17. Epilogue
Jonah
Three months later
Could you go any faster? I bounce my leg, doing my very best not to reach over and push the gas pedal myself. I usually dont mind how intently Richie adheres to speed limits, but today is not the day for meandering. Seriously, how slow are you going? I lean over to see the speedometer, but Richie pushes me away.
Stop distracting the driver, he grumbles.
Stop driving like a ninety-year-old woman, I grumble back.
Glancing at me out of the corner of his eye, he eases off the gas enough for me to notice us slowing down.
I point a finger at him. So help me, Richard Prince, if you dont get me to Laketown in the next five minutes, Im going to fire you and hire a Formula 1 driver to replace you.
No, you wont.
Hes right. Richie was one of the best things to ever happen to me, and I would be lost without his friendship. Especially lately. Over the last two and a half months, he has been the only thing keeping me sane while Ive been filming in Los Angeles.
But I have my first free weekend in weeks, and I dont want to waste a minute of it.
When Laketown comes into view seven minutes later, Im a giant ball of nerves. June doesnt know I caught an earlier flight, so she wont be expecting me for another three hours. Video chats and phone calls have been great, but Im still worried she wont react to my surprise appearance the way I want her to. What if she has just been humoring me? No matter how many times she says she misses me, she seems pretty content most days. Business has picked up at her store since the day a tabloid story went out after someone figured out June and I are dating. Shes been spending a lot of time with Hank and helping him get ready to move to Los Angeles to be with Bonnie. And now that Samson has decided he likes June, she has a cuddle buddy most nights, so she doesnt even need me.
Richie parks in one of the few open spots on Main Street, just down the street from Junes store. I dont move an inch, and that seems to be the straw that breaks the camels back and forces him to the end of his patience with me. Dont you dare, he growls, reaching over and unlatching my seatbelt. I did not spend the last two months listening to you moan and mope just to have you sit here and pretend youre not dying to see June. He grumbles something about how much complaining Ive done in the last two hours alone during the drive from the airport in Sun City. And now youre just going to sit here?
I grimace. Of course I want to see June. But what if she doesnt want to see me?
Richie undoes his own seatbelt and climbs out of the car, stalking around to my door and wrenching it open. Go , he snaps. Ill be waiting outside.
Youre being irrational, I mutter to myself as I slip from the car and straighten my t-shirt. Im already sweaty, as much from nerves as from the summer heat, and the longer I take to find the courage to go inside the hardware store, the worse it will be. Im more nervous now than I was for our first date; theres so much more at stake now.
When I met June, I was fueled by curiosity. Now Im fueled by a bone-deep need to be in her life.
By the time I finally step through the door of Junes store, knocking the bell overhead and making it jingle, I feel like I should take a quick detour to the bed and breakfast and shower before making this reunion happen. June would never know I got here early, and maybe I wouldnt be so
All of my anxiety melts away the moment I see June talking to her teenage employee, Scottthe mayors son. He started working for her as part of his community service hours while the other kids helped on set, but when things picked up after the tabloid article, she decided to hire him. Not only does it mean she has help during the busy weekends, but shes also been able to take more afternoons off, using the time to chat with me or update parts of her house shes been wanting to remodel since she bought the place.
Shes more beautiful than she ever has been, and I cant seem to move from my spot in the doorway.
When the door closes behind me, ringing the bell again, June looks over. Goes still. Her expression is blank, leaving me to wonder if coming here at all was a good idea.
I swallow the lump in my throat. Hey.
Dropping the box of nails she was holding, June rushes forward and throws her arms around my shoulders. I wrap her up, relishing the feel of her in my arms. I feel like Ive had a hole in my chest since the day I had to head back to California, and she is the only thing that can fill it.
Youre really here, she breathes, burying her face in my neck.
Im here, I reply. And I dont know how Im going to convince myself to leave again now that I am. I tighten my hold as tears well up in my eyes. You have no idea how much Ive missed you, June Harper.
Not more than Ive missed you.
I reluctantly loosen my grip as she pulls away, and I take her in. Shes wearing the same apron she wore on the day I met her, and in the strangest way it almost makes it feel like it hasnt been months since I last held her in my arms. Since I last kissed her.
She must have been reading my thoughts because she leans up on her toes and presses her lips to mine. The kiss is simple and sweet, but I can feel the promise of more. Let me just make sure Scott is good to close up, okay?
I agree to let her leave my arms only because it means she and I can go somewhere more private.
Two months and eighteen days is too long to go without time alone with June Harper.
