Epilogue
Clay
It's been a few months now, and our relationship has continued to blossom. My heart and soul feel settled. Feel complete.
The minute I had Jo in my arms at that warehouse, I would have never guessed it would end with her becoming a permanent part of my life.
I loved every second of watching my husband fall for this woman. Me? I fell fast, even if I didn't recognize it.
Now, tonight is one of our date nights, and I told Jo to dress up a little extra for this one. I've had the ring since the day she moved in. A symbol of us committing to her.
But it didn't feel like the right time. Tonight feels perfect. We feel ready for the next step, and we think she is too.
I finish the last button on my dress shirt, double-check that the ring is in my pocket, and meet them in the living room.
“Ready?” I kiss Jo's cheek. “You look stunning.”
“Thank you. You look pretty handsome yourself. Are you going to tell me where we are going? We normally don’t get this dressed up.”
I smile and shake my head no. She knows by now not to bother asking because we love to surprise her. The way her face lights up every time. I live for those moments.
“Well, I always love wherever you take me.”
We put on our coats and head out. It's almost springtime, and I can't wait to take her out on the lake. Jo on the beach sounds like a fun time.
We arrive at the new restaurant, The Pinewood, and my palms are already sweating. Grant just smiles. He knows I'm nervous. Is this how he felt when he asked me to marry him? I feel like I’m going to be sick.
We are seated at a table that has a little more privacy, and I’m thankful for that. I’m thinking that we should have done this at home.
I don't even remember ordering. Maybe Grant did it for me? Jesus. I need to get it together.
"You okay, Clay? You seem quieter tonight?" Jo smiles sweetly.
Shit, now she's worried.
Grant nods at me. Okay. I can do this.
"I'm good, Jo. I didn't mean to make you worried.”
My hand finds hers on the table, and I give it a light squeeze before sliding from my chair.
“Jolee, these last few months have been something special. We want to continue having you in our lives forever. And not just to date you. Not just for sex, but for all of it. When you love someone, you shouldn't let them go.”
Grant joins me and takes her other hand. “And Jolee, we love you so much. We don't ever want to stop loving you, and we want the world to know you’re ours.”
I pull the ring out of my pocket and show it to her. It's a gorgeous ruby stone with two smaller diamonds on each side and even smaller ones set in the band. The minute I saw it, I knew it belonged on her hand.
It's stunning, sexy, and fiery just like her.
“Jo, will you be a part of our forever? We want to spoil and love you always. We want you to grow old with us.”
“Oh my....” She covers her face as tears start to fall. I hope they're the happy ones because I’m not prepared to lose her now.
“Hey, baby. It's okay if you aren’t—"
She launches herself at me, and I wrap her up tight. Thank fuck.
“Yes,” Jo whispers through her tears.
“I never thought I'd ever be in a relationship again, but you and Grant have helped me heal. You’ve both supported me when I needed it the most. And helped me move past my pain.”
“Jo, I love you.” I squeeze her tight against me, never wanting to let her go.
The clapping around me reminds me we're in public. I lean her back and slip the ring on her finger.
“There. Now everyone knows you're taken.”
“It’s perfect. I love it.”
Grant folds her in his arms. Kissing and hugging. Whispering more I love yous.
We finished the chocolate tart and our celebratory champagne, courtesy of a lovely couple who wished us well.
“Now, Jo, we have one more surprise.”
“There’s more?”
“Always.” I wink at her. There’s so much more.
“Surprise! Congratulations!”
Everyone shouts as we enter Mal's Bar.
We are a tad overdressed, but Jo's friends have missed her, especially since she decided that she wasn't returning to Platinum Pleasures.
“Jo! Omg. Let me see!” Stella pulls her into a hug. “Let’s go show it off.” She pulls her away and into the crowd.
One thing on her list is to work to grow her friendships. I don’t think she realized that she had more support around her, but was too afraid to reach out and take it. She was also holding herself back from having fun with friends, and we want to help her with that.
Tonight, among the friends are her former boss, Star, and her sister Stella. All their men are here too, along with a few women I don’t recognize.
It’s great to see everyone together and the relationships that have developed in our small town. We let the women catch up as Grant and I head over to talk to Malcom and the other guys.
“Hey, Malcom. Good to see you.”
“You guys, too, and congrats are in order, I hear. Stella hasn’t stopped talking all day. She’s so happy for you guys and her friend. Also good to see Jo out.”
“Thank you. We couldn't be any happier.”
“It’s great seeing them all together. We were actually hoping to plan a little spa day or something for them to relax.” Grant is always working on planning.
“That sounds like the perfect idea. I’ll talk with Cole and get something set up.”
I turn to look down the bar as Grant and I settle in with our drinks. Some of the other guys come over to hang out, too, as the ladies start to dance.
Carter and Max are here, but they don't look like they're having a good time. They look worried, but I brush it off as Jo comes over with another woman on her arm.
“Hey, love.” Grant kisses, unable to hold back.
“Clay. Grant. This is Mikayla Hawk. She’s going to be Star's new assistant. She is also new to Whispering Waters, so I want to introduce her to everyone.”
“Hi Mikayla, welcome. It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Yes, welcome. I'm sure we will see you around. If you need anything, let us know.”
Jo whisks her away, pulling her along. I watch, happy that Jo is. Then I notice as Max and Carter say hi to the new woman. Their frowns deepen.
What the heck?
Grant leans over, “I think there's a little spark for the new girl in town.”
“Really? Because I'm not seeing it. They look upset or something. Those two are always so carefree, but not tonight.”
“Neither are they. I have a feeling Max and Carter might have just met their woman.”
“Again. Nope. Do you need your prescription checked?”
“A month of orgasms says they want to handcuff her to their bed.”
“Well, that's one hell of a wager, but I could never go that long without tasting you. I guess we shall see.”