Epilogue
SEVEN MONTHS LATER MICAH
MARDI GRAS DAY HAD ARRIVED. The three sets of French doors in Kate’s living room lay open for friends and family to easily meander through. Outside, the Krewe of Rex made their way down St. Charles Avenue. Inside, laughter, conversation, and the scent of fresh beignets and seafood gumbo reigned.
Kate and I stood on the porch, talking to Julia and taking in the view. Purple, green, and gold banners draped the balcony railing. On the street below, thick crowds lined both sides of the road. Paradegoers waved their arms and shouted at the floats rolling by, the masked riders tossing beads, doubloons, and plastic cups.
“Your first Mardi Gras off since the café opened,” Julia said to Kate. “How does it feel?”
Kate raised her hand, as though in church and praising the Lord. “It feels wonderful.”
Penny ran the café today in her newly appointed role as assistant manager, which had freed up more time for Kate. And with that extra time, she now considered teaching an introductory business class at the library. I’d never seen her eyes light up so much when talking about something, other than Hayley.
A double-decker float rode by, some riders hurling beads like pro baseball pitchers. Several snagged on the limbs of the live oaks.
Kate’s hand dropped with a groan.
“Don’t worry.” I nudged her with my elbow. “I’ll help you cut them down tomorrow.”
She snaked her hand around my arm to my bicep. “Just when I thought I couldn’t love you more.” Her fingers squeezed. “And since you won your dad’s partially working tree trimmers, we’ll get those beads down in no time.”
I couldn’t stop my chuckle.
“How’s your dad doing?” Julia asked.
“Really great.” And it was a relief to mean those words. Five months ago, he’d broken his foot and been admitted to a rehabilitation center for recovery. That facility resided within a retirement community Dad had instantly connected with, especially with several of his friends already living there. He’d moved into an apartment and promptly started a poker club. Once a week, I picked him up to have beignets at the café and play cards with me, Kate, and Hayley. For chips only.
On the flip side, Kate had not returned to the recurring dinners at her parents’ home. However, her father had started stopping by the café on the mornings of what would have been Sad Saturday. Last month had included me and Hayley for the first time. I’d been prepared to step into a protective role, but it hadn’t been necessary. From what we understood, Kate’s mom wasn’t aware of the breakfast gatherings.
“Oh!” Julia pulled her phone from her back pocket. “Let me snap a picture of the three of y’all before I forget.” She hurried off for Hayley, who sat at the kitchen table, playing a raucous game of Uno with Emma, Mayté, Brooke, and Samuel. Corralling Hayley toward us, Julia’s expression radiated pure joy. “Y’all are so cute dressed in the same shirt.”
Hayley and Kate exchanged a knowing look. I’d bought them Mardi Gras Hawaiian shirts to match mine. Upon opening the gifts last night, they’d reacted with teasing jokes at the purple, green, and gold fleur-de-lis pattern. I’d reasoned they were perfect to take on their Hawaiian vacation this summer. With extra income from all the events Kate had booked, they were all set for their dream trip. To my surprise, when I’d arrived this morning, they’d both been wearing them. The sight had caused an unexpected swell of tender affection to wash over me.
Julia held up her phone, gesturing us together. She grinned so much, her chin trembled.
Kate and I flanked Hayley for the shot, our arms wrapping around each other. Emotion struck me hard at the family-like image being captured. With the picture over, Hayley darted back inside.
“Text that to me,” Kate said to Julia as they headed indoors too.
I remained on the balcony, needing a minute to compose myself. Turning my gaze to the parade, I gripped the railing and found I couldn’t focus on the partying before me. I couldn’t concentrate on anything except the wonder coursing through my veins. The last time I’d stood on this spot on Mardi Gras Day, I’d been eighteen and heavyhearted. My college choice that fall would take me to Colorado. To a place I didn’t want to go. Away from my family and friends. Away from Kate, who I’d had a longtime crush on. But I’d gone and made a life there. And lost a marriage. And found God.
The few romantic relationships I’d had since my divorce hadn’t felt right. Too shallow or unbalanced, or missing something I could never quite put my finger on. I’d been like a boat, drifting, wary to anchor. That first day Kate had walked into the library, something had clicked. I’d known she had a genuine heart. Had witnessed it growing up. Then I’d gotten to know her as an adult and a parent. Observed that caring side of her, now amplified. And then there was Hayley. My throat grew thick, and I blinked, turning my sights to the clear skies above the treetops.
That longing I’d had for so long of a little family of my own ... Tears smarted at the backs of my eyes, and I worked to swallow. Pulled in an expansive breath, and released it. That night when I’d found Hayley safe at the carriage house, I’d dropped anchor, knowing with them was where I belonged. I never thought I’d end up with two redheads and one ugly dog. But God had known. I’d trusted Him, and He’d steered me exactly where I needed to be.
Kate appeared next to me and leaned her head against my shoulder. “I’m glad you restarted Mawmaw’s Mardi Gras party tradition.”
“Me too.” I slipped my arm around her, pressing a kiss to her hair, inhaling her addictive scent of vanilla and citrus.
Her fingers intertwined with mine, and she straightened, mischief twinkling in her blue eyes. With a wink she tugged me to follow, my pulse kicking into second gear. We turned the corner of the porch to what had become our make-out spot when Hayley was home.
My thumbs caressed her soft cheeks, brushing the freckles there I’d come to adore. Her gaze brightened with expectation, and I leaned in, working a slow, savoring kiss across her lips. She swayed. I shifted my hold to her hips, gliding my fingers to her lower back. She grabbed fistfuls of my shirt, pulling herself against me. Need expanded, electricity snapping beneath my skin where her touch lingered, where her body pressed to mine. Taking a reluctant breath, I rested my forehead on hers. Chest heaving, she stared at my mouth, her fingertips grazing the stubble on my jaw.
Releasing a low growl, I eased away, breaking all contact between us. “Anyone could easily find us here.” I imprisoned my hands in my pockets, not trusting myself.
She bit back a smile, straightening her shirt. “It wouldn’t look so bad if I had a ring on my finger.”
My brows arced, and I shot her a teasing smirk. “Are you proposing to me?”
“What if I was?” She played along, lifting her chin in mock challenge, bringing her plump lips closer to mine.
My resolve broke, my hands returning to her waist, toying with the belt loops on her jeans. “Where’s my ring?”
Her nose crinkled. “I’m sure I could find something to make do.”
With a building grin I tugged her near, nuzzling her neck, breathing in her sweet aroma and warmth. “How about a bread tie?”
She shivered, and her throat bobbed. “Precious’s collar?”
Smiling against her skin, I reached into my pants pocket and retrieved the engagement ring Hayley had helped me choose last month. I slid to my knee, holding the ring up. “How about we try this proposal again?”