Epilogue
Huxley
We’re on our regular Sunday afternoon walk with Louis and Cazaly when Oliver suddenly falls silent.
It’s so unlike him—normally chatting non-stop—that I study his profile for clues.
It’s almost spring now, and the sun is finally out, a welcome change from the previous overcast days.
Being outside usually invigorates Oliver, but, based on the pinch of his brow, he’s nervous about something, although I’ve no idea what.
Since we’ve enjoyed a perfect weekend and he’s still holding my hand, I leave Oliver to his thoughts.
Williams did stand down after the scandal, with a progressive female principal appointed in his place.
Since then, the school has been a dream workplace.
Sure, we get a few judgy looks, and are the recipients of derogatory gossip, but we’ve heard old Bob is moving on at the end of the year.
With new leadership, hopefully the rest of the homophobes will be out the door soon too.
Oliver and I have been asked to head up a new steering committee to develop an inclusive policy for LGBTQIA+ staff and students.
We’re both feeling really blessed by the opportunity to bring about systemic change.
Jennifer has started dating a great guy, and we spend time with them, as well as Maddie and Lara.
I’m also getting to know Koa over FaceTime; Oliver and I are both totally invested in the drama that has become his love life.
I can’t wait to meet him one day and see him dance in person.
I’ve introduced Oliver to my parents, who absolutely approve, and I frequently join Oliver when he visits his mum.
We’ve avoided Reece so far, but I know Christmastime will be hard for Oliver to navigate.
Ten minutes pass in silence before he comes to a stop and faces me. “So how long before I can ask you to move in with me?” he blurts out. “Caz already told me he wants Louis to move in. And who are we to stand in the way of puppy love?”
Despite Oliver’s cute joke, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this nervous.
Sure, he’s smiling and keeping it light, but I can see how much this means to him.
It’s crazy to consider moving in with someone you’ve only been dating for seven months, but I’m certain Oliver is the one.
It’s foolish to say, but I’d bet my life on Oliver becoming my husband one day.
Trying to keep a straight face, I say, “My mum always said I should be married before I live with someone.” Oliver’s eyes widen with excitement. “Oh my God babe, I was joking. Don’t get any crazy ideas just yet. But yes.”
“Yes, what?”
Fuck, he’s so cute, holding his breath and all. It’s nice not being the anxious one for once. “Yes, I’ll move in with you. I’ve been waiting for you to ask. You’re not subtle, you know. You’ve dropped so many hints.”
“Seriously? You’ll move in. Like, this week?”
I get the giggles. “Well, I have to give notice on my apartment and arrange a moving van.”
Oliver picks me up and spins me around. “God, I love you so much.”
“I love you too,” I murmur against his lips before kissing him. I wish I could tell my teenage self that everything will turn out great one day. That there’ll be a man who will stand proudly beside me and bathe me in love.
“Um…Hux? I think we’re stuck.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“Look at the dogs.”
I glance down at the ground, realising our predicament.
It seems that Oliver spun me around one too many times.
The leashes are now wrapped tightly around our legs and the dogs are a tangled mess at Oliver’s feet.
“Oh dear,” I say, laughing. My giant boyfriend is such a dork.
“Okay, well, you need to slowly spin back the other way and hope the dogs follow.”
At first, they don’t. But, five minutes later, we’re finally untangled and heading back to Oliver’s apartment.
To our home. Cazaly and Louis walk in front of us, their bodies bumping into each other every now and then.
They truly adore each other and hate it when they’re apart—much like me and Oliver.
He nudges me gently in the ribs. “And what about after we’ve been living together for six months?”
I wrap my arm around his waist. “I guess you’ll have to ask me then and find out.”
“And you know I will.”
I smile up at Oliver, my chest full to overflowing with love. “I’ll be ready.”
Oliver drops a kiss to the top of my head as we continue down the walking trail. Yep, that’s my future husband.