Bonus Epilogue #2
She chuckles, rummaging in a drawer for a corkscrew. “I had no idea that boy was planning such a big surprise,” she muses. “But he’s obviously gone to great lengths to gather everyone.”
A wave of affection sweeps through me. “He’s wonderful,” I say softly, watching Boone lean over to help Tory flip her dough without wrecking it. “I never thought I’d find someone so… committed and sweet and protective, all at once.”
My mother smiles, patting my arm. “You deserve it, darling. And he deserves you.”
I help her open the wine, and soon enough, glasses are distributed. People sip, some swirl, others just dive in. The kitchen warms with laughter. The entire vibe is joyous, safe, and fun—completely different from the tension we all knew when Charles and Earl were looming threats.
It doesn’t take long for the pizzas to start emerging from the ovens, each one unique: some with extra pepperoni, some loaded with veggies, one with pineapple that Garrett rolls his eyes at.
We set them on cooling racks, the air filling with the mouthwatering aroma of fresh dough, garlic, basil, melted cheese.
Ranger proclaims, “We’ve officially discovered the best way to celebrate a birthday. Screw cake, pizza is where it’s at.”
Tory bumps his hip. “We can have dessert pizza, too, you know?”
I grin. “Don’t tempt me. I’ve got a Nutella and strawberry recipe that’ll blow your mind.”
Boone, a glass of wine in hand, sidles up behind me, slipping an arm around my waist. “You realize the second you mention dessert pizza, these animals will never leave,” he teases, jerking his chin toward the group, who have already devoured half the first pizza.
“Well, that’s the point,” I reply, leaning into him. “If I never let them leave, this party never ends.”
He chuckles, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. The simple gesture makes my pulse flutter. “Happy birthday, Brie-cheese,” he murmurs, brushing his lips against my ear.
I groan, burying my face in Boone’s chest. He laughs, gently prying me away to address the group. “Aubree’s old nickname from high school was Brie-cheese. As in the cheese.”
Immediately, my mother giggles. “Yes, well, my daughter was obsessed with cheese on everything when she was younger, so a few friends started calling her that.”
Orion nearly chokes on his wine. “Oh, this is golden.” He raps a fist on the table. “Brie-cheese, indeed. She’s the pizza queen, it all comes full circle.”
Briar, eyes shining with amusement, points a tomato slice at me. “So, do we all get to call you Brie-cheese now?”
I shoot a mock glare at Boone. “No. Absolutely not.”
But Dean just laughs. “Too late, Brie-cheese.”
I throw my hands up in mock despair as everyone breaks into giggles or smirks. Boone slips an arm around me again, nuzzling my temple. “Sorry,” he mouths, though he looks anything but apologetic.
“Traitor,” I mouth back, but my grin betrays me. I can’t stay mad at that face.
Once we’ve all had our fill of pizza—at least four or five pies demolished—someone finds a stereo in the front, and soon soft music floats through the shop.
We gather around the dining area, which Dean and Sophia have festooned with colorful streamers.
My mother has a small cake, too, because apparently you can’t have a birthday without at least a slice of something sweet.
She sets a single candle on it—like a nod to tradition.
Everyone gathers, softly singing “Happy Birthday” as I blow out the candle, cheeks burning at all the attention.
Ranger’s girlfriend, Tory, compliments me on the “best birthday idea ever,” and I remind her, “It wasn’t my idea, but I’ll take credit anyway.”
We pop open another bottle of wine, and the conversation flows.
We talk about everything: how Orion and Briar are thinking of adopting a rescue dog, how Garrett is toying with the idea of going undercover in a big upcoming job, how Thor has decided to coach a kids’ soccer team in his off hours, how Isabella is busily helping grow the Maddox Security teams. Dean and Sophia recount a hilarious story about the time they had to fake-marriage themselves into a mission, which sends everyone into peals of laughter.
It’s amazing how many inside jokes and stories we’ve all accumulated in such a short time.
Eventually, the shop quiets a little. Some of the group starts drifting toward the front, gathering their coats and leftover slices.
It’s nearing midnight, and even this crowd has limits.
My mother winks at me, saying, “I’ll see you tomorrow, honey.
I’ll leave you with your friends.” She hugs me tight, whispering, “Happy birthday, dear,” before stepping out.
Ranger and Tory are next to leave, followed by Orion and Briar, who promise to text us about that rescue dog.
