Epilogue
TRISTEN
The spring air cools once the sun sets. I wait in my truck with the heat blasting, my chilled hands thawing in front of the vents as I stare at the door of Mountain Auto Repair.
I drum my fingers on the steering wheel, impatient for Reese to get my message.
It doesn’t take long. A text message chimes on my phone.
Reese
Why are there fifty Reese’s Cups on my bed? Is this like the bat signal?
Meet me outside and wear only black.
Black everything? My underwear too?
Blood rushes to my face as I stare at the message, hypnotized by her question. That’s a loaded question I want to dive more into, but now is not the time.
Reese
Tris? You still there?
Yes. Sorry. Just wear a black outer layer and make sure it’s comfortable. Hurry up.
Okay, give me a minute, Mr. Bossy.
Soon she’s flying out of the building in a black Cliffys sweatshirt cinched tight around her head, only her eyes and nose visible.
It’s another article of clothing that suspiciously looks like mine.
Her baggy sweatpants are tucked into her black rain boots, giving her the illusion of the world’s most comfortable cat burglar.
She hops in and buckles her seat belt. “Ready.”
“You’re not going to ask me where we’re going?”
“I assumed you’d tell me on the way. You’re my ride or die, Tris. I trust you.”
I release a shaky breath, feeling better about my plans for the evening. This could either go amazingly or blow up in my face. Glancing skyward, I say a quick prayer for courage before I put the truck in drive and slowly ease down Main Street toward the ritzier side of town.
“You’re shaking like a leaf over there,” she says, lifting a brow. “Please tell me we aren’t really robbing a bank.”
“We aren’t. Nothing illegal . . . per se.”
Her head whips to me. “What does that mean?”
Mr. Sherman frantically waves from a side street, running up to the passenger window and knocking on the glass.
Reese cranks down the window. “Hey, Mr. S. Everything okay?”
“I’m glad I caught you. I wanted to offer up a donation.” He lifts a family size pack of toilet paper. “Where should I put it?”
I point a thumb over my shoulder. “Put it with the others.”
He tosses it in and gives a little wave. “Go have fun. If my back wasn’t so bad, I’d join you.”
“Join us?” For a second, her lips pucker as she thinks, then she stiffens in her seat. “Oh my goodness. How did I forget it’s April Fools’ Day?”
“Well, it will be in about fifteen minutes, but yes. I think you know where we are going.”
I shift in to park behind a large pine tree next to Gladys Monroe’s two-story mansion, watching Reese’s fidgeting hands.
“Goodness, I forgot how big this place is.” She stares at the darkened windows, chewing on her bottom lip. “Maybe we shouldn’t do it. We’re not kids anymore.”
“It’s up to you. But I will say, she did just cancel the Girl Scout Earth Day parade. She said they didn’t file the proper paperwork.”
Reese growls, her hands curling into fists. “That woman is an absolute menace. Give me a roll.”
“Help yourself. They’re in the back.”
We both sneak out of the truck, closing the doors carefully and tiptoeing to the tailgate.
She peeks over the edge, her eyes wide.
“Tris . . . the entire bed is full of toilet paper. Did you buy all this?”
“These are all donations. Mrs. Monroe apparently has burned a bridge or two.”
“Oh, you don’t need to tell me.” She reaches in and grabs Mr. Sherman’s mega pack. “I’m gonna start with this big boy.”
I hit the button on my phone, checking the time.
“The sheriff said we only have about fifteen minutes that he can turn a blind eye.” I wink. “So, be as quick and quiet as you can.”
“Yeah, I got it. This isn’t my first rodeo.” She cinches her hoodie tight. “Let’s do this.”
White cylinders fly in the air, their tails flapping in the breeze and catching around tree branches like birthday streamers. I wrap the porch railings, the muscle memory returning as I go.
“This is for being a jerk to Maya,” Reese grumbles, lobbing another one up into the tree. Each toss is tied to another one of Mrs. Monroe’s transgressions. “And for not allowing the Wiltons to remodel the antique shop’s staircase.”
“This one is for calling Cliffys an eyesore of the community.” I chuck the toilet paper into the sky, smiling as it winds itself around a few tree branches on its descent.
“Wait. She said that?” Reese rushes to my side and grabs my hand.
“It’s because it’s a landmark she has no control over.
One of the heartbeats of Rocosa. I couldn’t imagine not having it here.
” Her eyes narrow as she sends another roll flying.
