Epilogue
CHARLIE
One Year Later
It’s been a little over a year since I moved home, and everything has been wonderful. Mostly wonderful. The video surfaced again, but it no longer bothers me. Brad and I moved in together about six months ago. Harper was able to get her own place, thanks to our program.
And now we’re starting a new round of houses in the next town over. Raja nods their head, and I start.
“Good morning, everyone. I’m Charlie Smith.
Thank you for coming. As you know, we’re starting a new project.
Some of you have volunteered before.” I manage not to look at Brad.
“And some of you are new. Just a reminder for everyone. If you don’t think you can manage the hours, the work, or the cold”—it gets so fucking cold here—“please consider dropping out now.”
There’s no reaction from Raja. They said last year was their highest retention rate ever.
“As you can see on page twelve of the handout, our timetable for the project is—” My phone buzzes as a text comes through.
It’s on the podium, and I stare at it. I know I turned it off.
“Our timetable is set but also flexible for things like—” My phone buzzes again.
And again. What the hell? I glance at Raja and then the volunteers.
Brad watches me with an innocent expression, but I think I see a smile.
“Maybe you should check,” Raja says, motioning to my phone. “It might be important.”
Something’s definitely up. “Just a minute, everyone.” I shake my head and grab my phone off the podium.
Brad
Hey, Charlie.
My sweet eye candy.
Stop ignoring me, asshole.
I laugh at that, shaking my head. I’m not too surprised when my phone rings.
“What are you doing?” I ask, turning toward Brad in the crowd. Only he’s not in the crowd anymore. He’s right in front of me and still on the phone.
“Trying to get your attention.”
“It worked.” I glance around the room, but no one looks upset. They’re all smiling. And…is that Mom and Dad? “Um, Brad?”
But he’s no longer standing in front of me. He’s kneeling. Okay, that’s not—oh. He holds up a black box with a ring inside. And I’m already crying. “Charlie? Would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“God, yes.” I throw myself in his arms and kiss his face. His lips.
In a low voice, he says, “I told you I’d get on my knees for you.”
I kiss him again. Not caring what anyone thinks. My friends and family are all there, and one by one, they congratulate us.
“Are we not doing the meeting today?” I ask Raja, nodding at the people still in their seats.
“We’re on a timetable. The meeting is still on.”
Oh. It’s going to be difficult to give a presentation when all I want to do is ravish my now-fiancé and then celebrate. I push my shoulders back. “Okay.”
They shake their head. “What did I say about being an adult, Charlie?”
I grin at Raja, and they nod their head to indicate a hug—only one—is warranted. I hug them and make sure it’s a good one. “Thanks, Raja.”
“No worries. Now, get all these people not volunteering out of here so I can finish this.”
“Anyone still here in the next two minutes is helping to renovate houses.” As they file out, I notice Dani Rae sitting in one of the chairs. She smiles and nods.
“Ready, Charlie?” Brad asks.
“Ready.” I wave to Raja. “Thanks again.”
Their smile borders on fond. “See you tomorrow, Charlie. Have fun with all the adulting.”
I grab my man and head out the door. I’ve come a long way from that kid spewing Crush Orange soda and being afraid of disappointing everyone. I’m not just the mayor’s son. Or the town mascot.
I’m Charlie Smith. Successful project manager and event planner. Future husband to Brad Rathborn. An adult in the eyes of my parents, the citizens of Dundy County, and most of all, myself.
If only the nuns could see me now.
Want other Valentine’s Day stories? Check out 14 Days to Resist Your Valentine. Want to listen? Check out the audiobook.
Along with weird gifts, Remi’s secret admirer sends notes with an “I hate that I love you” vibe.
He’s on a mission to find the person and make them regret ever messing with him.
Jules agrees to help Remi, but he has secrets of his own.
He’s determined to find the person sending Remi gifts before they reveal his biggest secret of all.
The Candy Hearts Vol 3 Anthology is out now! The theme this year is “meet-ugly.” It’s all about wrong first impressions. Check out all the stories at , and remember, this year all the proceeds go to the LGBTQIA+ charity Rainbow Railroad.
Here’s a peek at my story, Love Thy Neighbor:
Jace
I’ve been crushing on Lannie, our hot straight neighbor, since I was seventeen and accidentally sprayed him with a water hose.
Now at twenty-two, I’m in my last year of college, hundreds of miles away from my hometown, getting dumped by my boyfriend in a restaurant.
And Lannie is somehow there to witness it.
Except that isn’t the worst part. I’m so startled by the sound of Lannie’s voice that I turn quickly, drink still in hand, and drench him. Again.
And if we want to talk total humiliation, Lannie is there because my mom sent him to check on me.
That should be the end of my crush, right? But when Lannie realizes I’m awkward AF around guys, he offers to teach me things. Things like kissing and touching…and that’s when Lannie learns something too. He’s not as straight as he thought.