Epilogue
HUDSON
Three weeks later…
The Star-Spangled Banner plays as Joel raises the flag on the newly erected flagpole. Crowds of locals and some from farther afield crowd the ceremonial area. The fresh paint, new trees, and newly laid stones give the place a fresh feel, appropriate for the opening of Jake’s Retreat.
Willow stands by my side, and I keep my fingers interlocked with hers.
There’s blue paint under her fingernails, despite the nail brush I bought her, and her hair has already broken free from its topknot.
Rebellious strands fly around her neck, and I’ve given up trying to tuck them behind her ear in an orderly way.
Willow will always be a little wild, but it’s fun trying to tame her.
I smile at the memory of what we did in my bedroom last night. After I spanked her for leaving a wet towel on the floor, she got me back by tying me to the bedpost and teasing me until I begged her to ride me.
My cock flicks to attention, and even the memory has me as hard as the flagpole. I squeeze Willow’s hand, and she gives me a small smile.
Life in the last few weeks has been hectic. Willow had a disciplinary hearing, but after learning the circumstances, the judge went easy on her. Her community service was extended, but there’s no jail time. And they agreed she could finish her service out here at the center.
She and Joel have been pouring over ideas for the mural she’s going to paint. It’s hardly a punishment, but the corrections board doesn’t need to know exactly what she’s doing. Willow won’t offend again; she’s learned her lesson. And so have I.
Even though their time has been served, most of the work crew are here today for the opening of the center. Janelle stands proudly with her kids, tears in her eyes as she watches the flag rise.
Blade stands with a group of men as big and hairy as himself, their motorcycles parked out front. I just hope it stays civil at the after-party at The Landing.
“There he is.” Willow strains to see over the crowd as a line of new recruits marches forward in their crisp new uniforms.
I spot Tyler in the middle of the pack, standing proud now that his black eye has healed. After spending some time with us and around the center, he decided to enlist. It’s a good option for a young man at loose ends.
Once the ceremony finishes, the crowd disperses, and people wander the retreat grounds or head to the Landing.
I spy Joel in the crowd with a ton of people wanting to talk to him, but his attention keeps going elsewhere.
I follow his gaze to a woman I’ve never seen before.
She’s in a floral dress and looks to be in her early twenties.
She talks quietly to some of the young people.
As I watch her, Dana, Joel’s daughter, speaks animatedly to her.
It’s not often I see the sassy teen talking to anyone; she’s usually got her head in her phone.
“Who’s that?” I ask Willow.
Despite only being here a few weeks, she seems to know everyone. She has a knack for getting along with people.
“That’s the new teacher at the high school.”
“Dana seems to like her.”
Willow watches them and smiles. “That’s good, right? Joel’s been concerned about her grades. She told me she hates all her teachers, so maybe having one she likes will help.”
“Dana told you that?” I wonder again at how easily Willow connects with people. Joel would give anything to have that kind of insight into his daughter.
“She used more creative words than that. But essentially, yeah, she doesn’t respect her teachers.”
I turn back to Joel and notice the way he keeps looking over there with a frown. “I’m not sure he’s so happy.”
Willow shrugs. “Come on. I want to buy my brother a beer before he ships off to basic training.”
I follow her into the crowd, keeping a firm grip on her hand. She smiles and nods at people, stopping to say hello.
And I follow, because I would follow Willow anywhere.