EPILOGUE TWO
This will include spoilers for book one!
Jace
October
“Well, this is cute,” Kieran says as we pull up to Liam’s family farm. He invited us over to see the new setup they created for their pumpkin patch. It’s our first time visiting his farm, but with all the videos Blake has sent us and posts online, I feel like we’ve been here already.
Liam must’ve heard us driving up because he’s walking toward the car already as we exit. “Hey, guys, thank you so much for coming.” He greets us each with a warm hug.
They’ve come back to the city a few times, so this isn’t the first time we’ve seen them since the show stopped filming.
We have a group chat where Blake sends regular updates about his latest animal adoptions, and pretty much every other farm-related idea that pops into his mind.
I think it’s safe to say we’ve become the kind of friend who’ll remain in each other’s lives for the long haul.
They opened last weekend for their Fall Fest and we thought about coming up for opening weekend, but Liam suggested we make the drive on a day they were closed so we could actually visit with each other.
“Where’s the chicken daddy?” Kieran asks in a teasing tone.
Blake might not have Kieran’s following, but he’s definitely made a name for himself on social media with that viral clip of him introducing himself as “daddy” to the chickens.
Kieran and I have thoroughly enjoy all his “chicken daddy” content.
It’s completely ridiculous and unhinged, which is perfect for Blake.
“Blake’s friends Chad and Ash just got here, so I think the three of them are with the chickens,” he explains. “You guys will also get to meet my buddy John today. He just moved back here and should be coming over shortly.”
“Everything looks incredible,” I comment, admiring what looks like a new barn as Liam leads us over to the chickens.
“Thanks,” Liam responds. He seems so happy, so at ease here in a way that he never was during the filming.
I’m thrilled that things worked out so well for my friend.
“I know Blake likes to post about the funny stuff that happens around here,” he continues.
“But we really couldn’t have done any of it without him.
Who knew the city boy was what our farm was missing? ”
Sure enough, when we arrive at the coop, Blake is on the ground surrounded by his babies. It looks like he’s trying to show Chad and Ash how to properly hold them, although I think I hear him use the word “cuddle.”
Blake looks our way, somehow growing even more excited. “Guys! Guys, hey, come look at my cock,” he yells, as he holds up a chicken, and we can’t help but laugh at his antics.
We’ve met Chad and Ash in the city before, so there’s no need for introductions as we join them.
“This is amazing!” Chad says, staring at the chicken in his arms as if it holds the answers to all of life’s questions. “I can totally see why you gave up life in the city to live here.”
“You can?” Ash asks, tone full of disbelief as he completely ignores the chickens surrounding him. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to move away too. I swear all my friends are coupling up and ditching me.”
“I don’t know, Ash, Blake seems pretty happy out here. Maybe I should move to a farm,” Chad says seriously.
“While you’re at it, you should get married,” Ash replies sarcastically. “Then I’ll really be the only one who’s still single.”
Chad is nodding along seriously, and I don’t know Blake’s best friend well, but he doesn’t seem to understand sarcasm. “Maybe I should,” he agrees, as if Ash was making an actual suggestion.
“Hey, man, sorry I’m late,” a deep voice calls out from behind us, and a large man I don’t recognize approaches.
“No worries.” Liam greets him with a warm smile. “Everybody, this is my best friend, John.” He gives a short wave to the group, looking less than thrilled to be surrounded by strangers.
“Holy shit. How many tattoos do you have?” Chad blurts out.
“Uh, I’m not sure. I stopped counting a long time ago,” John hesitantly answers.
“Alright. Everyone’s here! Can we tell them?” Blake asks excitedly. Liam nods for him to go ahead, his indulgent smile and the love shining in his eyes making it clear how amused he is by his partner’s boundless enthusiasm.
“We’re going to Vegas!” Blake blurts out.
I glance at Kieran, confused about how I should react. “Congratulations?” Kieran shrugs.
Liam laughs again. “I think you forgot some of the details there, B.”
“Right! Sorry, I’m just so excited. Okay, let me start from the beginning. We are officially engaged again!”
This time, everyone does congratulate them, confidently excited by the news. “So happy for you guys,” I say quietly to Liam.
“Thanks.” He smiles at me. “I know it took a little bit longer for us to get here, but it was the time we needed.”
“Hey, I get it,” I remind him. “Took us thirteen years to get it right.”
There are plenty of things I wish I could change about those years, but looking at the easy smile on Kieran’s face as we’re surrounded by our friends, I’m reminded of what he always tells me: to not get lost in the past and to focus on our joy.
We’re here now, and I wouldn’t change a single detail of the life we’re building together.
Kieran really did make me the happiest man on earth when he married me.
“Yes, thank you, thank you,” Blake is saying, so I force myself to focus and turn my attention back to him. “As I was saying, now that we are officially engaged again, we get to have a bachelor party. We want to do it together, so I would love to take all of you to Vegas to help us celebrate!”
“That makes a lot more sense,” Kieran says quietly to me. We share an amused grin as he nods.
“We’re in. Can’t wait!”
THE END.