalker other than me is the real deal-breaker.

Whenever I realized that my gut feelings about Tom were probably true, I knew I had to do everything in my power to try and save her. I couldn’t let anything happen to Dove.

Nick being involved was something no one saw coming. Dove tried to recount the number of run-ins she had with him over the years, but nothing was memorable enough.

After the night of the engagement party, she told me she bumped into him at one point but didn’t think anything of it. Lamb Creek and Dossberry were small towns, and any time she went out, she was going to see someone she knew.

I didn’t fault her for that. How could I? My only wish is that I had been more on top of my game like I would have been if I hadn’t been dealing with so much already. Dove keeps telling me to stop feeling guilty, but it’s a hard concept to grasp for a man like me.

As I watch my future wife talking to a potential client across the room, all I can feel is gratitude for how far everyone has come.

Dove must feel my eyes on her because she glances around the room and spots me staring. She flashes me a breathtaking smile.

Focusing back on her potential client, she finishes the conversation and then starts walking toward where I am waiting.

The way Dove’s curves sway in her midnight-blue dress with silver night-sky detailing makes me feel like one lucky bastard.

“Hello, Mr. Pierce,” she says.

“Hello, Future Mrs. Pierce,” I rasp.

Dove puts both of her hands on my jacket lapels before leaning up and placing a chaste kiss to my lips.

“You look phenomenal out there,” I whisper against her lips.

“Thank you, honey.”

“Cindy told me you’ve already sold most of the pieces.”

Dove pulls back, and that breathtaking smile reappears.

“Any of them with that blue sticker means they’re sold.”

“Only a few left, and it’s opening night. Aren’t you a perfect girl?”

Dove beams at the praise and places another quick kiss to my lips. As she pulls away, a look of confusion flickers in her expression.

“Is everything alright?”

“Of course, but where’s Jonas and Margo? I thought I saw them earlier.”

“Don’t worry, they’re around here somewhere, little bird.”

Dove’s shoulders relax.

“I’m glad Margo was able to come out for this.”

“She wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Think she’s ready for a sister-in-law in California?” Dove teases.

“I think the million calls she makes to you lately should be your sign,” I answer with a light laugh.

Dove joins in right as she spots Cindy, the art curator, coming over to us.

“Dove, do you have a few minutes?” Cindy asks as she approaches.

“Of course, be right there,” Dove answers.

Dove looks back over to me and shrugs.

“Don’t worry about me; it’s your night to shine. Go do your thing.”

“You’re the best.”

She tilts her head to the side and smiles.

“What are you thinking about?” I ask.

“I’m so glad I fell in love with you.”

“I love you, little bird.”

Dove smirks and then heads toward Cindy. I take this as my chance to walk around the room for a final look at the photographs she selected. As I do, I come up to the one that Dove doesn’t know I bought yet. The first piece sold of the night.

Right in front of me is a piece that features the deep-blue night sky with a stream flowing at the bottom, titled Midnight Butterflies .