“And that’s for insulting the man I love, you mean ol’ snake. ”
Glancing away, I tuck my hands into my pockets and fall in love with her a little bit more.
“It’s okay. It’s still Uncle Ted’s place.”
“On the deed, but you’re the manager. You’ve done so much to improve the place.”
She isn’t lying. What was once a dingy bar that had drunk karaoke on the weekends now serves meals and hosts events like movie and trivia nights. Reese’s famous mocktails are a hit on the menu, bringing in more customers and revenue, to Uncle Ted’s delight.
But for me? All I want are more reasons to hang out with my girl while I’m working.
My girl. My Reese.
I pinch the shoulder of her hoodie. “This looks familiar by the way.”
“I can’t help that it looks better on me.” She walks two fingers up my chest, batting her eyelashes. “You don’t mind if I borrow it, right?”
Whatever she wants, I’ll give it to her in a heartbeat.
I yank her forward, covering her mouth with mine. Her hands dig into my hair, and she holds me close, warming me despite the chilly night. I’ll never tire of the buttery soft feel of her skin, the way it tingles against my own. I love her so much I can barely think straight.
Forcing myself to pull back, I fight the magnetic attraction between us and rest my forehead on hers so I can catch my breath. I want to stay in this moment forever with her.
“What is mine is yours, Reese’s Cup.”
When I move forward to capture her lips again, a light flicks on in one of the windows, and we scramble for cover behind a tree, just as we had years ago.
“Oh, shoot,” she whispers. “I forgot about this part.”
“Shhh.”
I press into her against the tree, shielding us from view.
“You hoodlums. Mark my words, I’m going to catch you and make you pay for these damages. I’m an upstanding member of this community. Do you hear me?”
Our shoulders shake as we hold in our amusement, and I cover Reese’s mouth when a giggle escapes. Her eyes twinkle in the moonlight, so beautiful, I almost forget what we are doing until I hear Mrs. Monroe’s screeching voice.
“We’ll see who has the last laugh. I’m calling the sheriff.”
“I think that’s our cue to leave,” I say and tilt my head toward my truck. “Time’s up.”
We jump in the car and speed away, the loose toilet paper rolling in the bed of the truck.
“That. Was. Amazing.” Reese bounces in her seat, her cheeks flushed. “This is the best date night ever. I can’t believe it’s already over.”
“Who said that’s all I have planned?”
Her back stiffens as a gleeful smile stretches over her face. “Are we egging Des’s house next?”
I side-eye her and shake my head. “I’ve unleashed a monster.”
She leans back and laughs, sinking into her seat. “You’re right. Des has a teacher’s sixth sense. Plus Maya is pretty diabolical. I’m not sure I want to wage a prank war with them.”
I sense her tone. “At least, not without some planning you mean?”
“Maaaybe.”
Clicking on the signal, I turn on the lone street. We pass a few houses, including her brother’s, as I make my way to the main event. It takes everything in me to keep my fingers still and my breathing even, even as my heart thumps wildly in my chest.
“Oh, are we going to your place?”
“Yep.”
“Why? It’s well past midnight.”
“You’ll see.”
My barn door is ajar, a light flickering through the cracks. I sigh in relief. So far, everything is going to plan.
Pulling into my driveway, I cut the engine, and she’s already leaping out of the truck, too curious to stay away. She raises up on her toes, trying to peek through the windows from across the gravel driveway.
“What’s going on in there?”
“I used my audiobook money to buy something.” I fish out a ring of keys from my rear pocket and jingle them.
“A new car?”
“Even better. A motorhome. I’m going to need your help repairing it.”
“You what?” She shakes her head. “I’m having déjà vu.”
“Enough questions. Come see for yourself.”
I dramatically slide the barn door open, and she gasps at the sleek silver RV parked inside.
The paint gleams from my earlier wash, and the royal blue decals swish down the sides with artistic flair.
Bright LED lights run along the top perimeter, wrapping all around the camper.
Bigger than Des’s motorhome by eight feet, it’s lost the cab over the driver seat and is a box shape like a celebrity tour bus.
A flat-screen TV hangs from one of the open compartments, positioned in front of the new outdoor rug and camping chairs.
She grabs my arm, still in shock.
My eyes ping-pong between her and the camper.
“So? What do you think?”
“You bought this?”
“I did.” I jingle the keys again.
“It’s nicer than anything I’ve ever lived in. I don’t think you’re going to need any repairs. It seems brand new.”
“It’s two years old. I just had to go pick it up.”
