Epilogue
SAVANNAH
Wind pounds on the glass and low brick walls enclosing the rooftop. Heat lamps are scattered about the area, giving the RHL exclusive NYE party a warm amber glow. The décor is minimal and refined—limited to strings of lights, charcoal linens, crystal glassware, and brushed metal accents.
My floor-length, emerald green dress swishes in the light breeze that makes it through the barriers.
I lean on the railing, a half-full champagne glass in my hand, as I direct my attention to the skyline filled with lit towers and bridges.
Hunter’s arms trap me in place, resting against the metal railing on either side of my body. “I’m sorry we dragged you to another one of these parties.” He buries his nose in my neck.
Turning my head toward him, I use my free hand to guide his lips to mine, giving him a chaste kiss. “It’s okay. I actually like this one. It feels different.”
Stepping back, he grabs hold of my hand. “Want to come with me to say hi to some people?”
I nod, and he leads the way.
I watch as Rory and Luke make their rounds about the room—chatting with the other businesspeople and employees—hand in hand. They called tonight the “soft launch” of their relationship going public.
“There’s someone who needs to talk to you,” Hunter whispers in my ear.
Glancing around, I search for who he could be referencing.
I spot a familiar face walking toward us, and I remember that Hunter invited Nate tonight.
Luke and Rory resisted it at first, but they all talked with him, and it went well.
They wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to show up here and flip out as he did at the penthouse.
“I’ll be right back,” Hunter says as he grazes my arm, stepping away and sending delicious chills up my back.
Nate smiles uncomfortably and dives right in. “I’m sorry for the way I reacted. I was shocked, but that doesn’t make it okay for me to speak to you or about you like that.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
He winces, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s still a little weird for me, but I promise not to lash out as I did before.”
I give him a genuine smile. “That’s completely understandable.”
Nate’s frame finally releases the tension choking his muscles as he jokes, “Just please don’t make me call you mom or something.”
I make an exaggerated disgusted face. “Eww. Never. Do it, and you’re grounded.”
We both break at the same time and laugh together.
Soon, Hunter, Rory, and Luke join us as we chat and catch up all together. Nate eventually wanders off, talking with other friends.
When the ball finally drops with the countdown to midnight, Hunter kisses me deeply and passionately as Rory and Luke get wrapped up in each other.
Hunter pulls back when he feels my tear slide down his cheek. “Everything okay?”
My smile is watery with emotion but sure. “It’s more than okay.” I wrap my arms around him, resting my cheek on his chest as I watch Rory and Luke smile at each other. “I have my forever.”
THE END