Epilogue
Alex (a few weeks later)
We’re partners. We are partners.
“Happy New Year,” Jesse murmurs against my lips.
We’re hosting a party—at his house—and the guests are about to arrive. He wanted to be the host this year, and I offered to help him pull it together.
“You look beautiful,” he says, pulling back, his hands on my upper arms, his eyes scanning the dress I purchased online.
“You look beautiful too,” I say, straightening his tie.
A knock sounds at the front door. I take one more glance around the living room. It’s all here: punch, appetizers, noisemakers all in a stack on a side table. Streamers and silver balloons line the ceiling.
Jesse walks to the door, opening it to the first group of guests. Lexi and Trevor, Shannon and Duke, Rob and Laura, Aiden and Em all file in, shucking their coats and greeting us with “Happy New Year!”
I can’t help but think about my life since I arrived in Bordeaux.
So much has changed in such a short time.
Jesse wasn’t even a part of these kinds of gatherings, let alone hosting a party where our friends showed up willingly.
As set in their ways as they had been, as soon as Jesse and I made it public knowledge that we’re officially dating, Lexi’s friend group opened their circle to include us.
Lexi steps over and gives me a hug. “You look beautiful.” She looks around. “And the house looks so festive.”
I smile.
“And you’ve got the glow of a woman in love,” she adds.
“We haven’t said those words yet,” I tell her quietly.
Things between us are still new, but we’re not young. We know what we want in a romantic relationship. I was already engaged to the wrong man. The feelings I have for Jesse eclipse those I had for Marco with a strength that took me by surprise. When you know, you know.
“You don’t have to say it,” Lexi says. “The way you feel for each other is written all over your face—and his.”
“He’s amazing,” I tell her, not for the first time. “Always looking out for me, complimenting me, making me feel like I’m special.”
“You are special,” she says with a soft shake of her head.
“I know. But I’ve never had a man show me the kind of respect and care Jesse does.”
Lexi smiles. “I’m happy for you.”
With everyone else, I’ve always had to adjust and perform. With Jesse, I don’t have to hold any part of myself back.
More people arrive: Mabel, Esther, and Memaw with her husband, Bill. Then the whole police squad and Jeanie. Music filters through the house. People mingle. The party is a success.
Jesse sidles up behind me when I’m refilling appetizer trays. He wraps his arms around my waist and cinches me into his embrace. “How are you?” he whispers into my ear.
“Great,” I say, turning my head so I can look him in the eyes. “How are you?”
“Good. I like this.” He nods to the room full of people. “And you know what I’ll like even better?”
“What?” I say, leaning into him and loving the way it feels to be cocooned in his arms.
His voice is a low rumble, private and irresistible. “I’ll like it even better when they leave so I can have you to myself.”
I giggle softly. “We’ve got a few hours til midnight.”
“I’m in no rush,” he whispers into my ear, sending chills skittering over my skin. “I’m a patient man.”
My eyes flutter shut and I settle in his arms, just for the briefest moment, soaking up the way he always steadies me.
The sound of laughter trickles in from the other rooms, punctuated by another knock at the door.
“Who could that be?” I ask Jesse, stepping away from him so we can greet our guest together.
We weave through the rooms filled with guests laughing, talking, holding plates of finger foods and glasses filled with punch. Jesse pulls the front door open to Cooter standing on the welcome mat wearing a sparkly shirt and a costume top hat with the words “Happy New Year” on it.
“Sorry for showin’ up late,” he says. “I had to stop by Donna’s. She didn’t feel up to a party, but I couldn’t neglect her on a holiday.”
“Donna Simms?” I ask Cooter.
He nods.
“You’re a good man, Cooter,” Jesse says.
“I even laid off the sauce tonight—on account of driving out to Donna’s and comin’ here. I didn’t want to make a fool of myself in front of all you good people.”
“You’re on the guest list, Cooter,” Jesse says. “We want you here.”
“Come in,” I say. “There’s food and drinks in the family room. And we’ll be having a toast before midnight.”
Cooter joins the crowd inside, mostly standing off to the side, but people bring him into conversations as the night rolls on.
“We need more punch,” I tell Jesse.
“I’ll get it,” he tells me. “And I’ll put the champagne and sparkling juice out for the toast while I’m at it.”
Rob overhears Jesse and volunteers to pitch in. Trevor trails behind them. I clear some plates and napkins and carry them toward the kitchen, stopping just shy of the doorway to silently witness the scene in front of me.
Trevor has casually slung an arm around Jesse’s shoulder. They’re all laughing. Jesse too. Trevor’s arm drops and he claps Jesse on the shoulder. Then they each grab some bottles and carry them toward the living room. I pass by them and toss the trash, smiling at Jesse as he passes by.
I smile to myself. The walls have come down for him. And for me.
