Epilogue ~~ Kylie 10 weeks later
M y sister and I are hanging out at Grape Expectations today. On what would have been the day of my bachelorette party, she made sure we’re celebrating the day a different way. With everyone who truly loves me for me. The day isn’t a big deal to me. It didn’t take me long to realize I made the best choice for myself and for Patrick. And it’s not something I’m dwelling on.
I have more than enough to keep me busy now.
“Ky!” Liam comes charging off the back porch and onto the grass where I’m seated with Sadie and Kathleen.
“Oh, you’ve got the Byrne boys whipped, don’t you?” Kathleen titters, and it makes me smile.
“I think it’s the other way around.” I wink at her then focus on Liam as he comes skidding to a stop in front of me. “Hey, sweetheart! What’s up?”
“Dad just told me we’re planning a party for Mr. Love!”
My sister's head snaps toward me so fast I think she has whiplash. “Shh!” I put my pointer finger over my lips then pass my sister a look. “It’s going to be a surprise party.”
Liam jumps in his spot and my sister leans back in her chair, closing her eyes. Kathleen and I laugh and she says, “I see there are mixed emotions at this table.”
“This is so cool! I’ve never planned a party for a teacher before!”
“Well, he’s more than just a teacher, he’s one of your dad’s best friends, and he’s been a great role model here in Starlight Bay.” My sister makes a pfft sound and I have to kick her under the table. “Do me a favor. Go tell your dad when he gets a free minute to come join us so we can chat real quick. Tell him he has to fill Sadie in on the details.”
His eyes flick to my sister and his smile gets wider. “Okay!” and he runs off.
My sister smacks me. “Ow! What the hell was that for?”
“You know what! I’m not going to plan this party. I want nothing to do with this.” She sits back with a huff and crossed arms.
“Methinks you doth protest too much,” Kathleen says, and it makes me burst into laughter.
My sister narrows her eyes. “I feel I can say this because you’re basically family now, Kathleen. But you can take your protest and shove it up yo?—”
“Hey!” I screech out and the three of us crack up.
Sadie shakes her head as she looks past me, and I turn to see Matt walking toward us. “Ladies!” He says as he bends down behind me, snaking his arm across my chest and kissing my neck before whispering, “I can’t wait to be inside you tonight.”
I roll my lips and feel the blush creep up instantly. I try to keep my eyes down because I can feel both Sadie and his mom watching us. But in the end, I give in to him because this is love and I don't care who sees it.
“Please tell my sister she has to help with Danny’s party.”
He grabs a chair from the neighboring table and positions it next to Sadie and takes a seat. “Listen, I know there’s history with you two and?—”
“No history.”
He raises a brow. “History, fuck buddies?—”
Sadie gasps.
“Whatever you want to call it, I’m going to need you to push that aside and help me with this party. We talked about this. This place is hosting too many events for me to do it alone. It’s why I brought you on full-time, Sadie. Don’t make me fire you in the first month.”
She holds his stare before looking at me. “I don’t like this.”
I reach for her hand. I know she still has big feelings for him. And I think Danny’s fun, sometimes immature personality is exactly what she needs. And her regimented way wouldn’t be so bad for him either. I wish they could come together and realize this.
“If you plan a great party for him, he can’t pick a fight,” I remind her.
A sly smirk comes across her face. “Matt, would I have complete control of this party?”
His eyes take on a bit of fear. “Sadie, don’t use my winery to make a mockery of him.”
She waves her hand dismissively. “Come on, you know me better than that. I’ll be completely professional.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Matt whispers to me.
“So, any news you two would like to share with us?” my mom prods.
Matt and I look at each other questioningly, then back at her. I make it a point to hold my left hand up. “No,” I shake my head. “No news.” She sips from her glass, never taking her eyes off us.
“Ma, you’ll be the first to know if we have news, okay?”
“I don't believe you.”
Matt laughs. “I’ve got to get back to the front.” He leans down to give me a kiss and whispers, “Good luck with her.” I swat at him as he trots off. After Danny’s surprise birthday party, there will be a different type of event to plan. We just found out I’m pregnant, and since it’s extremely early on, we’re keeping it to ourselves for right now. But I should have known his mom would know something is up. She’s always been intuitive and can read me, her son, and everyone else like a book.
“Sadie, can I help you plan? This is going to be so much fun!” Liam begins to talk a mile a minute and my sister rolls her eyes over his love for Mr. Love, but I see the way her lips twitch. Her love for Mr. Love is just as strong, and I can’t wait to see it unfold.
THE END.