EPILOGUE
Five months later
“W ould you stop fidgeting , or I won’t be able to get your tie straight,” Whitney said, reprimanding her boyfriend.
Trevor toyed with the edge of the fabric, unable to stop moving. “Sorry, darlin’, but I’m nervous.” After tugging once more at the collar of his shirt, he muttered, “Why couldn’t we wear our dress uniforms?”
Whitney smiled, smoothing his tie into place and straightening his boutonniere. The sprig of holly matched the green of his eyes, and Whitney fell a little more in love with her favorite fireman. “That isn’t what the bride and groom wanted. Now hush up. You look handsome as sin.” After carefully tucking his cowlick into submission, her finger trailed down and poked Trevor square in the chin. “Now, go get the bride. We can’t keep her waiting.”
Gathering the red velvet of her skirt, she stepped back so Trevor could leave the staging area of the church. Outside the door, they heard their friends and neighbors ushering into the chapel.
“I’m doing the right thing, aren’t I?” Trevor asked, his frown back in place. “I keep thinking about Daddy, and ...”
Whitney gently covered his mouth with her hand and offered her most reassuring smile. “Honey, listen to me.” He bobbed his head from behind her hand. “Daisy loves Paul, doesn’t she?” Trevor nodded once. “Your daddy loved Daisy, didn’t he?” He nodded twice at that. “Paul and your daddy were best friends, weren’t they? They loved each other?” Once again, Trevor lifted his head in the affirmative. Letting her hand drop slowly, Whitney blinked away her own tears of joy. “Then I think you have your answer. Life doesn’t always go the way we plan, but if we’re lucky, we can find love again. Paul and Daisy are head over heels, but I can tell they both still love your daddy. This wedding is a blessing, but I think you already know that.”
“How did I get so lucky finding you, Whitney Kerr?”
Whitney shrugged, her black curls bobbing with the motion. “Don’t know, Trevor Mays, but I feel the same way. Go out there and give away the bride. Daisy will be mad as a hornet if you’re late.”
“I love you,” Trevor said as he kissed her, careful not to smudge her lipstick.
“Love you, too. Now go be the best, best man Pinegrove has ever seen.” She swatted his bottom on the way out and sighed. There was a lot of love floating around today, and she soaked it up with gusto.
Now that the best man was taken care of, Whitney went in search of the bride. She found Daisy in the pastor’s office, dabbing at her eyes and chatting with Jessie. Whitney and Jessie had hit it off immediately once Jessie returned home to Pinegrove, becoming another sister to her. Many nights were spent at book club or hanging out at The Pecan Pit. Whitney couldn’t imagine her life without this spitfire in it.
“Hello, Mays ladies,” she said from the doorway. “Can I join the fun?”
Jessie sprang from her seat and pulled Whitney into her a bearhug. Her reddish hair was pinned back, her freckled cheeks on full display. “Your timing is perfect. Momma’s about to spoil her makeup and needs a distraction.”
Daisy fluttered a hand in front of her face. “Hush up. I can’t help it that I’m crying happy sad tears.”
Whitney furrowed her brow. “Happy sad tears?”
Jessie rolled her eyes and flopped back down in her chair, uncaring for the wrinkles in the fabric. “Now you did it.” Her mother shot her a look before explaining the situation to Whitney.
“Nick and I got married in this same church over thirty years ago. I guess I have a lot of old memories crashing back as I get ready to marry Paul. It’s a lot, sugar.”
Whitney closed the distance between them and rested her hands on Daisy’s shoulders. The lacy fabric of her ivory gown tickled Whitney’s fingers, but she soldiered on. “Daisy, you look beautiful. I’m sure if Nick was here, he’d fall in love all over again. But do you know what’s magical?” Daisy sniffed and shook her head. “Paul is outside waiting to marry you, and he’s going to faint when he sees his beautiful bride walking down that aisle.”
“I know, and I love Paul so much.” She swiped at her cheeks as she fought another round of tears. Tapping her sternum with her bouquet she sobbed, “and all these emotions are bubbling up.” She hiccupped, blotting at her eyes again.
Jessie sighed from her perch. “I think it’s probably gas, and we need to get moving.”
Daisy admonished her daughter. “I’m looking for a little more support, Jessica June.”
Whitney bit back a smile, loving the dynamic between mother and daughter. What she loved even more was that she was included. Trevor had not only let her into his life, but his family’s as well. It was a gift she would never take for granted.
“Erm, heartburn aside”—she shot a look to Jessie—“I do agree we should get moving. It’s time to get married and start this next chapter, don’t you think?”
From behind them, Jessie snorted. “Damn, Whitney. You’re good. Have you thought about a career as a therapist or motivational speaker?”
“I’ll stick to retail, thanks.” She winked at Jessie and turned back to Daisy. “You ready?”
