Epilogue
Derek
“Buck would’ve gotten a kick out of this,” Dre tells me, smacking a hand on my back, as I turn chicken wings on the grill. The tangy scent of barbecue sauce scents the air and a gentle breeze whispers through the trees.
The sky is a cotton candy swirl, all purple and pink, and the temperature is starting to dip after a hot day. I pull in an inhale and let it out slowly.
Glancing at my old friend, I grin. “Yeah, he would’ve.
” I look around the yard and take in the long picnic tables adorned with fresh flowers.
There’s a corn hole game going on between Levi and Jameson beside the deck.
Nova’s laughter pierces the air as her boyfriend, West, dips down in the pool and rises with her perched on his shoulders.
My dad sits poolside, chatting amicably with Mav, who’s lounging in a flamingo floatie.
Buck would’ve loved this. These people, this night, this moment. “I wish he was here.”
“Me too,” Dre agrees.
“I’m glad you came out, brother.”
“Same. Had to see what the big deal about LA is.” He smirks. “And Sarah made me promise to hand deliver her new lyrics.”
I pat the pocket of my jeans where I slipped the folded-up paper Dre passed me earlier. “I can’t wait to read them. She’s really turning into a songwriter.”
“It’s her dream,” he says, taking the tongs from my hand. “Let me take over for a bit. You go…mingle.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Mingle?”
Dre shrugs. “Get in on that corn hole game, or pour Johan another tumbler of whiskey, or kiss your pretty girlfriend.”
“I’ll take you up on option C.” I pat his shoulder. “Thanks, man.”
“No problem,” Dre says, as I turn toward Allegra.
She’s sitting on the deck, relaxing with a margarita in hand. Mckenna, Ivy, and Mrs. Rousell are around her, the four of them deep in conversation, their hands moving as quickly as their mouths.
When she sees me approach, her smile widens and I wink at her. She excuses herself from the group, and moves toward me.
“How’s manning the grill?” she asks, stepping into my frame. Her arms snake around my shoulders.
I grasp her waist. “I got booted off by Dre.”
She looks over at Dre, in his element, and laughs. Then she glances around our backyard, drinking in our family and friends, all mingling and joking and relaxing together.
Hendrix dives into the pool and Mav cheers.
“Mckenna, you want to take a swim?” Mav taunts Kenny.
She rolls her eyes and ignores him.
“Mav’s driving Mckenna nuts,” Allegra admits.
I chuckle. “Now that he knows he can get to her, he’s not going to quit.”
“True. I’m glad Hendrix came,” she comments.
“And Dre,” I add.
“Yeah,” Allegra says, shifting to lean into me.
I hug her closer. “Are you happy, Stellina?”
She gazes up at me, her eyes twinkling. “Happier than I ever thought I’d be.”
I press a kiss to the center of her forehead. “I’m glad.”
“We’re lucky, Derek,” she says.
“Yeah,” I agree, letting the laughter of our loved ones wash over me. I tighten my hold on my girl, enjoying this simple moment that’s filled with tender emotions. Nostalgia and affection. Gratitude and purpose.
And the elusive magic I’ve been chasing for a long-ass time.
“We fought hard for our happily-ever-after,” Allegra admits quietly. “For our love.”
“Stellina,” I say, glancing down at her. Dipping my head, I capture her lips in mine and spill my words into her mouth. “I was never going to give up on you. On us. A love like ours…”
“What?” She pulls back slightly, her eyes searching mine.
“A love like ours doesn’t quit. No matter what. Me and you, baby…”
“We’re forever,” she finishes my sentence.
“Forever,” I confirm.
“Hey, lovebirds!” Nova calls out, waving at us. Water drips off her arms as she dances in the pool.
West holds up a football. “We’re playing a game.”
“In the water?” Mckenna looks skeptical.
“Loosen up, Mckenna,” Mav chirps. “It’ll be fun!”
“I’m in!” Ivy says, removing her cover-up and making her way toward the pool.
Dex slips into the water.
Allegra bumps her hip against mine. “What do you say?”
I snort. “I don’t know a damn thing about football.”
“You’re all right,” Allegra assures me over her shoulder as she walks toward the pool. “I can carry this for the both of us.” She slips out of her cover-up and I groan at the bright red bikini she’s wearing.
“Good. Because my eyes won’t be on a fucking ball when they can be undressing you,” I murmur, following her.
Damn, I drink in her curves. I love how self-assured she is. As Allegra saunters toward her girls, I recall the seventeen-year-old, never-been-kissed version of her I first met. There are still traces of that girl. Her sweetness. Her goodness.
But now, she’s got an edge. A confidence that is so damn sexy, it renders me speechless.
The truth is, I’ve always been in love with my Stellina. Every single version of her. I’ve loved watching her evolve to become the woman she is today.
Loyal. Steadfast. Giving.
Everything I’ve always desired.
Mine.