June
Two months later
I feel underdressed. I brush a hand over my ruffled tank top, wishing I had chosen to wear a skirt or something instead of distressed jean shorts. When Jonah picked me up from the Boise airport this morning, I thought we would stop at the hotel instead of driving directly to his parents farm. But now were standing outside the cutest farmhouse Ive ever seen, complete with a wraparound porch, painted yellow shutters, and flower boxes teeming with multi-hued blooms. Richie already went inside, so we wont be able to make an escape and pretend we couldnt make it. Jonah, I cant show up to your dads seventy-fifth birthday party looking like this! What will your mother think?
Slipping his hand into mine, he leans down and kisses my temple. Shell wonder how I managed to snag someone so entirely out of my league. We can sneak upstairs so you can change if you want, but I guarantee at least three people will see you as you are. Besides, you look amazing. He kisses me again, lingering this time. Mm. How do you always smell this good?
If anyone smells good, its him. Its been long enough since he was last in Laketown that I almost forgot how much I love burrowing into his chest and breathing him in. Whatever cologne he uses, it mixes with his natural scent and leaves him mouthwatering.
Leaning into him, I rise on my toes and tease a kiss against his lips. I like the sound of sneaking upstairs.
He groans and captures my mouth with a kiss almost as good as the one he gave me when we first found each other at the airport. Youre going to get me in trouble, he murmurs against my mouth as his thumb brushes a spot of bare skin at my waist, leaving a trail of heat in its wake.
Good, I say and tug him back into the kiss.
A throat clearing pulls us apart.
Two men stand on the porch with matching smirks, their arms folded and mischief in their eyes. Though Ive seen pictures, I cant tell which brother is which because the whole family looks so alike. Hey, Hollywood, the one on the right says. Are you going to come inside, or is making out on the front lawn your only goal for this weekend?
This is why I dont let my kids watch your movies, the other one says, shaking his head.
Jonah snorts and gives me a questioning look that is easy to read. When I nod, he claims my mouth again, leaning so deep into the kiss that I get weak in the knees. Its not that I want to be kissing like this in front of his family, but he is giving me an extremely convincing argument for not caring at all what they witness.
Okay, Casanova, one of the brothers says, louder than before. Mom is dying to meet your lady friend.
Im your lady friend? I ask with a breathless laugh.
Jonah chuckles. You are so much more than that, he murmurs with another kiss, then turns to his brothers. And would you lay off, Steve? I havent seen her in months.
Sounds like a personal problem.
It is a personal problem. It was hard enough when Jonah left Laketown the first time, but watching him drive away after he spent a weekend with me earlier this summer was so much harder than I thought it would be. Every video call since then has only somewhat lessened the loneliness Ive been feeling lately. Samson is great company now that he has decided to be an indoor cat, but his cuddling doesnt come close to being in Jonahs arms.
Long distance is better than nothing, but there has to be a better way to do this. Jonah has been scaling back his availability, much to the dismay of his agent, but from what I can tell, hes becoming more of a hot commodity now that he isnt agreeing to every job he can. Studios are willing to pay more for him, and once Frosted Peaks comes out in a few months and everyone sees just how good of an actor he is when he gets the right chance, his value will only go up.
Im hoping that means hell be able to take even more time off.
Jonahs brothers head inside, leaving the door wide open, and I take the hint. I guess Im not going to change, I say as my nerves start building again. You promise Im not dressed too casually?
Taking my hand once more, Jonah leads me up the stairs to follow his brothers inside. Its August in Idaho. I guarantee you are more dressed up than half the family, and no one will be paying attention to your clothes in the first place. Theyre all going to be wondering how I got so lucky.
Hes not the lucky one. I am. And as the Smiths welcome me in with open arms, his mom even tearing up as she gives me a hug, I get my first real taste of a close-knit family. I love my parents, and they have always been on my side. But when its always been just the three of us, Ive been missing a true community.
Jonahs family makes me feel like Im one of them instantly, and I am going to hold on to this for as long as I possibly can.
Three months later
Jonah! Over here!
Can we get a smile?
Jonah!
Jonah, whos your date tonight?
The cameras keep flashing, and Im pretty sure Im going to be blind before the night is over. This isnt even the actual premiere for Frosted Peaks I chickened out and skipped that one a few nights agobut tonights watch party event is still way bigger than anything Ive ever attended.
Youre doing great, Jonah says through a broad smile. Were almost done.
Easy for him to say. Hes been through this dozens of times and has the personality of a golden retriever, so everyone is always excited to see him. These movie premieres and watch parties are actually fun for him.
But me? Im blind, in a dress, and desperate to hear him answer the question were hearing most often tonight: Who is that next to you?