Daisy straightened her spine and nodded. “Let’s go, girls.” She picked up her bouquet and waited for Jessie to open the door.
“All right, Shania Twain.” Jessie smirked, snaking her mother’s hand and squeezing before they headed toward the main event.
When they reached the rear of the chapel, Trevor waited for them. He looked so dapper that Whitney had to dig her heels into the carpeting so she didn’t jump him in front of God and their neighbors.
As soon as he saw his mother, his eyes glistened. “Momma, you’re beautiful.” He carefully hugged her to avoid crumpling her dress.
“You look like your father,” Daisy whispered, her voice cracking.
“He would be so happy for you and Paul. I know it.” They were the right words to say as Daisy’s shoulders shuddered with more waterworks.
“Hush up, now. Whitney just got me to stop crying.”
Jessie interjected herself and thwapped her brother on the shoulder. “How do I look, jackass?”
“Language,” Daisy scolded, but her voice was light. “We’re in God’s house.”
Jessie shot her brother a look before getting in line behind Whitney. “I still don’t know what you see in him.”
Their gazes snagged and she mouthed Love you to Trevor before it was time to walk down the aisle. Malcolm played the role of usher, and Whitney didn’t miss the look that passed between Jessie and him as they got in line. Whitney led the way, with Gus at her side. In lieu of a ring bearer, they’d hooked a little pillow on the basset hound’s collar. Whitney held his leash in one hand and her bouquet in the other as she marched toward Daisy and Paul’s happily ever after.
The crowd gasped as Daisy and Trevor strode down the aisle, Paul’s eyes already misting over. When Trevor gave his mother away, she heard Paul say “Thank you, Captain.” Trevor nodded, giving the older man a one-armed hug before standing opposite Whitney and Jessie at that altar.
The ceremony was short but sweet. The church was already decorated for Christmas with poinsettias flanking the aisle, pine branches hung from the altar and the sides of the pews. The air smelled of incense and Christmas trees, and Whitney couldn’t think of a better place to get married.
By the time they made it to the firehall for the reception, everyone was rowdy and ready to party. Javi played DJ, a job which he took very seriously. After the couple had their first dance and dinner was served, he started playing pop music to get folks dancing. Malcolm, finally recovered from his injuries, led guests in a questionable rendition of The Cupid Shuffle .
“Time to move around, or I’ll fall asleep after that meal,” Trevor said, reaching out for Whitney’s hand. “Care to dance?”
Whitney placed her hand in his and allowed him to drag her out to the dance floor. They shuffled in time with the beat of the song before Javi changed the music to something slow and soulful. Trevor twirled Whitney around, pulling her close to his chest, resting her hand over his heart.
“Are you having a good time?” he asked, his mouth right by her ear. She shivered at the sensation of his breath on her neck, leaning in to absorb his warmth. Since moving to Pinegrove, Trevor had become her own personal charging station—a mere moment in his arms could bring her back to life. Right now, surrounded by her favorite people, she felt at home.
“It was a beautiful service. They look so happy.”
“They do, and I’m happy for them, truly.”
“I’m glad,” Whitney replied on a sigh, as the music shifted to a slow Christmas ballad. This was a magical time of year, but throw in a wedding and Whitney was in heaven. “I’m proud of you, you know.”
Trevor scoffed. “For not ruining my mother’s special day?” His body shook with mirth as she giggled.
“Well, that too. But for your promotion, sticking with your job and following your dreams. I realize I sound like a greeting card, but you’re a damn good fireman, and I know you’ll be a great captain.”
Trevor kissed her, chastely given their current location, and smiled. “You’ve always believed in me, and sometimes I have to pinch myself that you’re mine. I love you, Whitney.”
“Love you, too. Now let’s go get some cake before Jessie eats it all.” He chuckled and wrapped his arm around her waist as he led them to sugar town.
*
T revor was pretty sure he was about to puke all over the dessert buffet. Why he thought this was a good idea was beyond him. A smart man wouldn’t plan to propose to the love of his life at his mother’s wedding, but he couldn’t stop himself. He wanted Whitney as his wife so badly it kept him up at night. He spent so much time fantasizing about their future home and children, Javi threatened to stop talking to him.
Speaking of his buddy, they made eye contact and he shot a thumbs-up. Trevor gulped and nodded, hoping Whitney couldn’t sense his sudden discomfort.
“Ladies and gents, it’s time for the bouquet toss!” Javi announced to shrieks of delight from the women in attendance.
Smithy barely made it off the dancefloor before a swarm of women rushed the space, hands waving in the air like money was at stake. Kim joined them, elbowing a young woman off the floor with a surprising amount of force.
Whitney stayed put, licking frosting from her thumb with disinterest. “Aren’t you going to join them?” Trevor asked, his voice sounding foreign to his own ears.
Shrugging, Whitney reached for another pecan bar. “Let the young ladies have their fun.”
