One Night Forever (Vacation Getaway)

Epilogue

ARABELLA

“ T ell me everything,” I breathe as we take our seats at the restaurant.

We used to go out and catch up by drinking and partying, but things change, and circumstances change. Right now, Cherry’s seven months pregnant and I’m five months, Juni’s not long given birth. So, alcohol isn’t something any of us are drinking.

But tonight isn’t about the three of us, it’s about Cherry’s best friend—and our friend—Amanda. The woman is drop dead gorgeous and is without a doubt one of the sweetest women I’ve ever met. She’s had a rough time over the past few months.

Five months ago, she was planning on marrying Aaron. She loved him, she really did, but that love died when Amanda discovered that he had been sleeping with her mom. Shock doesn’t even describe how any of us felt when she told everyone at the wedding, but my beautiful friend is strong and has come out of the other side, thanks to her family and friends.

“What?” Amanda asks, glancing around at all of us, her cheeks red as she pushes her hair behind her ear.

“You and Frankie,” Cherry grins.

Cherry and Amanda have been the best of friends ever since they were young. They've been through a lot, including Cherry falling in love with Amanda’s dad whose baby she’s currently carrying.

“What about Frankie?” Amanda says trying to act innocent.

“I saw you,” I say with a laugh. “You were so cozy together. You looked cute. We’re not pushing you about anything, Mandy, we just want you to be happy.”

Cherry nods in agreement. “That’s all any of us want for you.”

She sighs. “He’s amazing,” she whispers.

Cherry squeals with delight, clapping her hands together. "I knew it! Oh, Mandy, I'm so happy for you. Tell us everything!"

Amanda's blush deepens, but a small smile plays at the corners of her mouth. "There's not much to tell, really. We've just been spending more time together lately, and I don't know. It feels different."

I lean forward, intrigued. "Different how?"

Amanda fidgets with the hem of her shirt, her eyes darting around the room before settling back on us. "Like I can be myself around him. He makes me laugh, and he listens when I talk about my dreams. It's just easy, you know?" she says with a shrug.

Cherry's expression softens, and she reaches out to squeeze Amanda's hand. "Oh, Mandy, that's wonderful. You deserve someone who sees you for who you are."

Amanda takes a deep breath. "But I'm scared," she admits quietly. "What if it doesn't work out? What if I mess everything up?"

"Hey," I say gently. "That's a risk with any relationship. But from what I've seen, Frankie adores you. And if it doesn't work out, you'll still have us. We're not going anywhere."

Cherry nods emphatically. "Absolutely. We're your friends, we’re here for you no matter what.”

“He’s your step dad, Cherry.”

Cherry grins. “Honey,” she laughs. “I’m married to your dad. I just want you happy and if that’s with Frankie so be it. However, I can’t say the same about your dad. Derek was mighty pissed when he saw the look you two shared on our honeymoon.”

I press my lips together, three months ago we all joined Derek and Cherry for their honeymoon where we all noticed the spark between Frankie and Amanda. It was clear to everyone who watched them interact that there was something between them, but nothing seemed to materialize from it. Until now.

“If you’re happy, honey,” Juni whispers. “Then go for it.”

I can't help but smile at the dreamy look in Amanda's eyes. It's been so long since I've seen her this happy.

"Have you kissed yet?" Cherry asks, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

Amanda's eyes widen. "Cherry!"

Cherry feigns innocence. “What, I’m merely curious.”

Amanda buries her face in her hands, but we can all see the smile peeking through her fingers. "Maybe," she mumbles, her voice muffled.

Cherry lets out another squeal, and I can't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. "Oh my God. We need details!"

Amanda peeks out from behind her hands, her eyes sparkling with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. "It was nice," she says softly. "Really nice, actually. We were walking in the park last weekend, and it just sort of happened."

"And?" Cherry prompts, leaning forward eagerly.

Amanda rolls her eyes, but her smile grows wider. "And it was perfect, okay? He was so gentle, and it felt like... like everything just clicked into place."

"So, what happens now?" I ask gently.

Amanda's smile falters slightly, and she bites her lip. "I don't know," she admits. "We haven't really talked about it. I mean, with everything that's happened with Dad and Cherry, and the baby coming, it's complicated, isn't it?"

Cherry reaches out and takes Amanda's hand. "Life is complicated, sweetie. But that doesn't mean you don't deserve happiness. If Frankie makes you happy, then go for it. I promise, it’ll all be worth it in the end.”

“He wants to see me for Christmas,” she whispers. “I’m not sure if I should.”

Cherry’s hand tightens around Mandy’s. “Sweetie, that’s something you need to decide, but no matter what, we’re all supporting you. We love you.”

I can’t lie, I have the best fucking friends in the world. Each and every one of them is supportive and whom I cherish so very dearly. They love Tanner for me and have included him in all the family events that we do.

“Merry Christmas baby,” Tanner whispers as he thrusts into me. I blink through the sleep and smile. God, this man is gorgeous and he’s all mine.

“Merry Christmas, honey.”

I wrap my arms around Tanner's neck, pulling him closer as he moves inside me. I spot the glistening of the ring on my finger against the morning light filters through the curtains. My breath hitches. “Tanner.”

“I’m not asking,” he growls as he thrusts into me, picking up speed. “We’re getting married, baby.” His eyes are dark with desire, but there's a tenderness there too that makes my heart swell.

"I love you," I whisper, running my fingers through his hair.

He smiles, that crooked grin that never fails to make my stomach flutter. "I love you too, baby. So much."

He fucks me softly, something I absolutely love. Him fucking me softly isn’t something we do often but when we do, it’s out of this world. It's slow and sensual. I arch my back, meeting his thrusts as he hits that spot deep inside me that makes me see stars.

"God, you're beautiful," Tanner murmurs, his eyes roaming over my face. His hand comes up to cup my cheek, thumb brushing over my lips. I kiss it softly, never breaking eye contact.

The pressure builds slowly, a delicious tension coiling in my belly. Tanner's movements become more erratic, his breathing heavy against my neck. "Come for me, baby," he whispers, and it's all I need to push me over the edge.

I cry out his name as waves of pleasure wash over me, my body trembling beneath him. Tanner follows soon after, groaning as he finds his release.

We lay pressed against one another and Tanner presses a soft kiss to my forehead, then my nose, and finally my lips. "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Soon-to-be-Thorne," he says with a grin.

I can't help but giggle, feeling giddy and lightheaded. God, I never imagined this could be my life, but it’s perfect, everything I could have ever wanted. "Merry Christmas, soon-to-be-husband."

I press my lips against his and slide from the bed. I need to shower and get ready for today. We’re hosting Christmas this year.

As I step into the shower, the warm water cascades over my body as I glance down at the gorgeous engagement ring that Tanner slid onto my finger. It's a beautiful oval-cut diamond set in a delicate rose gold band, simple yet elegant. Tanner truly knows me well.

I hear the bathroom door open, and Tanner's voice calls out, "Room for one more in there?"

I laugh, pulling back the shower curtain to peek out at him. "Always," I say with a huge smile.

He steps in behind me, his strong arms wrapping around my waist as he presses a kiss to my shoulder. “Happy, baby?” he asks.

“More than you could ever know,” I whisper.

Who would have thought that a one-night stand could turn into forever?