Epilogue
Cassie
The lounge sparkles with Christmas lights, every corner decked out in garland and bows. The Book Boyfriend Club has outdone itself this year.
Clara’s baked goods table is a masterpiece—gingerbread houses dripping with royal icing, perfectly frosted sugar cookies, and enough sparkle-dusted confections to put Martha Stewart to shame.
“Go sit with Gran,” I whisper to Rene, nudging her toward the front row. “I’ll be right there.”
I make my way to Clara’s table, unable to hold back the smile tugging at my lips. I hold out my left hand, showing off the glittering diamond that Blake slipped on my finger last night.
Clara clasps her hands together, her face lighting up. “Oh, honey, that’s beautiful. I’m so happy for you.” She winks. “Nan really did pick the perfect match, didn’t she?”
“She sure did,” I murmur, leaning in close. “But I’m hoping she can work her magic for my best friend, too. That’s why we’re here. I may have bribed Rene by telling her you were making more penis cookies.”
Clara laughs, setting down her piping bag. “Well then, bring her over. I’ve got something even better this time.”
I wave Rene over as Clara lifts the roof from one of the gingerbread houses, pulling out a small crocheted…something. My jaw drops. “What are those?”
“Penis warmers, dear. Built to size.”
I pick one up and nearly choke on a laugh. The yarn contraption dangles from my fingers as Rene moves in next to me. Clara presses one into her hand.
“Holy crap,” Rene blurts, holding it up. “This is huge.”
Clara beams. “It is a good size, isn’t it, dear?”
Before I can get my laughter under control, Nan calls the room to order, her voice carrying over the chatter.
“Ladies, take your seats. Tonight, I want to remind us all of the importance of romance, friendship, and believing in happy endings—because as you can see by the diamond twinkling on our Cassie’s hand, they do come true. ”
The crowd claps, and just as I’m about to sit, the back door opens.
Blake steps inside, tall and broad in his uniform, with his partner Sully right behind him. My heart does a little flip as he walks into the room.
“Good evening, ladies,” Blake’s voice booms across the room. “We received a call about a prowler.”
Nan waves a dismissive hand. “Oh, officer, we’re so sorry. That was a mistake. Everything is just fine here.”
“Is that so?” Blake smiles, his eyes locking with mine, and my knees turn to jelly.
“But since you’re here…” Nan points to Sully, her grin mischievous. “Officer Sullivan, I’d like you to meet your blind date. Rene.”
Rene gasps, but the sparkle in her eyes tells me all I need to know—Nan’s matchmaking streak has struck gold again.
Blake crosses the room, sliding in behind me. His arms wrap around my waist, solid and protective, and I melt back against him. Together, we watch Rene and Sully’s first sparks fly.
“I think they’re gonna fall in love,” I whisper.
Blake lowers his head, his breath warm against my ear. “Just like us.”
I tip my head back, my gaze meeting his.
“No one could ever love the way we love,” he says softly, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You’re my everything, Cassie. My reason. My forever.”
Emotion swells so hard in my chest, I’m afraid it might burst. I spin in his arms and rise to kiss him.
“And I’m the luckiest woman alive,” I whisper against his lips.
The room fades. The laughter, the cookies, even the twinkling lights—none of it matters. It’s just Blake and me; our hearts stitched together by something stronger than fate—love.
He’s the one thing I didn’t know I needed.
And the one thing I don’t ever want to live without.
Blake is my forever.
My home.