“What?” Trevor squeaked as she turned her attention to the chocolate fountain. He was thirty seconds away from flipping the table when his sister joined them.
Jessie being Jessie wasted no time reaching for Whitney’s arm and pulled her toward the dance floor. “C’mon, single lady. I’m not doing this solo.” She yanked, but Whitney didn’t budge.
“You go, Jessie. I’m too busy deciding between another slice of cake or a pecan bar.”
“Both will be here after the toss,” Jessie urged, digging her heels in.
Whitney turned and stared at the Mays siblings with concern. “Did I miss something?” she asked, eyes darting back and forth.
“No!” they both shouted, a little too obvious.
Smithy saddled up, draping an arm around Jessie’s shoulder. “What’s taking you girls so long?”
Daisy headed toward them, her flowers hoisted in midair. “Ladies, get your darling fannies out here, please.” She made eyes at both men before turning and going back on the floor.
Whitney shrugged, reluctantly leaving the sweets behind and let Jessie drag her out with the crowd. “Geez, Jessie. You’re about to pull my arm off.”
Jessie muttered something under her breath before they made it to the floor, Trevor discretely following them.
Javi played “Something to Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt until everyone was in place. “Who’s ready for that bouquet?” he asked to a resounding cheer from the women.
Whitney gave a half-hearted hoot, earning a nudge from Jessie. “Whit, you’re going to need to do better than that.”
“What?” Whitney asked, but it was too late for answers.
Daisy strode to the middle, slowly spinning in a circle until her back was to Jessie and Whitney. The music turned down as Daisy theatrically held her bouquet aloft. “Here we go!” she shouted, waggling the blooms in the air.
While Whitney watched Daisy, Trevor crept up beside her, hands shoved in his pockets. He was shocked Whitney didn’t hear his arrival from the pounding of his heart in his ribcage. He feared he’d faint before he’d get the ring out of his pocket.
Just as Daisy pretended to throw the bouquet, she spun on her heel and stepped forward to Whitney, placing the flowers in her hand.
“What the?” Whitney asked, before Trevor stepped in front of her and lowered down to one knee.
The room, including Whitney, gasped as he pulled a small velvet box out of his jacket pocket. Jessie was already clapping, even though he hadn’t done anything yet, and earned a glare from her brother.
Whitney cupped her face with her hands, mouth agape. “Trevor?” she asked, voice cracking.
“Whitney Kerr, you are by far the most incredible woman I’ve ever met. You’re gorgeous, smart, funny, and you inspire me every day. I didn’t realize how much was missing from my life until you stumbled into it. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Whitney was already nodding as she held out a shaking hand. “Yes, Trevor. I’d be honored to be your wife.”
Trevor was on his feet and sliding the ring on her finger before anyone could blink. Everyone cheered as he closed the distance and kissed Whitney. To the untrained eye, it looked like any other kiss, but Trevor knew the truth.
This was their first kiss as an engaged couple; the first of many in their new life together. They’d overcome so much, from bad breakups to career missteps and family drama, but they’d found their way to each other. Trevor never planned on letting go.
“I love you,” Whitney cried into his neck as he held her. They both shook with happy sobs until breaking apart to accept Daisy and Paul’s congratulations.
“You knew all along?” Whitney asked Daisy, incredulous.
“Oh, please, like Trevor planned this on his own.” Jessie supplied beside her mother.
Trevor looped his arm around Whitney’s waist and held her close for the rest of the night. As Javi announced the last song, couples spilled out onto the dance floor. Jessie grabbed hold of Smithy’s hand and they swayed to Sinatra. Paul and Daisy danced in the middle, their love filling the space.
Ushering Whitney off the floor, they reached the buffet as the caterers were clearing it. “Wait,” Trevor begged, snagging the last two pecan bars, wrapping them in napkins and tucking them in his pocket.
Whitney giggled. “What are you doing?”
“Taking our dessert on the road. Come on.” They went out the back door of the firehall to a small courtyard surrounded by pine trees. Fairy lights weighed down the branches, casting the space in a heavenly glow.
“Oh, it’s lovely out here.” Whitney stared up at the trees, resting her head on his shoulder.
“I like to come out here on my shifts for a break. It’s always peaceful, even now.” He steered them to a bench and retrieved the pecan bars. “Here.” He placed one of the bars in her hand.
“That’s the second nicest thing you’ve given me today,” she teased, taking a greedy bite.
He kissed her cheek as she chewed and rubbed at his chest. His heart nearly exploded from happiness. “Thank you for saying yes,” he whispered, kissing her again.
“Thank you for asking,” she replied, covering his heart with her hand. The engagement ring sparkled like their own personal fireworks show, and Trevor’s world righted itself.
No matter what happened, he knew they would be happy. It was impossible not to be happy with the love of a good woman, the job of his dreams, and his friends and family all in one place.
Trevor Mays was the luckiest man alive.
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The End