With this being my first official public outing with the charming Jonah James, I really want to know what hell say. Now that Ive decided to make an appearance, our relationship isnt tabloid gossip anymore. Itll be a lot harder to hide after tonight.
We finally move on from the photographers, Jonah tugging me along with his hand laced with mine, and pause in front of a gorgeous woman standing in front of a video camera with a microphone. Jonah warned me we would have to stop and talk to at least some of the reporters here tonight, but he promised he would pick the nice ones. This one looks kind enough, though theyre all a little terrifying.
Jonah James! the reporter says, her smile bright and genuine. Her eyes jump to me for half a second, but she keeps her focus on Jonah, for which Im grateful. Im happy to be a background fixture as I try to figure out how anyone can smile for this long without their lips falling off. Are you riding high on the success of Frosted Peaks ? It was a record-breaking opening weekend.
I can practically feel Jonahs excitement through our connected hands.
I am blown away by the reception so far, he says, speaking loudly to be heard over the shouts from the paparazzi behind us. Theyre going nuts over something. Probably Bonnie and Hank, who arrived soon after we did. This whole project was a labor of love, and I could not be more grateful that everything has turned out better than I could have hoped. He squeezes my hand, the gesture speaking volumes.
I love seeing him in his element. I love more the way he hasnt abandoned me or forgotten me even once, no matter how many people are vying for his attention.
Your character is only in the first book, the reporter says. What are the chances we might see more of Logan Banks in the movies?
Jonah chuckles, shaking his head. Theres no way we would stray from the genius of Henry McAllisters writing, no matter how much I would love to work on the series more. Think anyone would notice if I auditioned for Hudson Bluth in the next movie?
The reporter laughs, and then her attention finally turns to me. June, she says, because of course she knows my name, I have to ask. Whats it like dating someone who is quickly becoming one of the best actors in Hollywood?
Jonah ran through some of the questions I might get asked tonight, and Im so glad this was on his list because I have a ready answer prepared. I wouldnt know, I say, leaning into the microphone. For me, Jonah is just a regular guy, and I sometimes forget hes famous because when were together, hes the same cheesy dork he was when I met him.
June is the best thing to ever happen to me, Jonah says and kisses my temple. She keeps me grounded, and I cant imagine life without her anymore.
Good answer, I murmur, beaming up at him.
The interviews continue as we make our way down the red carpet, all of them much like the first, until the last one, when the reporter asks Jonah if theyll be seeing more of me now that our relationship is out in the public.
Our relationship is and always will be private, Jonah says without hesitation, and my heart melts. Ill love those days when June is willing to join me here in Hollywood, but Ill always love more when its just the two of us together. Shes my home, and thats not something Im willing to share.
Dang . Im left just as speechless as the guy with the microphone, and Im pretty sure Im about to start crying because that was the most perfect response Ive ever heard.
I have to like him, dont I? a soft voice says behind me, and I turn to find Hank, who must have gone ahead of Bonnie because shes deep in conversation with a reporter and Derek Riley of all people. That explains the paparazzi chaos, if Derek is here. Jonah James is a good guy, isnt he?
I tuck an arm around Hank as we both watch Jonah continue to discuss the movie. It sounds like hes shut down any more talk about our relationship, and Ive never liked Jonah more. Hes kind of the best, I say with a lovesick sigh.
Hank chuckles and returns my side hug. Ill admit I was pleasantly surprised by his performance in the end.
I smirk. You loved him. Admit it.
He wasnt as good as Bonnie.
You are way too biased to make that claim, McAllister. Of course you think your wife was a better actor than my
Hank raises an eyebrow. Than your what?
I look at Jonah again, who seems to feel my gaze because he turns right then and sends me a smile that warms me from my head to my toes. I dont know what kind of label to put on him, but I dont care. Hes mine, and thats all that matters.
Why did we get ourselves mixed up in this madness? I ask instead of answering the question. We gave up our quiet lives for what?
Hank laughs and reaches out his hand as Bonnie approaches, her smile wide. For love, he says simply and follows his wife down the red carpet.
For love, I repeat, feeling my own grin stretch as Jonah looks back at me again.
Definitely for love.
Jonah
Three months later
This might be the first year I dont care about not being nominated for any Oscars. Most years, I sit on my couch in sweats and eat an entire pizza in misery, wondering if Ill ever be the one making faces at the camera as I wait to see if Ill be the next one standing on the stage, holding a golden statue.
This year, Im cuddled up with June on her couch, Samson asleep on my legs and Hanks latest book open on Junes Kindle between us. Richie is out on a date, of all things, which makes everything about tonight feel so different from my usual day-to-day. So normal.
