Epilogue
LENNY
“Ms. Williams, your new recessed lighting and light switch are ready to go. I’m gonna get out of your hair now.”
This is my last job for the next couple of days as I prepare for this weekend. When I moved out here to the ranch with Daisy, I never thought that She’s Wired would be as successful as it has been. Who would’ve thought a woman-run electrician business would take off the way it has?
But I guess it makes sense, especially for a single woman, or even an older woman like Ms. Williams, who I’m sure doesn’t want some random man in her house.
I mean, I never want a man in the house, but that’s besides the point.
She stuffs a gallon bag of her famous chocolate chip cookies in my hand, and I don’t even try to deny them. You never deny an old lady’s treats; she’s backed you. “Thank you, honey. I’m gonna tell all my girlfriends about you now.”
I give her a genuine smile. “Thank you, word-of-mouth truly does do a business wonders. And I’ll be sure to share these cookies with my girlfriend.” Her face lights up with pure joy, and I slide out the door before she can ask me every question under the sun about Daisy.
My ass would’ve slipped up and spilled the beans that I’m about to propose, and the whole damn state would’ve known before I had the chance to get my ring on her.
As I climb into my work truck, I start the ignition and let my head fall back on my seat, my mind drifting off to thoughts of my sweet woman who’s waiting for me at home.
Home.
“Birdie, babe, do you need any help?”
“No, I’m ready to go.” She steps out of our room, and my jaw unhinges.
I meet her halfway in the living room and pull her into me by the back of her head.
My lips land on hers, careful not to mess up her freshly applied lipstick.
“I don’t think we’re gonna make it anywhere.
” I let my hands drift down the front of her, encasing both of her glorious breasts, and hum.
“I picked this dress out specifically with your tits in mind…”
I’m nothing but a dog if anything.
The white dress has a little floral see-through mesh covering the stomach and arms, and she’s wearing her brown boots with her matching cowgirl hat, yet again.
And to keep her as unaware as possible, I just have my normal black denim shorts on with a black sleeveless shirt. But this is a little bit fancier, with pieces of string holding the front of the top together. And of course, in a small town, I’m wearing my black cowgirl boots and hat.
“And what do you have in mind for today?”
I back away from her with my hands up. “I almost slipped up and told you… Come on, let’s go before you make me ruin the surprise.”
She slings her purse over her shoulder and huffs. “Fine.”
We pull up to the small outdoor venue right beside Miles and his two new minions.
Maeve and Vanessa are here too. One of Daisy’s favorite upcoming country music artists is playing at the venue tonight, and this worked out perfectly for my plans.
Thankfully, it’s an open venue, and I can bring in a blanket, plus my string lights.
“Daisy, let’s go get some drinks and let Gramps and Lenny find us a place to sit.” I mouth a “thank you” to Maeve and Miles, and immediately run to the lawn to find the perfect place.
“You nervous, Len?” Miles asks as we lay the blanket out while Kayla pulls the string lights out of their packs.
“Is it bad if I say no? I’ve been waiting to confess my love for your daughter for years now. This just feels like the next step, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together.”
“Goddamn it, Lenny, I didn’t want to start crying yet. She’s going to know.”
I chuckle. “Sorry, Miles.”
Before I know it, the blanket is set up with everything I brought, and everyone is tucked off to the side with the photographer I hired.
Daisy spots her dad and everyone else first, dropping off the drinks in her hands, and then I see Miles point to me.
And when she spins on her heel and sees me in the center of the blanket, I know she knows.
She makes her way over to me. “Len… what’s all this?”
I hit one knee and open the ring box just like they do in every movie, but the rehearsed lines go right out of my head, and I just say what’s on my mind.
“Daisy, I may already call you my wife, but I say we make it official. Will you marry me, Birdie?” The tears streaming down her face and the hand over her mouth are good things hopefully.
She immediately hits her knees, wrapping her arms around me, but still hasn’t answered me. “Is that a no?”
“Oh my god, yes, I’ll marry you! I didn’t think you would ever ask me…” She pulls back from me, tears still lining her cheeks, and I grab her hand to place the ring on her finger. “I have a ring at home hidden for you. I was planning on proposing to you next month.”
I laugh, glad that I beat her to it.