Epilogue
Caress
1 Year Later
The pulsing beat of music and the buzz of excited chatter wash over me as I push open the door to the Stellar Sky Lounge. One year ago, I stepped onto the Infinity Voyager, my heart guarded and my future uncertain. Now, I’m walking into Jasmine’s end-of-season celebration party, my life transformed in ways I never could have imagined.
Joel’s hand on my back guides me through the crowd. “You okay, sis? We can leave early if you’re not feeling up to it.”
I roll my eyes, but can’t help smiling at his concern. “I’m pregnant, not made of glass. Stop fussing.”
He holds up his hands in surrender, but I catch the proud gleam in his eyes. My brother, the soon-to-be uncle.
We spot Jasmine near the bar, her tall frame easy to pick out even in the crowded room. She beams when she sees us, waving us over with her characteristic enthusiasm.
“You made it!” She pulls me into a bear hug, then steps back, eyeing my still-flat stomach. “How’s my future niece or nephew doing in there?”
I laugh, resting a hand on my belly. “Keeping me up at night and making me crave the weirdest food combinations. So, pretty standard, I think.”
Jasmine grins, then glances around. “Where’s the baby daddy? Don’t tell me he’s working late again.”
“Stuck in traffic,” Joel supplies. “Said he’d be here as soon as he could.”
A tall, athletic woman with braided hair approaches, two drinks in hand. She passes one to Jasmine, who smiles gratefully.
“Thanks, Tricia,” Jasmine says, then turns to us. “Guys, this is my teammate, Tricia. Tricia, this is my best friend Caress and her brother Joel.”
I watch with amusement as Joel straightens up, running a hand through his hair. “Nice to meet you,” he says, his voice dropping an octave lower than usual.
Tricia’s eyes linger on Joel, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Likewise.”
Oh, this is going to be fun.
We find a table, and as we settle in, Jasmine leans forward, her eyes sparkling. “Alright, Cari, spill. How’s life as a big-shot Marketing Executive? And more importantly, how’s domestic bliss with the dreamy Mr. Carter?”
Heat rises to my cheeks, but a wide smile fills my face. “It’s… amazing. Both the job and Dylan. I still can’t believe how much has changed in a year.”
“Girl, you’re glowing,” Jasmine observes. “And I don’t just mean the pregnancy glow. You look happy.”
“I am,” I admit, the truth of it settling warm in my chest. “Happier than I ever thought possible.”
Joel clears his throat, standing abruptly. “I’m going to get some drinks. Tricia, can I get you something?”
Jasmine and I exchange knowing looks as Tricia accepts with a coy smile.
“Smooth, big bro,” I tease as he walks away. “Real smooth.”
“Hey, I’m offering to buy for everyone,” Joel protests, but the tips of his ears have gone red.
“Sure you are,” Jasmine says, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
I laugh, shaking my head. “I’ll take a Club Soda,” I call after him.
Jasmine goes quiet, her gaze fixed on something behind me. Before I can turn to look, Joel’s hands land on my shoulders, holding me in place.
“What’s going on?” I ask, confusion and a hint of worry creeping in.
And then I hear it. The opening chords of “Be My Always” by Zed Trapman - my favorite song. But instead of Zed’s voice, it’s Dylan’s that fills the bar.
“Caress Mitchell,” he says, his voice slightly shaky but full of warmth. “Would you please join me on stage?”
My heart leaps into my throat as Joel gently turns me around. Dylan stands on the small stage at the front of the bar, microphone in hand, looking devastatingly handsome in a charcoal suit. His eyes lock with mine, and the rest of the world fades away.
As if in a dream, I make my way to the stage. Dylan holds out his hand, helping me up, his touch sending sparks through my skin just like it did that first night on the cruise.
“Caress,” he begins, his voice low and intimate despite the microphone. “A year ago, we were on a ship pretending to be in love. Today, I’m standing here, more in love with you than I ever thought possible.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as Dylan continues.
“You’ve seen me at my best and my worst. You’ve challenged me, supported me, and made me a better man. You’re carrying our child, and I can’t wait to start this new adventure with you.”
He drops to one knee, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. The crowd gasps, but all I can see is Dylan, his gray eyes shining with love and unshed tears.
“Caress Mitchell, will you marry me? For real this time, no pretending.”
A laugh bubbles up through my tears. “Yes,” I manage to choke out. “God, yes.”
Dylan’s face breaks into a radiant smile as he slips the ring onto my finger. He stands, pulling me into a kiss that tastes of joy and promises and forever.
As we break apart, the opening notes of “Be My Always” start up again. But this time, it’s not a recording. Zed Trapman himself steps onto the stage, microphone in hand, grinning at our shocked expressions.
“Congratulations, you two,” he says with a wink. “Now how about a dance?”
Dylan leads me to the center of the dance floor as Zed’s smooth vocals fill the air. We sway together, lost in our own world.
“How did you pull this off?” I ask, still dazed.
Dylan chuckles. “Let’s just say I called in a few favors with Jasmine and your friend Lamia. Anything for you, Cari.”
I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. “I love you.”
His arms tighten around me. “I love you too. Both of you.”
As we dance, I catch glimpses of our friends and family around us. Jasmine, wiping away tears even as she beams with happiness. Joel his arm around Tricia’s waist, raising a glass in our direction. And beyond them, the bustling city visible through the lounge’s floor-to-ceiling windows, full of possibilities and new adventures.
A year ago, I was scared to open my heart. Now, I’m stepping into a future brighter than I ever dared to dream. With Dylan by my side and our baby on the way, I’m ready for whatever life throws at us next.
As the song comes to an end, Dylan dips me low, pressing a kiss to my lips that promises a lifetime of love and laughter. And I know, with absolute certainty, that this is just the beginning of our happily ever after.