Epilogue
HAZEL
Six months later
“They're all going to be there.” Hazel’s brows are to her hairline.
“Yep, every single one of them. It's gonna be a heck of a shindig.”
Bridget and Mason's wedding is in just a few hours. Every single one of the couples in our group of friends in Red Lodge have gotten two babysitters to wrangle all the children for the evening.
Whoever the lucky people are looking after all these kids are in for quite a handful.
“I mean, Bridget and Mason's kid is coming to the wedding. But for the reception, they'll be gone. Hudson is giving Juniper to the unfortunate babysitters, and even Xaden and Ivy have ensured their kiddos are all with them. It’s going to be a packed house with Jade there, too.”
“I pity the fools,” Hazel jokes, and we both laugh. All of us having a free night away from the kids is a miracle of sorts.
“You are not wrong there, gorgeous.” I sidle up next to her and wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her close for a kiss.
Hazel looks stunning in the dress she's picked out for the wedding, and I can't wait until it's our turn.
“It's kind of crazy that we're all going to be here for something like this, but I guess that's the beauty of weddings. It makes everybody come together again, and it has been a long ass time since all of the one-time bachelors were in the same place.”
Hazel snorts a laugh, rolling her eyes. “Ah, yes, the one-time crew of bachelors from Red Lodge. All settled down now. All taken. Even you, Mr. Hawke.”
Yanking her closer and nuzzling into her neck, kissing and biting playfully, I enjoy the way she feels against me.
“ I am especially taken, soon-to-be Mrs. Hawke.”
Hazel laughs, eventually pulling my face away so that she can kiss me. “It will be our turn soon, and I am not changing my name. It’s on all my books.”
I pretend to be shocked but then nod. “Fair enough.”
“For now, let's just enjoy this miraculous event that is having a night away from the children.”
“Here here,” Xaden says, coming into the room where we've all been hanging out, waiting for the big moment.
He's got a few beers in his hands, and he hands one to me and then Hazel, managing to keep one for himself.
“Getting away from the kiddos is exactly what all of us adults deserve. Let's get drunk.”
We all laugh, knocking our bottles together and then taking a swig of our beer.
“I am so ready to enjoy myself.” Hazel gives Xaden a quick hug. “Are we almost there? Is it almost time?”
Ivy is hot on Xaden’s trail, and she comes in looking as killer as ever. “Yes, we are almost there, and as soon as this ceremony is over it is going to be grownup time.”
The four of us walk out of the room, laughing about everything dumb you could think of. We meet the other couples in the hallway just outside the room we’ve all been using to get ready and hang out before the ceremony starts.
Hudson walks up to me and claps me on the shoulder. “Hey man, how's it going? Are you excited?”
“Yes, I am so ready to see these two crazy kids get married.”
Hudson nudges me in the ribs with his elbow. “And your turn soon. It's about time you settle down. I knew you'd find the right person eventually.”
Hazel looks over at me from a few feet away, overhearing our conversation, and all I can do is offer her a smile.
“I found her a while ago, it turns out. Just had to get it right this time.” Hudson gives me a grin and pats me on the shoulder again, and we cheers our drinks before someone yells out from down the hall.
“All right, everyone, here we go!”
Hazel rushes over and takes my hand. We finish up our drinks and then make sure we get ourselves seated before the big show begins.
“Promise you're not going to cry,” she whispers over her shoulder at me as we walk into the other room.
“Of course not. It's a wedding. I am entitled to cry.”
She laughs at my stupid joke, and we take our seats, ready for everything to get started.
During the reception, I take a moment in a quiet spot to admire everything around me.
The wedding takes up the entirety of Mason’s massive backyard and land, and I have to hand it to both him and Bridget, it’s absolutely gorgeous out here, with fairy lights and greenery-filled arches and a soft fall breeze.
I take a sip of my drink, graciously acquired from the open bar, and look up at the stars, lost in thought. Hazel finds me not too far from the main party, walking over with a mild expression of concern.
“You alright? I haven’t seen you for a minute.”
Smiling back at her, I open my arm for her to get close. “I’m great, taking stock.”
“Yeah?” She looks up at me from against my chest.
“Trust me, Hazel, ever since you walked back into my life, I’ve never been better.”
She beams from head to toe, and I’ve still never seen anything as beautiful as the woman next to me.
“Do you want to dance?”
Despite the music blasting from the DJ booth beside the makeshift dance floor, it’s not overly loud where we’re standing.
With a soft chuckle, Hazel nods, and I pull her into position. We slow dance to the distant beating of music coupled with the rhythm of our hearts, wearing smiles as bright as the stars above us.
“I can’t wait to marry you,” I murmur, laying a gentle kiss on Hazel’s cheek.
“I am so excited.”
The kiss changes, becoming passionate and emotional before Hazel leans back with a grin.
“You know, this was always our plan. It just took a few years of heartache and ‘almosts’ to find our way back to each other.”
“And I’m damn glad we did, Haze.” I kiss her again. “I’m damn glad we did.”