Epilogue
EPILOGUE
CHARLIE
It’s been almost 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 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.
Brad: My sweet eye candy.
Brad: 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 close 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 box and pulls out a ring. And I’m already crying. “Charlie? Would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“Yes.” I pull him against me and kiss his face. His lips.
He winks. “I told you I’d get on my knees for you.”
I kiss him again. Not caring what people think one bit. My friends and family are all there and they congratulate us.
“Are we not doing the meeting today?” I ask Raja, nodding at the people still in their seats.
“We are on a timetable. The meeting is still on.”
Oh. It’s going to be difficult giving a presentation when all I want to do is ravish my man and then celebrate. I push my shoulders back and give them a nod.
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 wave to Raja. “Thanks again.”
They nod. “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 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.