One Weekend in London

Epilogue

An entire roomfulof eyes is on us.

For others and me, it’s anything but a typical day as we step inside the Garrison Bean Bar, my home away from home.

As expected, the jingle of the bell above the door announces our arrival, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee hits me, mixing with the scent of Rhys’s crisp cologne.

It’s one heck of an intoxicating duo.

Just like the last time I set foot in this place three months ago, almost every head is turned in my direction, conversations stuttering to a halt as the weight of their collective gaze settles on my shoulders.

But this time, I don’t shrink away, knowing I’m about to become the leading story traveling the lengths of the Garrison gossip grapevine.

No, I stand tall, spine straight, head held high.

Because this time, I’m not heartbroken or drowning in grief, my heart fractured into a million little pieces I don’t think will ever heal.

Because my heart? It’s once again whole.

Entirely mended.

And it’s all because of him...

Acting as a sentinel at my side, Rhys’s hand rests on the small of my back, his touch a steady presence that anchors me, centering me.

Curiosity radiates off the other patrons, their eyes flicking from my face to his, no doubt trying to reconcile the betrayed runaway bride they all gossiped about with the healed woman standing before them now.

A woman in love and wholly unafraid.

“Holy crap! Sadie, you’re back!”

Tasha’s voice cuts through the murmurs, her excited drawl unmistakable. Racing from behind the counter in a blur of inky hair and bright green eyes, she smiles, lighting up the room.

Three seconds.

That’s all I get before she slams into me, sending me stumbling backward. Thankfully Rhys is in place to catch me, stopping me from tumbling to the floor.

Laughter erupts from deep in my chest as the troublemaker wraps her arms around me, squeezing me so tightly I couldn’t escape if I tried.

“You are never allowed to leave me again!” Heaven help me, here come the dramatics. “You left poor Lillian, Tate, and me with all the men! I swear it’s a miracle I didn’t kill ’em. Weston, especially. I love my big brother but oh my God, he and Sutton are such pains—”

Her words vanish when she spots Rhys. “Well, I’ll be danged.” She blinks slowly. “How is it possible he’s even hotter in person?” Gawking at him still, she adds, “Uh, hi?”

Beside me, Rhys chuckles.

But before he can reply, likely to officially introduce himself, a very pregnant Lillian waddles in from the back, her eyes widening once she spots me. Her chin wobbles and tears fill her eyes, close to brimming over.

“You’re home.”

There’s so much emotion—love, hope, and relief—in those two little words that my own eyes fill with tears. “I made a promise, didn’t I?” Heart beginning to gallop, I smile. “I told you I’d be here to welcome my newest cousin into the world, and I meant it.”

Taking the opening Tasha just handed me by dropping her arms, I make a beeline for Lillian. Once I reach her, I hug her as Tasha did me, careful not to squeeze her belly.

“Good grief, I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too,” I reply, nothing but pure happiness skating through my veins, feeding my fluttering heart. “And there’s something I need to tell you. But first...”

I turn, looking for Rhys.

Should’ve known he’d be right behind me.

Just as Mark constantly shadows him, he’s always shadowing me, never letting me out of his sight unless necessary.

The first time he left me at the penthouse while he went on a business trip, he watched me through the security cameras more often than not.

I didn’t mind either—not in the least.

In fact, I may have given him a show or two.

“Lil, I want you and Tasha to officially meet my Prince Charming. He’s—”

“You hurt her, Rhys Kensington,” Lillian interrupts, a look I’ve never seen before—one that screams she means business—crossing her face. “And I will kill you.”

Now it’s my turn to blink slowly as Tasha makes a choking sound, clearly just as surprised as me. Lillian isn’t the violent type. She wouldn’t hurt a spider, much less a person, and yet...

“Like chop you up and feed you to the pigs kind of kill you.” It’s the hormones. It has to be, right? I mean, I know my cousins can drive someone crazy but not this kind of crazy. “Got it?”