I’m not the reason. Jesse earned his place. He’s been showing up—steady, loyal, kind—long before I ever arrived in Bordeaux. All I did was get close enough to see him for the man he really is. And somehow my acceptance opened a door.
Now everyone else finally sees him too—the real man—sometimes awkward, but always thoughtful, loyal and more complex than he appears at first blush.
I join Jesse. He loops his arm around me, handing me a flute that shimmers with tiny rising bubbles.
Duke is standing between Shannon and Jayme. He speaks loudly to get everyone’s attention.
“Friends!” Duke smiles. “What a year! Am I right?”
Everyone cheers with scattered shouts of “Yes!” and “You’ve got that right!”
Duke continues. “And this coming year’s going to be even better!”
Jesse tugs my side with the hand that’s resting on my hip, pulling me into his strength and warmth.
“I can’t wait to see what’s next. Maybe some more babies?” Duke laughs and a few nervous laughs layer with his. “Maybe an engagement?” He tips his glass in our direction and Jesse smiles.
It had occurred to me. If we’re still together well into this coming year, it’s possible we could be engaged by this time next year.
“Whatever it is,” Duke says, lifting his glass. “We’ll be together. To friends and family and a year full of blessings.”
Chief Gene adds, “To new beginnings, new friends, and to Jesse finally hosting a party that didn’t involve burnt hot dogs and discount drinks!”
“Hey,” Jesse says. “I resemble that remark!”
Everyone laughs. And some people shout, “To friends!”
“To Jesse!” Cooter shouts. And everyone joins in by shouting, “To Jesse!”
He’s not on the edges tonight. He’s at the center. And everyone loves him being there.
“To more babies!” Trevor shouts. Lexi elbows him, and he grunts out, “Oof!” Then they both burst into laughter.
Jesse leans in close and clinks his glass against mine. “To you.”
I look up into his eyes and say, “To us.”
“To us,” he says, and we both take a sip.
Jesse’s thumb gently brushes across the inside of my wrist—a spot he often touches privately—sometimes just to let me know he’s there, other times to flirt without anyone knowing. A shiver runs through me.
He takes both our drinks and sets them on a side table. Then he grabs a remote and turns on the big screen so we can all count down when the ball drops in Times Square.
I pass out noisemakers.
“I’ve been there in person,” I say, tipping my chin toward the screen.
“That’s amazing,” Jesse says.
“It’s … crazy. Like being at a massive concert.
A wall of people. Cold air blowing through the skyscrapers.
People are singing randomly, cheering, making friends with strangers.
And then, when the ball really starts to drop, the countdown takes over.
All the people chanting as one. Confetti explodes and continues to fall like snow while people cheer, kiss, cry, and exchange hugs.
“Then, as quickly as it started, it’s over. And the swarm of people moves in a mass exodus. Your feet hurt. The cold seeps in. You’re hungry. But people are kinder. Still high on the shared celebration.”
“I’d love to experience that someday,” Jesse says, his eyes warm with affection. “I want to go to New York with you.” He doesn’t say it to placate me. I can see it in his eyes. He wants to come see my home, just like I’ve come to be a part of his.
“I want to take you there.” I grin up at him. “Besides, you’ll have to go there to meet my family.”
He doesn’t flinch at the idea. Instead, he smiles warmly.
I went to Times Square with Marco and our friends a few years ago. And I had gone at other times over the years. The idea of going with Jesse—showing him around New York and then ringing in another year together fills me with giddiness.
“I’m glad we hosted tonight,” I tell Jesse.
“Thank you for talking me into it,” he says. “A year ago, I’d have run from this. From being seen. From being known. Tonight, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
He glances overhead. “Oh. Will you look at that?”
I glance up to the rafter above us. “Mistletoe? Why is that still up here? Christmas is over."
He smirks. It’s adorable. “Maybe I'll keep it up year round.” He steps toward me, bracing his hands on my upper arms. “You know? To keep the Christmas spirit alive?"
"You just want an excuse to kiss me whenever you want to,” I say, smiling up at him.
"Busted,” he smiles broadly. “I should know better than to try to pull one over on a cop with your instincts."
“I won’t submit a case report,” I say.
“Good,” he says, and then he leans in and kisses me and I meet him halfway. Our kiss is sweet—full of affection and hope.
I didn’t just fall for Jesse. I found my home.
“Happy New Year,” he says softly.
“Happy New Year,” I breathe back.
I lean into him, and his arms circle around me. He tilts his head, his voice warm against my ear. “I love you, Alex.”
Before I can answer, the whole room erupts into the countdown. “Five ... Four ... Three ... Two ... One … Happy New Year!” Cheers and laughter rise around us, confetti floating through the air.
But it all feels far away.
I lift up on my toes, press my lips near his ear, and whisper, “I love you, too.”
Then we kiss.
The world is celebrating a new beginning—but everything that matters to me began the moment Jesse and I chose each other.