Epilogue
EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER…
ROSE
“ W hy is it taking so long?” I asked, standing aboard the Lauder dock and waiting for the results of our boat parade. Once more, we awaited the Three Wise Women and wondered if they might come to us and tell us the good news.
“It’s a good sign,” Mum said. “The longer it takes, the more likely we won this year. They will tell us last.”
The contest’s playing field was levelled with the elimination of professional decorators. The Norwegians and my father complained about it enough that we now had an official rulebook. It was a bit much for me, but I enjoyed watching everyone toil as much as we had the year before.
“I think we’ll win,” Jack said. “We put in the work. It was extra special.”
It was. We’d done a Meet Me in St Louis theme, complete with a snowman. It was a bit much, but we could go over the top. We weren’t deploying the Lauder in the Rum Runner, electing to crew Lars’s new racing yacht instead. I could tell Papa was sad but also happy Lars had a new toy. He could relate to the excitement of a new ship. Well, it wasn’t technically new. It was new to Lars .
“Hark, the Three Wise Women! And… a man!” Niall declared.
“Please let this be us! Please let us win!” Jack chanted excitedly.
The man was the yacht club president. The women remained the same as last year, from what I could tell. We looked down from the railing, trying to figure out what they were up to.
“Hello!” the President of the yacht club called to us. “Before we get to results, I have a question to ask someone.”
“Yes,” Dad said, brow furrowed.
“It is for a Lady Rosalind Ferguson.”
I raised my hand. “Um… that’s me.”
“Great. Lady Ferguson, would you consider turning to your right?”
“Uh… sure.”
And with that, I turned, spotting Lars down on one knee. I covered my mouth with my hands and fought tears in disbelief. Was he really doing this? And involving other people in it? I didn’t see that coming.
“Lars, stand up.”
“I thought you wanted the whole thing,” Lars said.
“No. It’s silly. By the whole thing, I just meant, ask me the question and buy a proper ring. That’s all. I know you hate this.”
“I may not love it,” Lars said. “But I do love you, Rose.”
I melted at his genuine smile. I knew he hated grand gestures but loved to see my joy. And—all wrapped up in the Christmas spirit—I was beyond happy. Tears ran as I waited for the inevitable question. I burst at the thought. We’d talked about this very casually, but I’d never expected this treatment so soon.
“Rosalind, elskling, mitt hjerte, all the things.”
I laughed.
“Don’t pad for time!” Jack teased.
“I’m trying not to fall apart,” Lars said. “I’m so nervous. Uh, Rose, I am so grateful for this last year and all the love you’ve shown me. I cannot imagine a life without you. Would you marry me?”
“Uh-huh,” I said. “Yes, of course, Lars.”
He stood up, sweeping me into a big kiss.
The Three Wise Women and President cheered from down below. Our families collectively celebrated, and my mum audibly cried.
Lars wiped tears from my eyes. “You don’t mind?”
I smacked him on the chest. “Stop it. I fucking love you.”
I kissed him quickly, then sniffled, “So did we win?”
“You did!” The President called. “You did win. You didn’t win the competition but won the people’s choice award. Which… get’s you some rum.”
“Power to the people!” Jack shouted.
“Jack, you’re so embarrassing,” Katie said in her best angsty teen tone.
“A win is a win,” Dad said. “We will take the rum.”
Lars leaned over. “Thank you, sir. For all your cooperation.”
“I’ll have you know, Lady Rose,” the President chuckled. “That I offered my services as a licensed officiant. I’ll gladly officiate this wedding if you have it here.”
“That is a generous offer,” I said. “We’ll strongly consider it. Thank you.”
The Three Wise Women congratulated us before peeling off to see the actual winners hand-picked by the jury.
I turned back to the crowd. “Did you know he was going to do this?”
“We did,” Papa said. “And we are so happy for you both.”
“For real. There better be a fabulous party,” Jack said.
“We’re dressing up,” Katie added.
“So cute to think you’re invited,” Lars joked.
“You are,” I said. “Everyone is. I don’t know if I fancy getting married in Miami, but we are definitely getting married.”
“On a yacht?” Mac asked.
“Who knows? The possibilities are endless,” Lars said. “The point is, we’re getting married. And that is the important part.”
He swept me up in another kiss. I luxuriated in how good and safe it felt. Over the last year, we’d lived a lot of life. I’d told him I loved him too soon. He’d moved into the family castle. We’d sailed all summer. I enjoyed every minute of it. Finally, I had a partner—a real partner—and it all started as a way to save me the heartache of dealing with an ex who didn’t deserve me.
“I think we should marry in Norway,” I said.
“Why?” Lars asked.
“Because the Royal Yacht would hold all of us. It seems fitting.”
“Are you crazy? No!” Peder laughed.
Sanne clapped her hands. “I am down to plan a yacht wedding any day.”
“It’s fitting,” Lars admitted. “And totally different. Uncle Olav will agree to it. I say we go for it.”
“Here,” Niall shoved a shot into my hand, then Lars’s. “We must toast.”
Lars pulled a face. “With this?”
“Says the man whose country drinks horrid booze. Yes, this!” Niall insisted. “To happy days and a ridiculous yachting wedding. To Lars and Rose, best wishes. And I swear to God, Lars, if you break her heart, I will fucking kill you!”
The crowd chuckled. “I promise I won’t. She is too lovely.”
“May you live happily ever after,” Jack said. “Forever and ever.”
Lars kissed my forehead. “Forever and ever and a day.”