Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
Bailey
I line up the glass jars along the countertop in size order, then change my mind and reorder them again. I don’t know why I’m overthinking this so much. Remi is going to love it no matter what order the jars are in, but I want it to be perfect for him.
We moved into our first home two weeks ago, but Remi has been on the road for the last week, so I’ve been rushing around, trying to get everything organized for him so we can enjoy our time together when he arrives home later today.
He doesn’t have a game tonight, but he went into the arena for practice, and with me having a day off from the studio, it gave me the perfect opportunity to get this one area of the kitchen completed.
Last year, he signed a contract that will keep him in Seattle for at least another three years, but I’m not too worried about whether we have to up and move because I can work from anywhere. But I’m glad he’s staying in Seattle.
After a final adjustment, I let out a sigh of relief and take a step back from the counter.
“Stop fussing. He’s going to love it,” I mutter to myself, then make a point of leaving the kitchen so I can’t fuss anymore.
I’m finishing up a design mock-up on my tablet when the door swings open and Remi’s voice filters down the hall.
“Honey, I’m home!” he calls out, then giggles to himself. Like he does every single time.
He’s fucking cute.
“In here,” I call back, locking my iPad and placing it on the table with my pen.
Remi flops onto the couch, planting a quick kiss on my lips before dropping his head onto my lap. My fingers instantly card through his hair, and I give him a few minutes before quietly saying, “I have a surprise for you.”
He jolts upright, eyes popping wide in excitement. “A surprise?”
I nod. “You have to cover your eyes, though.”
“Okay,” he answers gleefully and places a hand over his eyes.
I help him stand up and lead him down the hall into the kitchen. Once he’s standing in front of my mini creation, I say, “Surprise!”
He lowers his hand, eyes widening at the sight of the jars.
“What’s this?” he asks with a grin.
“A marshmallow station.” I take a step closer, waving a hand in front of the selection of Remi’s favorite marshmallows, equipped with a plastic scoop and tongs.
There’s even a small tub of sprinkles. “I wanted you to have an area where you can keep all of your favorite marshmallows, and I’ve got some spare jars in case we find some cool new ones to try. ”
His throat bobs as he swallows, his gorgeous brown eyes turning glassy.
“Do you like it?” I ask, hating the anxious tone in my voice.
He wraps his arms around me and pulls me tight against his chest. “I love it.”
I sag in relief, snaking my arms around his waist. “Yeah?”
He nods. “I love you, Bails.”
“I love you too, Rem.”
He releases me and grabs my hand. He links our pinkies together, where inside of our fingers are two cartoon marshmallows in the shape of a love heart.
When our fingers join, it completes the full heart.
It’s the only tattoo Remi has, and I have to admit, out of all the ones I have, it’s my favorite.
“I can’t wait to name all the marshmallows with you.”
I lean in, sliding my mouth over his in a tender kiss. “Here’s to forever naming all the marshmallows.”
“And to forever loving you.”
THE END