Epilogue
Jake’s Howl List—New Year’s Eve
“I’m having the best New Year’s ever,” Josie said, taking the last sip of her drink and leaning over the bar at Blue Moon.
The place was packed. Rob had reunited with his band, Express Train, for a special show.
Given the popularity of the band, Josie thought it was safe to say every person over the age of twenty-one in town had squeezed into the club.
“Should you be worried about the fire code?”
Jake laughed, mixing her another drink. “Sam’s manning the door and keeping a head count. So far, so good.”
Josie was feeling the effects of the alcohol. She wasn’t drunk, but she was definitely knocking on tipsy’s door. She was warm, relaxed, happy. “Rob’s song to Zoey was so beautiful. Can you believe he proposed?”
“Yeah, that was great. Although I think he sort of stole some of my thunder.”
Josie frowned. “What do you mean?”
Jake motioned to the other bartender that he was taking a break. She watched him make his way around the counter to her.
“Here.” Jake handed her the piece of paper.
“What is it?”
“My Howl List for this year.”
Josie grinned as she unfolded the single sheet. Then she frowned. “This is your list? There’s only one thing on it.”
Jake shrugged. “I figure it might take me a few months to make it happen.”
Josie read his fantasy. She crinkled her nose. “Marriage?”
He laughed. “Told you. I know you’re happy with the status quo, our occasional sleepovers and such, but I don’t think it’s a good thing for Tommy.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Are you really going to go there? Use my son against me?”
He took her hand. “Is it working?”
“Yeah. Dammit. He’s crazy about you. Asks all the time why you don’t just move in with us.”
“The feeling’s mutual. I love that kid. Josie, I’m tired of stealing a night here and there, living for Thursdays and every other Saturday.
I want us all to live together, to become a family.
I want to be a father—to Tommy and to—” He paused.
Josie’s breath caught when he finally continued, “And to whoever else might come along.”
A baby? He wanted to have a baby? With her?
Memories of the night Tommy was born assailed her.
It had been the best night of her life. Josie closed her eyes as she remembered the doctor placing Tommy in her arms. His face was scrunched up, bright red, and he looked as tired as she felt.
She’d kissed the top of his head, telling him how long she’d been waiting for him and how much she loved him.
Tommy hadn’t cried at all. Instead his eyes met hers and held, the two of them locked in a bond nothing would ever break.
She longed to share that with another child.
Josie imagined a little girl with Jake’s blue eyes and brown hair.
Jake had unlocked a dream she hadn’t dared to let herself dream until this moment.
“I’d like that. More than I can say.”
Jake’s eyes shone with hope. “You would?”
“Oh my God, yeah.”
He smiled, then picked her up, spinning her around and kissing her. “I love you, Josie.”
She returned his kiss with one of her own. “I love you too.”
“Hand me that pen.”
Josie reached for one on the counter and handed it to him, laughing as he drew a line through the only item on his Howl List.
1. Make love to Josie until she agrees to marry me.
“Damn,” she said. “I gave in too easy. I didn’t even make you coerce me with sex.”
Jake grabbed her waist, pulling her close enough that she could feel the erection growing beneath his jeans. “Sweetheart, the sex part was a given. What do you say we sneak out of here and do a little howling?”
Josie laughed. “I say Arwhoooooo.”
Want to read the rest of the Wine Girls stories? They’re all available now! Next up…Falling Hard for her Ride-or-Die, Laura’s book.
Falling Hard for her Roommate
Falling Hard for the One-Night Stand
Falling Hard for her Ride-or-Die
Falling Hard for the Back-Up Plan
Falling Hard for her Dream Team
Falling Hard for her Ex