Stunned as can be, I remain mute.

Rhys though, he just smiles. “I’ve got it.” Lillian looks pleased with his answer. Only, he isn’t done yet. “And, darling, if I ever make such a mistake, I vow to be the one to hand you the axe.”

“I knew I liked him!” Tasha claps, practically bouncing in place. “Can you imagine once he meets Papaw in person? I know they’ve been yapping on FaceTime a lot, but Lord, y’all, I think these two are gonna be like two peas—”

The bell above the door chimes with a new arrival, the suddenly ominous sound slicing through our reunion like a blade. And I don’t need to turn to know who just walked in. Not when the temperature plummets, along with my stomach.

Be brave, Sadie Lou.

I turn, knowing it’s time to deal with one of the devil’s minions, gaining closure by putting to bed the last piece of my past. And there Cornelia is, in all her cruel glory, that powdered nose of hers turned toward the heavens.

Same as always.

Standing just inside the doorway, her mouth pinched and eyes narrowed, she takes in the scene before her as all the patrons look on, the shop remaining dang near silent.

“Well, well, the prodigal harlot returns.”

Rhys stiffens at my side, the anger radiating off him unmissable. Knowing he’s about to blow a gasket, I squeeze his forearm, silently telling him I’ve got this.

Time to put her in her place...

I step forward, squaring my shoulders and meeting her icy stare head-on. “Cornelia. I wish I could say it’s a pleasure but, well, it most certainly isn’t.”

Her lips twist, a sneer taking over her face. “I’m sure you do. Just as I’m sure you think flouncing back here with some uptight Brit on your arm will make us all forget what a disgrace you are.”

My hackles rise.

“A disgrace?” I shake my head, a mirthless laugh escaping me. “That’s rich, coming from the grandmother of the man who couldn’t keep his pants zipped on his wedding day, much less in the back of a church.”

If anything, that should’ve been what everyone gossiped about—the degradation of the town’s beloved Baptist church—not me being a runaway bride.

Her face mottles, ugly splotches of red staining her cheeks. “How dare you? Now I see exactly why Maxwell chose Vanessa over the likes of you.”

Lot of good that did him.

Not only did Maxwell try to get me back when he found out about Rhys and me, but a still-pregnant Vanessa left his butt shortly thereafter, choosing to marrysome rodeo cowboy instead. It’s a shame, really. Because they deserved one another.

Two snakes and their not so happily ever after.

Likely close to losing her marbles, Cornelia jabs a finger in my direction but stays rooted to the spot where she stands in all her Chanel glory, making no move to get closer.

“You’re nothing but a classless little gold digger who got lucky by batting her lashes at the first rich man who looked your way—”

“I’d choose your next words very carefully.” Rhys’s voice is quiet but there’s no mistaking the steel behind it. He moves closer, his presence a balm to my soul. “Because if you continue spewing filth about my fiancée, I guarantee I’ll respond in a manner you won’t like.”

Cornelia’s mouth falls open. “Fiancée? But she’s not—”

“Oh, but I am.”

I raise my hand, revealing my brilliant, round, blue-and-white diamond engagement ring that, in their excitement to finally see me, neither Tasha nor Lillian had noticed. The flawless stones catch the Bean’s warm lighting perfectly, glittering for all to see.

It’s been exactly a week since Rhys dropped to one knee for a second time at Victoria’s Gardens. Only, this time, the velvet box he popped open held a breathtaking engagement ring—one made from a simple band his mother owned but adorned with diamonds he handpicked for me.

It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

As far as the proposal, to my surprise, Rhys arranged for Papaw to watch it live from a hidden camera after asking him for permission to marry me. They have yet to meet in person, but like Papaw told my family months ago, they have to follow my lead, trusting my decisions when it comes to Rhys.

And that’s precisely what Papaw did.

The rest of my family is likely to pitch a hissy fit over not getting to watch Rhys pop the question, but my guy wanted it to be private and special. But even he couldn’t leave Papaw out of it. He has yet to say it, but he loves the crazy old loon already.

