Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Running around my boutique, I stop in my tracks as the bell above the door rings. It’s too early for someone to be here for the grand opening. At least someone who isn’t my bestie. Sticking my head out the back, I see Cassidy, my newest employee.
“Hi, Ellie,” she says, a smile plastered on her face. “It’s amazing in here.”
Stopping to take in the space, I realize that it does. Raven, a friend from college who helped me design the store as part of her HRN show, Music City Revitalized . The show doesn’t air until September, but our involvement has already been used in teaser content.
I can’t believe this day is finally here. It’s been a labor of love the past year to get here. Between buying the space and renovating to choosing items to stock, it’s been a whirlwind. I couldn’t have done it without Jack by my side. Between reminding me to eat lunch to forcing me to take days off when the stress was too much, he’s been my rock.
I’m so proud of everything he’s accomplished, too. Not only is Wildflower Whiskey critically acclaimed, it’s also a consumer favorite. On top of that, his conversation to Carina Becker at the Songbirds game we attended last year turned fruitful. The Becker Foundation hosted their first music camp this summer. Grayson and Declan were both busy with their side projects, but Jack wrangled several up-and-coming artists to help and served as the official spokesperson.
It was such a success that they’ll be adding music as an option to their after-school programs this summer. Not only are more kids going to get music training but retired and aspiring musicians will get the chance to earn money and practice their craft.
“You seem lost in thought, baby,” Jack croons from beside me. “Thinking about me?”
“Always,” I half joke.
“Are you ready for tonight?”
“I think so. It’s a soft opening, only family and friends. That shouldn’t be too bad.” Jack stills my hand from running over the tattoo I got on my wrist after getting back together. I figured since he inked me on his skin. I could do the same. I love the symbolism of the clover on one hand representing my past and the Jack of Hearts on the other representing my future.
My family and friends have been supportive of the store since day one. All the girls can’t wait to abuse their friends and family discount. Mom has told every woman at her country club about it. Even Dad was excited about the idea. It took him longer to warm up to the idea of me and Jack but once he realized he got as much say in my love life as I did his, he came around. Our relationship has gotten better since then.
“You say that now. You’re going to have to put a cap on how much my mom can buy or she’ll buy up everything before the public grand opening this weekend.”
I laugh knowing he’s right even though my store is geared toward a younger demographic. She’d buy me out if she could. Mama C’s reaction was the opposite of my father’s. She might be more excited about Jack and I being together than Jack and I. When we told her we were dating, I worried she’d dehydrate from crying.
As excited as I am for everyone to see the finished store, I am most excited to have all my favorite people back together. Declan can’t make it as he is touring his solo EP, but Grayson and his girlfriend plan to be here. And Lainey is flying out, too. She’s been living it up with her fancy stylist job in LA for the past year. Not only is she coming back for the first time since Christmas, but she also promised a major surprise.
“I know there will be food circulating the party, but I think we should grab a quick bite now. You’ll be too busy talking with everyone to enjoy any of the food,” Jack says, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind. My stomach grumbles at the mention of food and I sense his silent laughter against my back.
“Alright, feed me.”
“Careful what you wish for, Wildflower.”
Wearing a pink tulle dress, Ellie is as fairy-like as ever as she floats around her store chatting with our friends and family.
I’m so fucking proud of my girl. I still remember the dated shell this build was when I found her here a year ago. Not only is the space totally transformed, but she is, too. She still loves to make a list and plan things to death, but now she puts those plans into action. I’ve learned to harness that list making power for good by having her create a naughty and a nice bucket list that we can use to check things off. It’s hard to decide which one is my favorite.
I can’t help the smile that stretches across my face as I watch her embrace her friends. Lainey hasn’t arrived yet, but I know they’re all excited to be reunited. As much time and energy as I spent worrying about how my relationship with Ellie would affect Lainey, nothing has changed. They were basically sisters before. If anything they should be thanking me for making it official.
Not yet, but soon. The ring I got Ellie is sitting heavy in my safe. Grayson tried to convince me to propose tonight, but I didn’t want anything to overshadow her night. She worked way too hard to make this dream a reality for me to steal her thunder with a proposal.
We have a vacation planned in the fall once Grayson’s show wraps and Declan has a break in his schedule. I can’t think of a better time to propose than surrounded by family. I’ve been secretly talking to her brother to see if he can arrange leave to surprise her and, of course, Macy and Alexis. I’ve long accepted those four are a packaged deal after the third Singing Sensation watch party that took over my living room.
“Everything looks awesome,” Brady Miller says as he and several other players from the Songbirds approach.
“I’m excited to see what Carina comes home with,” Robby Becker admits. “Based on what I have seen so far, it will all be killer.”
“Ellie has a good eye,” I reply. “She’ll pick something that will knock your socks off.”
“Let’s hope more than just our socks. ”
I shake my head. I’ve never seen men who are bigger of simps for their women, except for me, maybe. I can’t say I blame them. All our women are incredible.
“If you’ll excuse me boys, I need to extract the woman of the hour from my mother. She has a speech to make.”
Making my way across the room, I pull Ellie away from my mom. After a speech thanking everyone for being here, she opens the register and everyone shops.
“No Lainey yet?” I question.
“Her flight was delayed,” she murmurs, leaning into me. “She should be here any minute.”
“What’s the register limit? Lainey is going to have a field day with these selections.”
“Don’t I know it. She already has women lined up for the pieces she helped me choose.” Ellie turns in my arms until we’re face to face. I kiss her gently on the lips, granting me one of her beautiful smiles.
“Any idea what her surprise is?”
“No id—oh fuck,” I mutter right as my sister walks in with NBA star Xavier Dillon on her arm. The man himself isn’t even the biggest surprise. It’s the giant rock on her finger that has both mine and Ellie’s eyes widening in surprise. The air in the room stands still as everyone stares at the guest joining the fray. Out of nowhere, I hear my oldest brother mutter beside me, “Things are about to get interesting.”