Epilogue #2
“That’s so sweet. Thanks for trusting me with your first tattoo.” He handed me a flyer with care instructions and one for an alternative market. “Check it out. You may find something you like.”
On the way back home, I read through the leaflet. “They have custom-made sex toys, swings, and special furniture.” I smacked his arm. “We have to go next month.”
Rowan chuckled. “We will.”
That Wednesday I didn’t want to take a day off for my birthday.
Instead, I spent it at the cafe, doing what I loved.
Once we closed, I went home to freshen up and give Rowan time to get the place ready for the party.
He insisted that I couldn’t help unless I wanted to make coffee to accompany the cake.
Showered and dressed in a sheer black shirt and white chinos, I met Rowan outside our house, and we walked together to Cryptid Cafe.
I pulled us to a stop at the entrance and watched the commotion through the glass door.
Ethel was sitting in an armchair, pointing her cane at the banner that Ruben was fixing. Rowan’s brother was balancing on a chair Troy was securing. Riley and Sophia were setting up cupcakes on the round table in the middle, giggling and sharing loving glances.
Raina stood in the far corner with Rowan’s parents, looking at something behind a cluster of armchairs. Were they hiding my birthday gifts? I’d asked for keeping them simple and nothing extravagant.
All of my favorite people in one place, in my cafe behaving like…family.
Was there no end to the joy that filled me? In a day or two, I would crash and sleep on Rowan’s lap for hours until I recharged.
My bouts of depression wouldn’t magically go away, but I had someone to ride the worst waves with me, and that helped me make peace with carrying my trauma but not letting it stop me from living my life to the fullest.
And now, I was bursting with sunshine.
I swallowed hard and held onto Rowan’s arm. It was happening. “I’d be less stressed if it was our wedding.” I chuckled nervously.
“Then that could be our next party.” He kissed my temple. “Are you ready to go in?”
I nodded, still processing what he’d just said.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the door, and all the guests swivelled around to face me.
“Happy Birthday!” They shouted in unison.
My shaking hands became steadier with every hug and smile.
“Come sit, Lo-lo.” Ethel took my arm and directed me to an armchair. “Don’t overthink it. Enjoy it.” She patted my cheek and handed me a scrapbook album.
The thick, black, pages inside it were filled with pictures of me as a baby with my parents, but this book didn’t stop there, it continued through my teenage years with Ethel and Anabelle and ended with Rowan and me at the bake-off.
“Thank you, Ettie. I’ll cherish it.”
“Oh, and this,” she added, holding a hand made bracelet.
I read what the beads spelled. “Rolo forever.”
“That’s your ship name.” She grinned. “From your first names mashed together.”
“You’re the best.” I slipped the bracelet onto my wrist.
Nina and Bob approached next and gave me a simple white envelope. I opened it and glared at them playfully. “Not pricey gifts, remember?”
Nina waved a hand. “We have a discount for these.”
I showed Rowan the two tickets for a cruise to the Caribbean Islands and hugged his parents. “This will be an awesome trip. Thank you both.”
Raina and Troy gave me a framed canvass print of Rowan and me dancing at their wedding. Sophia got me a pillow with Rowan’s face on it. “For when he is away on business or to use at work to either hug or scream into,” she said with a grin.
She knew me so well.
Ruben and Riley handed me two cinema passes to indie movie festivals around the country.
I hugged them to my chest. “We’ll have so much travelling to do. This is so cool. Thanks.”
Everyone turned to Rowan, who stood like a child vibrating with excitement. “About my gift…” He took my hands and pulled me to my feet. “Keep an open mind.”
“Okay.” My stomach swooped with anticipation. “What is it?” I followed Rowan to the corner where the armchairs stood in a circle.
I gasped, my hand flying to my chest, the other one squeezing Rowan’s.
In the round space the chairs created lay a fluffy blanket, and on it, a sleeping pug.
My eyes filled with tears as I looked up at Rowan. “You got me a puppy?”
“This is Rolo. Ethel helped me pick the name for her.”
I grinned. “You’re a menace. You both are. I already love her. Look at that face!”
Rolo lifted her head and locked her sharp gaze on me. Her big brown eyes took me in, and she wagged her tiny tail.
Rowan reached for her and put her in my arms.
“Hi there. I’m Milo, and I will take such good care of you.”
As if understanding me, Rolo wagged her tail so hard her entire butt moved. Then she dragged her tongue across my face. Giggling, I leaned against Rowan.
He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close. “You’ll spoil her rotten,” he said.
“Yup. And you’ll help me.” I stood on tiptoes and made a kissy face.
Rowan gave me a cute peck.
Then Rolo licked both of our faces. The entire room burst into laughter, the joy of which I felt deep in my heart.
This was the best day of my life.
I only needed one more thing. I turned to my guests and beamed.
“Who wants coffee?”
THE END
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