Epilogue
One Year Later
Josie
So much had happened over the last year, but one thing held steady. Killian.
It didn’t take me long to realize that I was already in love with him before that party had even happened.
He’d let his walls down for me after that glorious night, just like I let mine down for him. He told me things that he’d never told anyone else before. And I let him love me the way he needed to.
There were days it was difficult, that was for sure. But for the most part, we fell into a rhythm like it was always meant to be.
His room became our room immediately. He had the better bed, so it only made sense. Hell, he even let me move the Christmas tree to the living room.
And as the seasons of the year passed, I fell even deeper in love with Killian Montgomery. I didn’t feel like there was a gaping hole in my heart anymore. He helped stitch it up.
I didn’t have to hide myself from him either. Or myself. I found a therapist and began truly processing the loss of my mother.
“What are you thinking about?” Killian pulled me from my thoughts.
We were cuddling on the couch as we watched Die Hard. It was a compromise that stood through the year. I could have a Christmas tree and decorations and we could watch Die Hard the night before Christmas Eve.
“I was just reminiscing.”
“About what, Baby?”
“The last year.”
“Regretting anything?”
“Wasting so much time hating you.”
“Don’t worry about that. We’re together now. You finally love me back, and that’s all I could ask for.”
“I know.”
“Shh.” Killian softly caressed my cheek before pressing a kiss to my lips.
It did exactly what I needed it to. It reminded me that I deserved to be loved deeply and that Killian deserved this second chance. We both did.
I relaxed again, and we went back to watching the movie.
When the credits began to roll, I started to grab the remote to start the next one.
“I have a question for you, Josie.” Killian’s voice was serious, and I could hear a hint of nerves.”
“Okay?”
“Will you be my fake girlfriend at this year’s Christmas party?”
I playfully slapped his arm. “Killian!”
“I’m kidding! Although I’m thinking about asking someone a question, but want to make sure I don’t fuck it up. Think you could help me with that?”
“What’s the question?”
“Well, first, I just need to figure out when to ask it.”
“Well, if I have any suggestions, I would say don’t be cliché.”
“So don’t ask in front of a crowd on a holiday?”
“Exactly. I would say whoever you plan to ask whatever question you have would like it to be private, calm, and unexpected.”
I turned back to the television, trying to keep my heart from exploding in my chest.
“And what if I wanted to ask right now?”
“Huh?” I turned to look back at him just in time to see him pulling a small box from the cushions of the couch.
“Josie Lillian Summers.” He started as he slid off the couch and onto one knee.
“Killian Montgomery.” I started but stopped.
Was this really happening? Was this reality? Was Killian really asking me—”
My thoughts were cut short as Killian began to speak.
“I tried to come up with the perfect speech, the perfect plan, the perfect moment. But nothing gets better than these moments. When it’s just you and me in the comfort of our home.
When neither of us has to worry about anyone or anything else.
When I get to hold you as you fall asleep, watching yet another movie.
When you look at me with a love I never thought I’d get back from you.
When I feel with my entire soul that this is the only thing I want in life.
To be with you. I might have loved you since high school, but it wasn’t until you started cracking me open that I realized I never want to lose you.
That was child’s play back then. But this?
What I feel every day is pure bliss. I can’t even put it into words beyond saying I love you and I want to spend every day with you.
I want to shout it to the world and call you my wife.
So, Josephine Lillian Summers, will you marry me? ”
“Only if you promise to never call me Josephine ever again.”
“So can I call you wife?”
“Yes!” I cried out, letting the happiest tears fall down my cheeks.
Never in a million years would I have guessed that I’d be saying yes to a proposal from Killian Montgomery.