Epilogue 2
Justice
Sometime in the near future…
Song: Blossom by Dermot Kennedy
Dreams always come true
The guitar in my hand called to me, asking for a song I couldn’t quite place. I plucked at the chords, listening absently as the notes blended with the sound of the waves that gently lapped the coastal shore.
I’d stolen my wife away for a week on a private island, far from photographers, fans and any other person except for the discreet staff at the resort.
Which meant we’d spent the first two days naked and in bed.
The only reason we were outside was because Hope had wanted to swim in the ocean, and I couldn’t deny my wife anything.
“What’s that?” Hope asked as she sat down beside me on the beach rug.
I shrugged. “Just something I’m fiddling with.”
She nodded, leaning back on her elbows. “Do you think the world is okay with us being here?”
I snorted. “The world can fuck off. We need a break.”
I wanted to reach for her, but the guitar seemed to jump under my hands, a song teasing at the edges of my consciousness.
Hope’s cell rang, and she sighed heavily. “I know Faye said she’d call me later about the next leg of the tour and what I wanted to do but this is ridiculous.”
I chuckled, knowing my gorgeous wife didn’t actually mean that. If not for the fact I knew Faye loved Sam more than her life, I’d be worried she was making a move on my wife.
“Hey, can I call you—” Hope froze, her face blanking. A second later the phone dropped from her hand as she swallowed rapidly, turning blindly to me.
I tossed my guitar, pulling her in as I scooped the cell up.
“Talk,” I barked at Faye. “What’s happened?”
“SHE’S A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER!” Faye screamed down the phone. “Your wife is on the charts!”
My fear snapped into elation.
“We’ll call you back. Thanks.” I tossed the phone and wrapped my arms around my sobbing wife, holding her close as she wept joyfully against me.
“So proud of you, Hope. I’m so fucking proud of you.” I peppered her wet face with kisses, making her laugh.
“I’m overwhelmed. I’m okay, just overwhelmed.”
“But happy?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“Blissfully so.” She sighed and leaned into me. “Is this a dream?”
“Probably.” I guided her down to the rug. “But dreams always come true, don’t you know?”
Her smile held my heart. “I know. You’re proof of that.”
I reached for the straps on her bikini. “How about we celebrate your milestone, hmm?”
She chuckled. “I love you.”
I paused in my efforts to remove her clothes. “I love you too, Hope. Always.”
She kissed me gently then pushed my head down her body. “Now get to work.”
“Your wish is my command.”
It always would be, because she was my wildest Hope.
Thank you for reading Justice and Hope’s story!