Epilogue
Erin
“Go on,” Monica said, interrupting my train of thought. I tore my gaze away from the ring that had been sitting on my finger for the last year and a half. I couldn’t get enough of watching the lights sparkle off the diamonds. “You were talking about your wedding next week.”
I sat back, grinning. “I can’t believe it’s already here. It feels like it all happened yesterday!”
“It goes by fast. If you want my advice, take a lot of mental pictures on your big day. It’s gone in a flash. You will want to remember every fleeting second.” Monica’s eyes welled with tears, and she smiled. “I’m really happy for you.”
I twisted my ring on my finger, humming quietly. “Thank you. You know, for everything.”
Monica chuckled. “You’re welcome.” For a second it was like she was my friend and not my therapist, but then her face grew sympathetic. “And what about Liz?”
“My mom wanted me to invite her, but I told her no. I’m still not speaking to her. I don’t want her there, or around at all really.” I chewed on my lip, thinking about the way my mom cried when I told her Liz couldn’t come to the wedding. A small twinge of guilt tugged at my stomach before it went away. “My life is better without her.”
When Monica nodded, I felt proud. “I think you made the right choice. You seem a lot happier.”
“I’m so happy.” I beamed at her. “Jacob is picking me up. We’re going to do the final walk-through at the venue. Then I made him promise to buy me pie after.”
Monica laughed. “Sounds like fun.” She looked at her watch and shut her notebook, signaling our time was about up. “I won’t keep you any longer, huh? I’ll see you in two weeks.”
I nodded and stood up from the chair. My feet couldn’t carry me out of the door and down the stairs fast enough. When I got to the parking lot, Jacob was leaning against his truck. I sprinted towards him, jumping and wrapping my arms around his neck. He let out a huff when I crashed into him, and he grabbed me by the waist.
“Hey, red,” he said before my mouth crashed against his.
He set my feet on the ground, holding me until he was sure I had my footing. “Hey, Mr. Ryan.”
“What do you say we go see this venue one last time?” Jacob opened the passenger door, helping me into the seat when I nodded.
“And then you can buy me pie.” I winked, sliding back into the seat and fastening my seat belt. When Jacob smiled, the butterflies in my stomach danced, and I hoped they would never stop.
He chuckled. “I love pie.”
“I love you.”