EPILOGUE
She trailed behind me by several steps, gently teasing about the drive, the secrets, and now, the shirt I was wearing.
I wouldn’t have had life any different from this.
‘The Way We Move’ took off. Instant blockbuster hit, even with the small budget.
So much of a hit that… I’d been asked about reprising my role as Eryk Moonstrider for a limited streaming series.
I tried to tell the director that I’d think about it but… Juniper practically had me at knifepoint — demanding that I agree. The script was still in the works, but there was a brief flicker of excitement that lived inside of me, thinking about returning to the ‘Battle for the Cosmos’ world again.
Especially with Eryk’s biggest fan on my team. I’d told the director that the only way I’d do it was if I could hire someone to serve as Eryk’s “character integrity coordinator”.
Yes, they let me.
Yes, it’s my girlfriend.
Juniper’s fingers brushed lightly against my arm as I pulled the bandana from my pocket, a wide grin spreading across my face. “Blindfold time,” I said, voice low and teasing.
“Oh, hell no, cowboy. I’m not putting that on,” she shot back, her brow furrowed but her lips twitching with amusement.
“It’s just for a second, kid. Promise.”
She mumbled something that sounded like “creepy old man,” then closed her eyes, her breath soft and steady against my chest as I tucked her hand into the crook of my arm.
The dusty wooden floorboards creaked under our steps, the warehouse smelling faintly of old paper and fresh paint. I led her inside, the soft glow of late afternoon sun filtering through the tall windows, catching dust motes that danced lazily in the air.
I led her a few more steps into the building before we stopped and I removed the blindfold. “What the hell?” She turned a few times, taking in the space around her. “What is this place?”
“Oh, just a little pet project of mine.” I shrugged, feigning ignorance. “Thought I could pick your brain about some things.”
“Okay…” She turned to meet my gaze again, waiting for me to go on.
“Let’s start in the stockroom; there’s something there that I want your opinion on.”
The small warehouse was dark, the only light coming in through the large front windows. Once we made it into the backroom, I clicked the overhead light on, illuminating several bookshelves in different states of repair.
“This doesn’t answer any questions, Anse.” Her arms were crossed, her pout only deepening by the second.
God, I loved her.
“Its just here,” I pointed past, where a cloth sat covering something in the corner. “I want to get your thoughts on that.”
She groaned again, her little dramatics did nothing but soften my heart even more. She was perfect like this.
In every way.
I’d bought the rental I’d been staying in for the shooting of ‘The Way We Move’, she’d moved in just a week later.
I’d been trying my hand at screenwriting, but nothing was sticking yet. If anything — it was a welcome distraction from the noise and the buzz and everything that came with a successful movie.
Juniper shot me a nasty glance before she tugged the drop cloth off of the sign that read BARLOWE’S in a scripty, red font.
“What is this?” She asked again, cocking her head as she looked between me and the sign.
“Thought we could finally open up that bookstore you’ve been dreaming about.”
“—What?”
I just grinned.
She turned to the sign again. “I love you, Anse. But this is your name on our bookstore, don’t you think that’s a little—” She turned.
Stopped.
Jaw hanging open.
“Thought we could add that name up on the wall, and maybe at the end of your name, if you’d like?”
I was on one knee, hands trembling as I opened the small ring box. It wasn’t fancy — I knew she wouldn’t want anything over the top. Just a simple diamond in the middle, surrounded by smaller, lightly colored aquamarine gemstones.
“Ansel,” she was shaking too, one hand pressed against her mouth.
“Juniper Paige Haddock—”
“Yes,” she breathed, tears shining like stars.
“Let me finish, baby. I’ve been practicing this damn thing for weeks.” My cheeks hurt from the grin I was sporting. “Juniper Paige Haddock, will you—”
“—Yes.”
Her laughter was the softest music I’d ever heard as I slid the ring onto her finger. “I guess I’ll save it for the wedding.” I stood, pulling her into my arms. “There’s one more thing…” I added, voice trailing off.
“Come on!” A voice yelled.
“Wait a minute. Is that—”
Through the stockroom door, a gaggle of people streamed in. My mom. Herschel. Lara, Jess and Mikayla.
“What the hell?” Juniper was crying now, tears trickling down her cheeks. “How did you even get in contact with Mikayla? She’s the busiest, least online person I know.”
“Not hard when you’re the star of your little group's favorite nostalgia flick.” I laughed, kissing her forehead.
They congratulated us. The afternoon was filled with hugs, bookshelf assembly, and a lot of laughter.
If I never shot another movie again, if Ansel Barlowe was officially hanging up his acting chops and settling down — I was going to die the happiest man alive.