Epilogue
Jace
SPRING
Daddy!” Emmy yells, standing between the open front doors of Birch Borough Elementary, acting as if she hadn’t just seen me this morning over the homemade waffles I made for her last day of school before spring break.
Resin sits patiently beside me, but at the sound of Emmy’s voice, he perks up, tail immediately wagging. My daughter rushes toward me, and I prepare to catch her when she launches herself, waiting for the moment when her tiny hands—getting bigger by the day as she grows—wrap around my neck.
“Emmy Bear,” I say affectionately. When she wiggles out of my arms, I set her down gently so she can hug Resin, who’s now groaning and impatient for Emmy’s attention. “How was your day?”
“Fantastic!” she yells again with her hand raised to the sky.
Emmy has clearly been spending more time with Grey if her vocabulary is any indication.
And she’s thriving in class as well. The love she has for her teacher and classmates is a testament to this town and the way it really emphasizes community.
“That’s excellent.” I nod to the staff member on duty for pickup, reaching for Emmy’s hand so we can walk together toward the house that we moved into a few weeks ago.
It took a few months before I finally moved out of Angie’s apartment and put down permanent roots.
The house contains a few extra bedrooms, because I have plans. My heart warms at the thought.
Now, the leaves are starting to return, colors appearing where there once was only winter white.
There’s a balminess in the air that wasn’t there until recently.
The thought of getting ready for a new season and seeing both of my girls continue to thrive and grow is intoxicating.
Christmas, once again, is my favorite holiday, but I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.
I’ve already got fresh flowers waiting in the garage, ready to plant in the garden as soon as the weather is warm enough.
But, for now, I’m ready to move through another year, and a lifetime, with Ivy by our side.
“Okay, Emmy Bear, you’ve got to get ready for dance class. And I’m keeping Resin for our surprise.”
“Yes, can’t be late for Miss Ivy. Let’s goooo!” she shouts happily once more.
I assess her hair, knowing I’m going to have to spend extra time getting it smooth and in place before we can leave the house, given the amount of fun she clearly had while at school. I would pin it back in the morning, but nothing seems to tame her curls. She definitely got those from me.
The three of us walk back to my house, and when we enter, the gift I have for Ivy catches my eye in the entryway.
I’ve spent months working to get it just right, knowing the whole time that this was my plan.
I’m hoping to surprise Ivy in a way that, hopefully, she’d never expect but will be delighted by.
When we finally get out the door again, we run toward the dance studio. Our house is only a few streets away, which was intentional. I know how much Ivy loves this town, and I wanted her to be able to get to her studio no matter the weather.
While I didn’t take the position in Florida, an opportunity opened shortly thereafter for me to work with a company in Connecticut.
Now, I work remotely and provide pieces of furniture that are soon to be manufactured throughout New England.
They even let me keep my signature mark on each creation.
I also have pieces displayed in shops throughout town, and In the Ring is close enough to walk to on days I teach classes or one-on-ones as well. It works.
We pass Sparrow’s Beret, the smell of the maple croissants enough to beckon me to pause.
Rafe was right; they are the best things on the menu.
Although, I think the bakery’s cinnamon rolls are a close second, for reasons Lily has banned us from mentioning in the presence of young children.
Apparently, kissing a certain way in public is not encouraged by people who just want a latte.
“Daddy, can you get us croissants for later?” Emmy runs next to me, and the sight of her little legs in tights but the rest of her frame covered by a hoodie makes me laugh. Resin keeps pace beside us, clearly wanting to see Ivy as much as we do.
Arriving at the studio, I open the door and let Resin walk in first, taking in the sight of dance moms and little ones fixing their hair, getting slippers on, and more as they wait for class to start. It’s a tight space, and I do my best not to make too much of a disruption with my entrance.
“Ladies,” I say to the women, knowing that the only lady I’m interested in seeing is on the other side of the wall.
“That’s it for today. Take a bow!” Ivy’s muffled voice rings through.
I hear the clapping of hands before the studio door swings open, and the exchange of this class leaving for the next takes place. Harlow gives me a knowing look from the front desk as Emmy bounces excitedly beside me. Resin sighs, impatient.
“I know, buddy,” I encourage him, petting his head.
The new group of students heads inside, their pace slower than the time it takes to wait for the train at the railroad crossing.
