Epilogue
The Maguires and the Murrays mingled in the Maguires’ kitchen, helping themselves to the buffet-style food on the counter and table.
“Aunt Bebe, how could you get all this food catered so quickly?” Casey’s mom asked.
“I called my three favorite restaurants and ordered whatever they could make fast and in large quantities. And then, I did the same for the desserts. I think it turned out great. There’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re in the mood for,” Aunt Bebe beamed.
“It makes for an interesting combination of smells from barbeque to Mexican to Italian. We have it all.” Rory laughed. “My stomach doesn’t know what it wants: ribs, enchiladas, or pasta.”
“Which is why this is perfect. You can have it all,” Aunt Bebe said.
Though it was a tight fit, both families squeezed around the dining room table with all the extensions added in.
Dylan sipped his drink and took it all in. I am so lucky to have my family and Casey and her family. This is logical, but even more so, it feels right.
Dylan waited until almost everyone was finished eating. Then he turned toward Casey, took her hands in his, and noted that everyone had stopped talking.
“Casey, I know we had a serious conversation last night, but I want to promise you in front of the people who mean the most to us that I will always love you, always support you in whatever you choose to do, and help you become the very best version of yourself. I promise to always listen to you, honor your feelings, and do everything I can to understand the world through your eyes.” Dylan pulled a square box from his pocket. “I want to give you this, so you’ll always remember what I see when I look at you.”
Casey opened the lid and lifted a diamond-shaped crystal from the black velvet. She held it up to the light by its gold chain, and Dylan watched her face glow as the necklace threw a thousand sparkles across the dining room. On the front of the crystal was a gold Wonder Woman logo. “This is beautiful, Dylan. I love it. Thank you,” she said, then kissed his cheek.
Dylan beamed. “Read the back.”
Casey said, “It has three words engraved on it: Strong, Brave, and Empowered.”
“Just like you, Case.” Dylan smiled and hugged her to him. Then he turned towards Aunt Bebe and continued, “And as much as it pains me to say this, Aunt Bebe, you were right. That fiasco you maneuvered into being had to be extreme to make me switch out of my head and logic and into my heart and feelings. Casey deserves to be in a relationship with all of me, not just the analytical architect but the whole man who can understand and act from his heart. So, thank you.”
Aunt Bebe stood. “You’re welcome. And I want it on record that he said I was right.” She grinned at Dylan. “Once again, Rory, I may have taken some seemingly crazy actions, but because of my out-of-the-box thinking, your oldest two sons are now with the loves of their lives. Your firstborn is now happily married, and if Dylan is as bright as I believe him to be, he will soon be married, too. As I’ve said before, there’s no need to thank me. I do these things because my dear departed brother asked me to watch over our family. I take that responsibility very seriously.”
Rory looked down at his plate. “Aunt Bebe, we all agree that Casey and Dylan are a perfect match. Now, I say we let them figure out the rest of their relationship without any interference. Can you promise me that?”
Aunt Bebe scowled at him. “Of course. I would never interfere with their relationship. That, my dear nephew, was not interference but a well-crafted strategy. But I promise not to plan anything further for Dylan and Casey.” She grinned. “Absolutely.”
“I don’t trust her. She has that sly grin on her face again,” Dylan whispered to Casey.
“As long as it doesn’t involve us, I’m good,” Casey said softly.
Colin smiled at Dylan and Casey, then stood. “I would like to make a toast to Dylan and Casey. May your love be as wonderful as mine and Rachel’s.”
Everyone raised their glasses in agreement. As the congratulations ended, Aunt Bebe lifted her drink again. “To no longer being a turnip.”
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