I wish we were doing something else, though. Because filming for my last project ended early, Ive been in Laketown for two weeks already, but I never feel like I get enough time with June. I try not to waste what time we do get. Not that reading is a waste of time, but I prefer other activities. Still, June was excited to read the final version of the book, and Im man enough to admit Im almost as interested as she is. My character may have only been in the first book, but Im dying to know how the series is going to end.
Oh my gosh, June says in a low voice, probably so she doesnt wake the cat. How are you this slow of a reader?
I dig my fingers into her side, teasing a giggle out of her before I tap the Kindle to turn the page. Maybe Im just trying to draw out the suspense.
The whole point of suspense is the pacing, but if youre going to read at a snails pace, then Im going to pull it up on my phone and read it by myself.
But then youll spoil the ending for me! I complain.
Im not really complaining. June could tell me flat out how the book ends, and I would still love her more than anything.
Tell you what, I say, shifting in my seat so I can pull her closer and get in a better position. Samson opens his ugly yellow eyes to glare at me, but hes quick to fall back asleep on my legs. You read at the pace you want, and if I miss things, youll just have to fill me in.
She tilts her head up and kisses my jaw. You would hate that.
I couldnt possibly hate anything that you do.
You hate when I dont answer your texts within thirty seconds, she argues.
Well yeah, because sometimes I only have a couple of minutes in between takes, and I dont want to miss any chance to talk to you. Seeing her name on my phone will never get old, though. The only thing better than getting a text or a phone call is a moment like this, when I can be at her side and breathe in her beauty and goodness and sweet scent that will always be my favorite smell.
Its going to take a couple of years to get to a point where I can spend the majority of my time away from Los Angeles, but Im feeling more optimistic than I ever have. No matter how chaotic and stressful its been, the last year of shifting my priorities has given me hope for the kind of future I really want.
Picking up the Kindle, June sets it on the cushion next to her and sits up so she can look at me. I dont like missing chances either, she says, brushing her hand through my hair. Which is why Ive been thinking about something for a while that I want to run by you. Your mom loves the idea, and Im hoping you do too.
Interesting . I am nosy enough when it comes to June that Ive made sure Im the first person she tells things to, and while I love that she trusts my mom, I dont know how I feel about not being the first in the know with whatever this is. Tell me, I say, lifting her fingers to my lips.
Junes face turns a light shade of pink, which only intrigues me more. Okay, so you know that house on the end of your parents lane?
I sit up so fast that I get a leg full of claws when Samson startles and leaps from my lap. Are you about to say what I think youre about to say? Because Ive been eyeing that house ever since it went on the market, but Ive been too much of a chicken to mention it to June.
She grins and presses her palm to my cheek. Sometimes its creepy how quickly you pick up on things, Jonah James.
But what about your store? This house? Im jumping to conclusions, but I cant help myself. Ive been spending half my free time here in Laketown and the other half in Idaho, but every time Im there I want to be here, and every time Im here a part of me wants to be with my family. Moms doing better, but everyone always looks so much older whenever I get the chance to visit.
I feel like Im missing so much.
Her smile growing, June runs her thumb over my lips. Ive already sold the store, and this house is ready to go on the market as soon as I know if you want me to
You want to move to Idaho? What about work? What about your parents? I can barely bring myself to breathe.
My dad is retiring next year, and theyre talking about downsizing. Maybe even looking at places in Idaho. And Ive been applying for some paralegal jobs.
My thoughts are working too fast for me to keep up. She already sold her store? Is applying for jobs? That means she isnt just thinking about moving closer to my family. Shes doing it. Are you serious about this? I whisper, gripping her hand tightly. June, if you moved to Idaho, I wouldnt have to Heck, I might never go back to California. Who needs a career, anyway?
Theres a light in her eyes now, and she runs her thumb along my lips once more before leaning in and kissing me softly. Jonah, youve sacrificed sleep and money to jump back and forth between everything, and I love you for that. Its my turn to make a sacrifice, though being close to your family isnt a sacrifice. I love your family almost as much as I love you.
I pull her in for another kiss, losing myself in the taste of her as my heart seems to grow until its too big for my chest. I dont deserve you, I whisper against her mouth. But there is no world in which I will stop you from making this decision if thats what you want. Having you and our families all in the same place I didnt know a feeling this big could exist, and I almost dont know what to do with it. June Harper, you are an exquisite human being.
She kisses me in a way that feels like shes telling me something. If that something means shes willing to stick around for good, it might be time to finish the conversation I started with her mom a few weeks ago and figure out what kind of ring June would like best.
I am so ready to turn one day at a time into the rest of forever.
The End