Just as I know Papaw loves him.

The sight of my ring is a knife to Cornelia’s eye. Her lips move, mouth working soundlessly. For a moment, I think she might combust on the spot. But then her stare narrows farther, venom dripping from each word she speaks.

“Your money might impress this one for now, but it won’t last.” She juts her chin toward me, her expression twisted with malice. “She’ll bleed you dry and then toss you aside, ruining your reputation just like she did my sweet Maxwell’s.” The woman has truly lost her marbles. “Mark my words, you’ll regret the day you ever laid eyes on Sadie Winslow, the trash of Garrison—”

“That’s enough!”

If I thought the air shifted before, it’s nothing compared to now. Because the first man I ever loved, who still holds a giant piece of my heart in his aged, calloused hands, just arrived.

And he’s madder than all get out.

This isabout to get real ugly...

Papaw’s furious voice startles me, but also brings me an infinite amount of peace. I look at the secondary entrance to see him standing there, his weathered face hard as granite.

“I won’t have you come into my granddaughter-in-law’s place of business and spew such poison, Cornelia. Especially at one of my other grandbabies. You’ve said your piece once again, hogwash as it is, now I suggest you see your high-falutin’ rear end right on outta here. Else, I’m gonna unleash Tasha on you.”

Cornelia glances at Tasha, who smiles all crazy-like and offers a little wave.

“Now go on, Miss Fancy Pants Beaumont, and be on your way so us regular folk can drink our coffee and gossip in peace.” When she doesn’t move, Papaw points toward the door at her back. “I mean it, get. You don’t start movin’, I’m gettin’ the broom.”

For a moment, I think Cornelia might argue.

Hands clenched, her right eyelid twitches. But something in Papaw’s flinty gaze must convince her of the futility, because with one last nasty glare in my direction, she spins on her heel and marches out, quickly disappearing.

Silence descends, thick and heavy.

I sag against Rhys, my knees threatening to buckle as the adrenaline of the confrontation seeps out of me. But then Papaw is there, his arms coming around me, holding me up as his eyes glisten, the anger from moments before having vanished.

“My sweet Sadie Lou. I missed you so doggone much most nights I found it hard to breathe while sitting on the porch, wishing you’d come flying up the driveway.”

I cling to him, inhaling the familiar scent of his pine aftershave and the lemony furniture polish he’s used for as long as I can remember. “I missed you too, Papaw. More than you know.”

We stay like that for many moments.

Just holding one another.

When we finally pull back, he cups my face in his rough hands, his thumbs brushing over my cheekbones as he studies me with eyes that’ve seen too much, roving over my features like he’s making up for lost time.

He nods, satisfied with what he sees.

Then his eyes cut to Rhys, standing silent and watchful, respectful as can be. “So you’re Prince Charming...” Papaw’s eyes narrow as he gives Rhys a thorough once-over, taking in the sharp cut of his suit and the confident set of his shoulders. I can only imagine what’s running through his head. “The one who’s stolen my Sadie Lou’s heart.”

“I am, sir.” Rhys meets Papaw’s gaze head-on, unflinching. “And I consider myself the luckiest bloke in the world for her giving me the chance to take it, making it my own.”

Papaw grunts, his weathered face inscrutable. Shaking his head, he turns to me, his blue eyes softening the smallest amount. “This man treatin’ you right, darlin’? Givin’ you the love and respect you deserve? Because if he ain’t, I’ll go get my gun outta the truck and—”

I nod, fighting back laughter, my heart so full it aches. Poor Rhys and my family’s threats. “He does, Papaw. More than I ever dreamed possible.”

“And you love him?” Papaw’s voice is gruff, but I can hear the emotion behind it. “Truly love him, with your whole entire heart?”

“I do.” My hand finds Rhys’s, twining our fingers together, the feel of his skin against mine comforting. “He’s my forever. Just like you were Mamaw’s and she was yours.”