Nerves are hitting my system by the time Emmy rushes forward, wrapping herself around Ivy’s tights-clad legs.
I’ll never get tired of seeing her in dance wear.
I swallow, awaiting my turn. Emmy rushes ahead to the studio after her hug, and Resin flops his tail, greeting his mom happily.
“Hello, love bucket,” Ivy says to him, leaning down to pet the dog.
I’ve learned by now that she likes to wait until last to greet me because she can give me her full attention and a smile that I’ve learned is just for me.
“Hi, Bear,” her smoky voice rings out, and I want to kiss her so much it’s painful.
“Starlight,” I nearly sigh, knowing I’m so fully gone on this woman that I can’t imagine ever thinking of life or love without her.
“What are your plans this evening?” she asks.
“Oh, they involve you,” I reply with a wink, and the blush on her cheeks is enough for me to think: Worth it.
Ivy looks me up and down appreciatively, the way she always does, but even more so today because I’m wearing a fitted long-sleeved t-shirt, which seems to be another of those things that just does it for her.
“You’d better keep moving, or I’m not going to have the strength to teach my next class.”
The thought of her being too distracted to teach makes me clear my throat. Yes, I definitely need to get out of here before we make a scene. “I’ve got Resin. You teach your class. And I’ll cook us dinner. Sound good?”
Ivy’s shoulders relax, and her eyes close sweetly. “That sounds like a dream.”
She leans in to kiss me. I hear snickers and giggles before I look over to see her entire class crowding in the doorway, Emmy included.
“They always do this,” Emmy says with a smile.
Ivy lets out a defeated sigh and mouths, “Later.”
It’s a promise I’m greatly looking forward to.
∞∞∞
“Honey, I’m home!” Ivy yells as she walks into my house with Emmy.
I’m sure my daughter has already kicked off her shoes and is running toward Resin, who gave a playful bark at their arrival. Classical music plays throughout my home, featuring one of my favorite composers to calm my nerves.
“Daddy, can I take Resin upstairs to play?” Emmy’s excitement is contagious.
“Yes, of course. Don’t try to put makeup on him this time.”
“Okay!” Their footsteps echo up the stairs, and I let out a contented sigh at the sight of Ivy appearing in the doorway of my kitchen.
She’s still in her dance wear but has added a wrap sweater and joggers, the waistband rolled down in a maddening way, revealing a hint of her light-blue leotard. “It got chillier out there.”
I stir the stew on the stove just for something to do with my hands, but I can’t resist her words. “Come here and let me warm you up.”
Ivy’s blush is my answer as she glides over to me, letting me wrap her in my arms. It’s my favorite moment of any day.
“I have a surprise for you,” I mumble against her hair.
“You do?” Ivy says into my chest, not moving at all. I’ve learned enough about her to know that she’s most content with her nose pressed into my collarbone. And from experience, I’ve learned that she’ll fall asleep standing up if I hold her like this for too long.
“Yes. But we’ll wait until after dinner. So, I need you to stay awake.” I pull back and wink down at her.
She whimpers, her hair adorably mussed on one side. “But you’re so comfy.”
I laugh. “I want to be more than comfy.” Standing a little taller, I give her my best stance.
Ivy shakes her head sweetly. “You’re trouble, is what you are.”
“The good kind?” I say with a wink.
“The best kind.” She sighs happily, turning to take a spoon from the drawer and dipping it into the massive pot of beef stew and doughboys—Ivy’s favorite meal. Her grandmother gave me the recipe, and it’s still cold enough for it to be comforting.
“Delicious.” She waves the spoon in the air. “Now, what’s this about a surprise?”
Emmy’s giggle and another playful bark from Resin upstairs make more nerves settle in my stomach. There is a surprise tonight, and both of those two are in on it. I just need to keep it a secret for a little longer, and then we’re in the clear.
“After dinner.” My tone is soft but also promising as I reach out to wrap an arm around her waist again.
The little sigh she gives snaps something inside me.
A moment later, I abandon all attempts to stir the stew, reaching for her waist and lifting her up on the counter instead.
I step between her legs, my hands now resting on the counter and framing the sides of her hips.
“Did you make dessert?” Ivy asks, and I honestly can’t form the proper words to answer her, given her proximity.