Epilogue
MAXWELL
“Where are you taking me?” asks Kamaya. “I feel like I’m being kidnapped.”
Chuckling, I say, “Relax. You’re definitely not being kidnapped. In fact, you’re going to love where I’m taking you.”
“Well, if you just tell me where you’re taking me, then I can tell you whether or not I will love it.”
“Nice try, but no.”
“C’mon, Maxwell, please. Where am I going? That was a long drive and we’ve been walking forever.”
“We haven’t been out of the car for five minutes. You are so dramatic!”
“You try walking in these shoes!”
This party took extremely careful planning. How did one pull off a surprise party for their girlfriend who was also an expert investigator? Weeks and weeks of incognito messages and calls with her family and friends while she was none the wiser.
“Seriously, Max. This better not be some haunted house thing or I’ll leave.”
I rolled my eyes. “I know you better than that.”
I could feel her cheeks warming under my palms. “You’re right. When you have a birthday so close to Halloween but hate all things horror, a girl had to make sure.”
With the door propped open to Summit Winery, I make my way to the center of the room where everyone is gathered in a semi-circle before removing my hands.
“Surprise!”
A chorus of cheers rings out amongst Kamaya’s closest friends and family. All in attendance are excited to celebrate her big 3-0.
She swings around and smacks my chest. “Maxwell! I can’t believe you pulled this off.”
“It wasn’t all me,” I say, hands up in surrender. “Your sisters and Nicole helped!”
Kamaya’s best friend Nicole hugs her first, followed by her parents, her sisters Mona and Daniella, as well as everyone from our office. Harlowe arrived solo, making an excuse that her husband wouldn’t be able to attend. The party was also attended by extended family of Kamaya’s, as well acquaintances and friends from her past.
I’d hoped my father would get here in time, but as ever, his life on the road took precedence, and I would be lying if I said it didn’t bother me that he couldn’t be dependable.
“What’s wrong?” Kamaya asks about two hours into her party. Her sisters had draped a Birthday Girl sash over her along with a crown.
“Nothing,” I say, trying not to burden Kam on her day.
“Come on, it’s something. You were fine a few moments ago talking to Westin and Bryson.”
“It’s just my dad said he would be here, and as you can see, nothing. My mom wasn’t able to make it, but it just drives me crazy how he still makes assurances, and I still fall for it.”
Kamaya takes my hand into her free one that’s not holding a glass. “Your feelings are valid, Max. You just have to accept him for who he is.”
“Yeah, still upsetting,” I say.
“Of course, but I know your fear is that you’ll be like him, and I can assure you that you’re a way better man than he’ll ever be.”
Kam knew just what to say. “Let’s change the topic. It’s your birthday, and I don’t need to think about him right now. Are you enjoying the party?”
“Yes, Max. It’s lovely. I don’t know how you all kept your mouths shut for however long it took to plan all this.”
“Yeah, especially Bree. I thought for sure every time we were all in the office together she’d slip up.”
Kamaya laughs at my statement, and I wish I could remember this moment forever. Her joy and exuberance. Her cheeks are reddened from the wine, most likely, but I’d like to think it’s my company too.
I look over at her family and our friends, and everyone is having a good time and thoroughly inebriated. I don’t think anyone even sees us over in this area of the tasting room. An idea sparks, and I hope Kam is up for it.
I blurt it out before I can stop myself. “Do you want to get out of here?”
Her eyes widen at my question. “Now?”
“Yes, right now.”
Kam looks over to the rest of the party and witnesses the same scene of her closest family and friends drinking and dancing and completely not paying us any attention.
“You want me to Irish exit my own party?”
“Why not? Everyone here is too drunk to know their own name, far more care where you are.”
“I can’t— I’ve never done anything like that,” she says. “Just leave now and not say anything?”
I shrug a shoulder. “Start your thirties off right by doing whatever the fuck you want.”
Kam takes one look back at her party and then turns to me, her smile growing wide. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but… Yes!”
I can’t help my own grin. We’re really doing this.
I grab onto her forearm before she can change her mind and lead us back to my car, taking the glass in her hand and leaving it on a bar top before exiting. I open the passenger door for her before rounding the hood and jumping into the driver’s seat. I’m too excited.
“Are you okay to drive?” she asks, putting on her seatbelt.
“I haven’t had one drop of alcohol tonight.”
Kamaya narrows her eyes at me. “You planned this.”
“I’m pleading the fifth on that one,” I say, winking at her before speeding off back to my place.
We spend the half-hour ride back to my townhouse listening to all of Kamaya’s favorite songs, laughing at her tipsy forgetfulness of the lyrics. What I cherish most about our relationship is how much fun we have together. Talking about nothing of importance for hours and having the time of our lives.
By the time I arrive and park in the driveway and open Kam’s door, she’s on me in seconds. I don’t know what she had at the winery, but she cannot keep her hands off me. Not that I’m complaining.
I manage to get the door open and get us both inside. When the door closes this time, I’m ready and scoop Kam up and take her to the couch. Our hands are almost as frantic as our mouths, and we must have beat Olympic records in getting our clothes off.
“Damn, woman, you didn’t have any draws on the entire time?”
“Nope,” Kamaya says, unsuccessfully stifling her giggle. “I can say without a doubt this is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”
I’m hovering inches over her hot center. “It’s about to get even better.”
“I think we’ve found a new birthday tradition that I can definitely live with.”
I laugh at my Kam. I could live with our new tradition too. For every birthday for the rest of our lives.