Papaw is silent for a long moment.

But I don’t miss the wobble of his chin or the tears that fill his eyes before he slowly nods. “Well, all right then. That’s more than good enough for me.” He fixes Rhys with a stern look, needing to say his piece. “I may have given you my permission to propose, tying my grandbaby’s heart to you, but let me tell you somethin’, son. You ever hurt her, and there won’t be a place on God’s green earth you can hide from me. I may be old, but I’ll hunt you down like a dog and make you wish you’d never been born.”

“Papaw!” I admonish, but Rhys just chuckles, squeezing my hand. “For heaven’s sake, Lillian already threatened to chop him up and feed him to the pigs. If y’all keep it up—”

“I’d expect nothing less, sir,” Rhys cuts in, seemingly unaffected by my crazy family and more than understanding. “But I give you my word, I plan to spend every bloody day of my life ensuring Sadie knows how cherished she is. Her safety and happiness are my top priorities. For now and always.”

Approval dances in Papaw’s eyes.

Approval Maxwell never received but Rhys has secured with ease.

“See that you do.” Papaw smiles, his entire face lifting and brightening. “And while we’re at it, no more of this sir business. You’re marryin’ one of my granddaughters, which makes you one of my grandyoungins. And now that we’ve finally met in person, all proper like, it’s Papaw to you.”

My belly flips, my heart swelling.

Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry...

Rhys nods, stoic as ever.

“All right now, enough of this ooey-gooey love stuff.” Papaw claps his hands, then wraps his palms around the straps of his faded blue overalls. “It’s time to head on back to the farm for some supper. I’ve got a spread laid out fit for a king, and I’ll be damned if we let it go to waste.”

Lillian and Tasha exchange a look, their eyebrows raised. “And who’s gonna watch the Bean while I’m gone?” Lillian rests a hand on her rounded belly. “I can’t leave until Eli—”

Papaw waves a dismissive hand. “Already taken care of, darlin’.” He points to behind the counter where Isla and Emma, two of Lillian’s part-time employees, stand. “The girls agreed to finish your shift and close up the shop. Besides, me and Eli already talked. He’s leavin’ work early to meet you at the farm. He agreed you don’t need to be on your feet a doggone second longer.”

He gives her a pointed look.

“And I figured we’d all want to celebrate Rhys and Sadie Lou’s homecomin’ properly so I’ve got the whole clan gatherin’ at the house, ready to raise some ruckus Winslow-style.”

“Now hold on a minute.” Tasha looks ready to throw a conniption fit. As expected. “You didn’t think to tell us this beforehand that Rhys clearly asked you if he could marry Sadie, much less that she was engaged and coming home? That is not fair! Lillian and I could’ve planned a real party!”

“And ruin the surprise?” Papaw winks at me, his blue eyes twinkling. “Not a chance, troublemaker. I wanted to see the look on your faces when our girl walked through the Bean’s door and y’all first glimpsed that rock on her hand. And let me tell you, it was worth every bit of secrecy.”

With all of us ignoring the army of eyes that remain glued to us, likely snapping pictures and maybe even live streaming our public family gathering online, he turns his attention back to Rhys.

“While we’re at it and before I forget... since you two will be settlin’ down here, at least part time when you’re not stayin’ in fancy London, I’ve got a little engagement gift for y’all.”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, tarnished key, pressing it into my palm, taking me back to the afternoon Rhys gifted me a key of his own, proposing I stay.

It was one of the best moments of my life.

“The cabin out by the creek, the one next to Eli and Lillian’s? It’s yours, Sadie Lou.”

Every cell in my body freezes. Not just because Papaw is giving me a cabin on our family farm, but because it was the one he and Mamaw lived in when they first got married and my great-grandparents were still living in the main house.

My throat clogs with emotion, tightening.

“I reckoned you and my new grandson-in-law might like a place to call your own when you’re in town. Somewhere to put down some country roots and watch the sunset from the porch swing whenever you fancy a break from that big ol’ city. Besides, it’s what your mamaw would’ve wanted.”