Dean and Sophia stick around for a bit, helping me and Boone gather empty cups and plates, while Garrett and Thor engage in a quiet debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. (They never settle it, obviously.)
Finally, with the place mostly tidied and the leftover wine corked, Dean and Sophia wave goodbye.
Garrett and Thor leave with Isabella—someone mentions going out for a late-night coffee.
In a matter of minutes, the shop returns to silence, lit only by the overhead lights and a few decorative strings of white bulbs around the windows.
The clock reads nearly one in the morning now.
I let out a contented sigh, leaning against a booth seat. Boone steps toward me, his eyes bright with affection and maybe a hint of mischief. “You okay, Bree?”
“I’m fine, Boone.” My voice softens. “Thank you for… everything. For the surprise, for getting all our friends together. For making today so special.”
He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending shivers down my spine. “You deserve it. It’s your first birthday in a long time where you’re not looking over your shoulder.”
I swallow, remembering the terror of the past—kidnappings, threats, heartbreak. Now, it’s replaced by laughter and pizza. “I never thought I’d be so… happy,” I admit, voice trembling with emotion. “It almost feels unreal.”
Boone steps closer, warm hands resting on my hips. “It’s real,” he murmurs, voice low. “We made it real. You and me.”
Our gazes lock, and I see the reflection of the overhead lights dancing in his dark eyes. My heart clenches with a fierce love I can hardly put into words. I slip my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. “I love you,” I whisper, the words tasting sweet and certain on my lips.
He smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “I love you, too. You have no idea how much.”
Then he dips his head, capturing my mouth in a tender, lingering kiss. I melt against him, my body warming under his touch, my mind swimming with the sensation of his lips exploring mine. There’s no fear, no tension—just pure contentment and a slow-burning passion.
I tighten my grip around his neck, leaning up on my toes as the kiss deepens. His hands press firmly into my lower back, pulling me flush against him. The low hum of the fridge motors fades away, replaced by the pounding of my heart and the soft sound of our ragged breathing.
Breaking apart, I rest my forehead against his, our chests rising and falling in sync. “Where’d you learn to kiss like that, tough guy?” I tease breathlessly.
He laughs softly, brushing his nose against mine. “Must’ve been that extra cheese you keep shoveling into my dinners. Gave me power.”
I roll my eyes again, but I’m smiling so hard it hurts. He nudges my chin, kissing me lightly again, and I can’t resist letting out a giddy sigh.
We stand there for a moment, wrapped in each other, until the overhead lights flicker—an automated timer set to nighttime mode, reminding us it’s after hours.
“Guess we better lock up,” I murmur, stepping back to glance around the shop.
The tables are tidy, the leftover decorations drifting in a half-deflated balloon pinned to the corner.
The faint smell of tomato sauce and melted cheese still lingers. It’s comforting, homey.
Boone nods, hands slipping from my waist reluctantly. “Let’s do that. Then we can head back to the cabin. I’ve got one more surprise for you.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Another surprise? You’re relentless.”
He just grins, grabbing the keys from the counter. “A man’s gotta keep his girlfriend guessing, right?”
My heart flutters. I can’t believe this is my life: teased and treasured by the man who once rescued me and took me to a cabin in the woods. Now we share that cabin as our home, building a future that grows more certain each day.
I step into the cool night air, turning to lock the glass door behind us.
Boone stands at my shoulder, scanning the quiet street.
Ever the protector. Once I’m done, he guides me gently by the elbow to his truck, parked by the curb, and opens the passenger door for me.
I climb in, tucking my hair behind my ears, the afterglow of the party still making my cheeks warm.
As he slips into the driver’s seat, I ask softly, “Can you at least give me a hint about this last surprise?”
He glances my way, the overhead dome light illuminating a playful glint in his eyes. “Well… it involves a certain leftover Nutella and strawberry sauce we forgot to use tonight.”
A laugh bubbles out of me. “That’s not a surprise, that’s just dessert.”
He leans over, pressing a quick, mischievous kiss to my lips. “Trust me, Bree, it’s gonna be sweet.”
I can’t help but grin as he starts the engine.
The truck rumbles to life, headlights slicing through the darkness.
We pull away from Slice Slice Baby, the neon sign flickering behind us.
My chest feels full, brimming with gratitude for my friends, my mother, the new life we’ve carved out in Nashville—and, most of all, for Boone.