Epilogue
Micah
It’s the day of the annual rib fest, and the bar’s patio is crowded. I’ve helped where I could leading up to the event, but I’ve also been busy with other prospects. It’s only been a few months since I moved back to Aqua Vista, but I’m finding my way and enjoying myself in the process.
Cap agreed to sell me Hook, Line, and Sinker as long as he could still work the counter and be part of the fisher community. John figures it’s a good investment to bring in revenue, and Aaron helping with minor renovations like paint and a new sign will undoubtedly make it a bigger draw. It’s been like fulfilling a portion of a dream I didn’t even realize I had. Being part of Sleepy Slip and serving the fishers’ needs feels like redemption.
I’m also helping Ms. Hart with the drama camp she runs in the summer months, and my involvement has given me ideas of my own—like operating something similar in the future, but for adults. She’s also begged me to assist her during the school year, and there’s no way I’d give up the opportunity. Turns out, I don’t need an official degree to run the club after school, but my acting credits certainly helped sell the idea to the principal. And who knows, maybe I’ll even consider getting my bachelor’s. It’s still a shock how much I enjoy teaching these kids, even if it’s not in an official capacity.
It appears that turning down that Cold Blade role is the best decision I’ve ever made. My agent dropped me, which wasn’t unexpected since I’m done with that life and have no regrets. And even when the guilt occasionally creeps up, John reminds me that the most important thing is that we made our way back to each other.
The afternoon is busy, and time seems to fly. I help serve food and drinks as I chat with the regulars—even those who’ve misunderstood me over the years. Instead of continuing to doubt whether I belong here, I’ve jumped straight in, confident that I do, with a little help. Aaron dragged me with him to register the house with the historical society, and in the process, I learned a bunch about my family’s roots in this town. Beth’s, too, and lately, we’ve been meeting for lunch and sharing tidbits about what we’ve read or discovered. Her great-grandmother led a women’s suffrage rally, and mine was part of it too. Go figure.
Beth hasn’t tried steering me one way or another since I’ve been back. She’s only been a solid support to John and me, which I appreciate.
“I’m so glad you found your path,” she’s said countless times.
John’s hired a DJ to play some tunes as the afternoon turns to night, and before he starts spinning records, I figure it’s as good a time as any. I ask to borrow the mic, my fingers trembling as I grip the chain around my neck. John wears a similar one with a tarnished wedding band. We’ve promised to replace them in the future. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please?”
John’s perching behind the grill—despite having plenty of help, he can’t seem to delegate during these events—and I see his lips part in surprise at my interruption. Jack’s eyes widen, and June and Cain focus on me from a picnic table where they’re sitting with Frank and his date, Becca, a woman John told me he saw briefly last year.
Rocco is notably absent because his wedding takes place in a couple of weeks, and apparently, he’s been stressing about the details, whatever that involves. Rocco was bummed about my grandfather’s house but understood, ultimately agreeing to rent it from me when he stays in town. The extra income will help, given the debt I’ve accrued with the renovations, and that way, John and I can maintain both properties. We call my grandfather’s place our mountain house and use it when we want more of an escape.
Chuck was elated when I returned to Aqua Vista to retake ownership of the house, more so because of what it signified—that John and I were back together.
“Thank you for coming today to support this bar and the best person I know, John McCoy. When I moved here as an angry kid with a lot of baggage, I didn’t appreciate this town enough. I found the love of my life here, but then I moved away for a while to figure myself out.” I clear my throat as the shame rears its ugly head. “But now I’m back for good, and I hope to get to know some of you better. My grandfather, Griggs Malone, was an integral part of this town, and I hope to honor my family’s legacy.”
I see Beth clapping, as well as Jack’s family—my family. They’ve embraced me wholeheartedly, and I couldn’t be more grateful. At the family’s first barbecue after my return, June brought a cake that read Welcome Home , and it moved me to tears.
“That said, I know how much people around here enjoy a good tradition. Would you mind joining me, John?”
As John makes his way over, someone in the crowd whistles—Aaron, I suspect. He’s the only one I’ve shared my plan with, and given Jack’s blank stare, I’m impressed he hasn’t spilled the beans.
My gaze snatches on a person I’ve only met a handful of times. My infamous neighbor, Mr. Leaf Burner himself, who I’ve only recently learned is named William. And only because my very charming husband helped smooth the way.
John somehow got William to drop the dispute as long as we allow him to stack his woodpile over the property line. He also agreed to stop burning leaves once John offered him a couple of free beers at the bar. Looks like he’s shown up to make good on the promise.
“What are you doing?” John whispers when he gets to me.
“Making a speech.” I wink playfully, though my stomach is trembling something fierce. “I’m almost finished.”
When I drop down to one knee, I hear a few gasps, but my gaze is laser-focused on John, whose eyes immediately soften as he stares down at me.
“John McCoy, I adore you. You are my person. The man who offered me unconditional love even when I didn’t think I deserved it. I want to grow old with you. To take care of you the way you always deserved. I am helplessly in love with you. That has never changed.” I fumble around in my pocket and pull out the sparkly white-gold ring. “Will you marry me all over again?”
John appears speechless, and for one moment, I think I’ve blown it, presenting a ring publicly like this. But then he holds out his hand, and as I slide the ring on his finger, he shouts, “Fuck yes!”
The patio goes wild with cheers and whistles. Even the DJ gets in on the action, and I vaguely hear Aaron telling everyone around him that he was in on the proposal.
John pulls me to my feet and plants a long kiss on my lips. I wind my arms around him in a tight embrace, and it feels like coming home. Again.
His mouth finds my ear. “You’re not going to believe this, but I bought you a new ring too.”
My pulse spikes as I draw away. “You did not.”
“I did. Guess it’s destiny and fate and all that.” He grins in that charming, sexy way I’ve always loved. “But I’ve got work to do, so I’ll save my speech for tonight. Should we sleep in the mountains?”
My heart flutters as I nod. “Nothing sounds better.”
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Thanks for reading DEAR JOHN!