A fresh wave of searing tears blurs my vision as I stare down at the key, my heart swelling with love and gratitude.

“Papaw,” I whisper, my voice barely working. “It’s perfect. Beyond perfect. I don’t even know what to say. Except... thank you.”

Rhys takes my hand, his thumb brushing over the key. “It’s an incredible gift”—he pauses, visibly swallowing—“Papaw.” The pride-driven grin that lights up Papaw’s face is brighter than any summer sun ever could be. “One we’ll always cherish.”

Papaw clears his throat gruffly, those same tears continuing to shimmer in his eyes. “Yes, well, as I said before, enough of all this mushy stuff. We best get a move on before the food back home gets cold and the boys start gettin’ restless. Or worse yet, Weston eats it all and I’m forced to kill him. That’s if Sutton doesn’t beat me to the punch. Or Rhett for that matter.”

Laughter, followed by Lillian and Tasha’s chatter, fills the air as we make our way out of the Bean, Rhys holding me tucked against his side, the very place I’m meant to be. The late afternoon sunlight is warm on my face, the scent of honeysuckle and freshly cut grass drifting on the breeze.

But as we move down the sidewalk, a silent Mark now following—though he goes unnoticed by my family—a commotion across the street catches my attention.

I turn to see Knox, striding down the pavement with his hands shoved deep in his pockets and a scowl etched onto his handsome face.

He’s headed straight for Wendy, who stands in front of the drugstore, her hands on her hips, seemingly mid-argument with one of the pharmacy techs.

Oh, this does not look good. At all.

“Oh hell!” Papaw dang near hollers, echoing my sentiments as he turns to gently smack Rhys on the arm. “Looks like my oldest grandson’s about to lose his mind and show his rear end all over Main Street. I knew it was comin’ but, Rhys, me and you may need to intervene if it gets outta hand. ’Cause the temper on that boy—”

Whack!

Papaw is rendered speechless, something that doesn’t happen often, when Knox slams his fisted hand into the pharmacy tech’s face, knocking him slap down, his back hitting the sidewalk.

That had to hurt. Big time.

The street seems to come to a halt while us and others all watch, completely stunned, as Knox reaches for Wendy but she shakes her head and steps back, her cheeks fire engine red, before turning and running, quickly disappearing around the corner.

Knox, for his part, doesn’t waste any time.

Without so much as a second glance at the man he just knocked flat on his behind, he takes off after her, as if the hounds of hell themselves are chasing him.

Well, then...

Next to Rhys, Tasha lets out a low whistle. “For the love of cheese and rice, those two are a whole lotta mess, aren’t they?”

“They are.” Lilian nods, her hand once again resting on her belly. “But they’ll figure it out.”

I lean into Rhys, my heart aching for my cousin and the woman I suspect he loves. “I just hope they don’t wait too long. Because Tate...” Exhaling, I shake my head. “She needs Wendy.”

My heart breaking, I turn to face Rhys.

“Kiss me, handsome. To distract—”

He responds instantly, just as he always does, his hands splaying across my back as he pulls me flush against him, deepening the kiss until I’m breathless and dizzy.

Wolf whistles and good-natured catcalls erupt around us, but I barely hear them. I’m lost in Rhys, in the feel of his body against mine and the promise of forever that shimmers between us.

When we finally break apart, I’m flushed and grinning like a fool. “I love you, Rhys Kensington.” I rest my chin on his chest, looking up at him. “More than anything in this world.”

“And I love you, Sadie Winslow.” His eyes gleam with adoration. “With every fiber of my being and with every beat of my heart.”

Without another word, we walk hand in hand down the sunlit street, the laughter and love of my family surrounding us. And it’s now that I can’t help but think that this moment, right here, is the true start of Rhys’s and my greatest adventure of all.

Our happily ever after.

Ready for Knox and Wendy?

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