“Gary?”
I bark a laugh. “No, not Gary. It was when I was in California recording for the video game. One of the guys is upgrading to something bigger, if you can imagine that. So instead of flying back, I drove this house-on-wheels. It’s about time I did something with the audiobook money.”
“It’s beautiful. Goodness, I can’t wait to check out the engine on this thing.
What’s the towing capacity?” She bends down and rubs her hand over the tread.
“I’m guessing forty-inch tires?” Dipping her head lower, she peers underneath, and I drag her back into a standing position before she considers inspecting it further.
“Of course this is the part that interests you, not the inside with all the bells and whistles.”
“You shouldn’t be surprised at this point. Can we pop the hood?”
“Later. Let’s go inside.” Sweat dots my brow as I try to wrangle her up the stairs.
“Why are you so bossy? I’m trying—oooh.”
She stops dead in her tracks, eyeing the modern interior with white cabinets and the black tile floor. It’s spacious inside with two slides across from each other. A combination dining table and desk sit off to the side. The kitchen is double the size of the other one, with residential appliances.
“Okay. I get it now. It’s beautiful inside. Look at all these glossy cabinets and counter space. Is this a pantry?” She pulls a hidden full-length door out and whistles.
“It has a washer and dryer too. I know you get your clothes dirty when you’re working.”
“I thought you hated glamping.”
“That was before I camped with you. Now it’s my favorite.” I reach up and caress her cheek. “I love you.”
Her whole face lights up. “I love you more.”
She spots a figurine on the dinette, an orange cat roasting a s’more over the campfire. Squealing, she picks it up and hugs it to her cheek.
“I know how important cat decor is to you.”
She chuckles as she sets the figure down. “You know me so well. If there aren’t any cat sheets in here, is it really a camper?”
I place my arm around her shoulder and kiss her temple. “What do you think?”
“It’s amazing. You’ll be the talk of the town. When is her maiden voyage?”
“Whenever you want. We need to celebrate your two years of sobriety still. Pick a place on the map, and we’ll take off.”
A custom cork board of a US map hangs by the door. She makes a soft sound in the back of her throat, eyeing the three push pins, one for each place we’ve camped so far. The board is captioned with a single word—Home.
For the first time, my hands vibrate as I work up the nerve to speak.
“I want to ask you something.”
My heart thunders in my ears as I drop to one knee just as Reese turns around.
She stumbles back, her lips trembling as she slaps a hand over her heart. Her silvery eyes mist as she’s unable to fight against her overwhelming emotions.
“Please don’t let this one be a prank,” she whispers.
Reaching into my shirt, I pull a metal chain from around my neck. Dangling at the end is an engagement ring, the circular diamond glittering in the light.
“It isn’t.”
Gasping, she throws her hands over her mouth, still as a statue.
“Maybe home isn’t a location on a map but a person.
Someone who loves you despite all your imperfections.
Who learns all your quirks and doesn’t force you to change.
Your best friend who laughs along with you not at you.
The comfort in the hard times, and the first person you call with good news.
A partner I want to embark on new adventures with, creating memories we can treasure for years to come. ”
Tears stream down her cheeks as she smiles with pure joy.
“You are that person, Reese. You are my home. Whether we are here in Rocosa or traveling in our RV, I’d be honored to have you by my side. Will you be on my team for life? Will you marry me?”
“Tristen . . . I swear, if this is an April Fools’ prank . . .”
“Our love is nothing to joke about. I only picked today because I knew you wouldn’t expect it.”
“So, this is real?”
“You’re making me nervous,” I say, standing.
She grins, a thousand-watt smile that sends my heart into spasms. I only have a second to prepare before she’s airborne, wrapping her legs around my waist. Sandwiching my head in her hands, she kisses every inch of my face as she screams yes over and over.
Like everything she does, it’s with full enthusiasm, and I spin us in a circle, her infectious laughter music to my ears.
“Ahh, Tris.” She clings to my neck. “Don’t let go.”
“I won’t. Ever. You’re stuck with me.”
“Good.” She kisses me, making my head spin more than before. “I love you, Tristen. Forever and always.”
I hold her tighter, savoring the feel of her in my arms.
“Wait a minute. Have you been wearing this the whole time?”
I grab her hand and kiss her knuckles. “You tell me where you hid the coasters, and I’ll tell you about the ring.”
As I expect, she leans her head back and laughs. “I guess I’ll have the rest of our lives to coax it out of you.”
“I look forward to it.”