Epilogue
S ybil
“Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.”
William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar
The industrial art gallery gleams with polished concrete floors and soaring ceilings, every inch alive with chatter and laughter.
String lights crisscross overhead like twinkling constellations, casting a soft glow over the crowd.
I step back for a moment, taking it all in—the children and families mixed with the clusters of sharply dressed benefactors, everyone either marveling at the art on display, chatting, or dancing.
The air is rich with the aroma of hors d’oeuvres and champagne and my heart is full.
This is my night—I pulled it off.
After pouring over every detail and dealing with the Vales’ sabotage, I can’t believe it’s come together so perfectly. From the intricate floral centerpieces to the local jazz quartet playing in the corner, to the elegant guests, and the families we invited to join us at the event.
Everything is perfect.
It’s all been made more perfect by Cooper. Despite all the trauma we’ve endured, we’ve both grown so much. We’ve killed the toxic parts of ourselves, broken the patterns that were hurting us, and healed so much pain along the way.
A server passes by with a tray of champagne, and I grab a flute.
My fingers tremble slightly, not from nerves, but from the sheer magnitude of our donations tonight. We’ve always done a lot, but after a record-breaking night, we can do so much more than before. We’re going to change so many more lives.
I glance at Cooper standing near the bar in his tailored suit. His dark wavy hair is a little tousled, and when he turns to catch my eye, my heart swells. A warm, private smile curves those lips I love so much, and I smile right back.
Everything about him is something to love.
Miriam’s voice pulls me to the party. She’s holding a microphone up front, her silver hair catching the light as she calls me over. Anticipation races to my nerve endings. I wasn’t expecting this. I’m happy behind the scenes, moving in silence, making things come together without needing praise.
Weaving through the crowd, I join her under the spotlight, beaming at the crowd. I’m so damn grateful for all the donations we’ve collected.
“Before we wrap up tonight’s program, I have a couple of announcements to make,” Miriam says, and my heart flutters.
I know it’s coming, but the moment is so surreal.
“First, we have to thank Sybil Laurence for this incredible night.” She pats me lightly on the shoulder.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without her tireless dedication, creativity, passion, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
” If only they knew. “And I’m excited to announce we’ve beat all previous records, having raised over fifty million dollars that will go directly to deserving children and families all across this country. ”
The crowd erupts into applause, and my cheeks flush. I scan the room, searching for Cooper, to find him standing next to my family and watching me with so much pride it makes my chest ache.
“And second,” Miriam continues, her voice softening, “as many of you know, I’ll be retiring at the end of this month. I couldn’t be prouder to announce that Sybil will be stepping into my shoes and taking on the role as President of The Laurence Foundation.”
The room blurs as the crowd breaks into applause again, louder this time. I cover my mouth with one hand, overwhelmed by the wave of emotions crashing over me. This is what I’ve been working toward, and I know I had a head start. I know I had privilege and help, but I worked hard for this.
Damn it, I’m going to do an amazing job.
Chandler stands next to Mom with his hands over his head as he claps and cheers louder than anyone else.
Did my parents know that having a child with down syndrome would one day lead to all this?
That Chandler would inspire so many people and be the catalyst for one of the country’s biggest special needs nonprofits to receive much needed funding?
I’d do anything for that kid. I’m so damn lucky to have him in my life for so many reasons, not only this one, though this one is pretty great.
Miriam leans in, whispering, “You’ve earned this, Sybil. Every bit of it.”
I blink away tears as I step forward to say a few words of thanks, and then my time in the spotlight is over.
The music plays, and after chatting with a few people offering their congratulations, Cooper swoops in.
“Let’s dance,” he says, and I gladly let him lead me away.
I rest my head on his shoulder and smile, feeling happier than I’ve felt in ages. This night couldn’t be more perfect.
“Hey you,” I say, leaning to look him in the eyes. “How much of that fifty million did you contribute?”
He smirks. “It’s a secret.”
I roll my eyes. “Is that so?”
“Yup. Anonymous donation.”
I snort. “Well, I heard we got our largest anonymous donation in foundation history tonight. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”
“All I know is the woman I love is building something extraordinary, and I’m a very wealthy man who intends to support her.”
I tut, but I can’t be mad.
“I have something else to tell you,” he says, his tone not so light anymore. “It’s about Ethan.”
I turn to look over at where Ethan and Arden are dancing. “What is it?”
“Ethan has expressed unhappiness working at King Media. Frankly, he doesn’t want this career.”
I cough on a gasp. “What?”
I was with Ethan all through college and saw how hard he worked, how intent he was on being the best, on making his father proud and becoming a force of business.
“Arden really changed him for the better,” Cooper explains.
“You know our dad had that dumb clause in our trust fund contract stating we had to work for him or else we would lose everything, right?” Oh boy, don’t I know it .
“Long story short, Ethan and I went to our father and told him I’ll be taking over as CEO for King Media when the time comes, and Ethan is leaving the company next year to attend medical school. ”
“Wait, medical school?” I practically squawk. “I had no idea Ethan had any interest in medicine.”
Cooper nods. “That makes two of us. Apparently, it’s been Ethan’s secret dream since he was a kid. Losing our mom has made him want to get into it more.” He grins. “Guy wants to cure cancer, so who am I to tell him no?”
“Wow. How did Conrad take it?”
Cooper laughs. “Not well at first, but when I explained that I’d fund Ethan’s schooling and life for as long as necessary, Dad realized he was outnumbered and relented on the trust fund issue. He signed an addendum for Ethan, so my brother can pursue his dreams and not lose a dime.”
I tilt my head, studying Cooper. “And what about you? What’s your dream?”
“You’re my dream,” he says simply, eyes locked on mine.
“You know what I mean. Do you want to stay at King?”
“I think I’ll do as well as CEO as I would’ve done as COO.” He winks. “When the time comes, of course. I’ve got some other life goals to get to first.”
He doesn’t say it, but I already know he’s thinking about marriage. I’m thinking about it, too. I can’t not think about it with this man. With Ethan, it felt like we had to get married to check off an item on a list, but with Cooper, it’s something I want badly.
He’s my forever person.
I want forever with him.
“Is that right? What did you have in mind first?”
“Move in with me,” he says. “Or we can get our own place. Or I can move in with you. I don’t care. But I want to live together.”
I pretend to think on it. “Hmm… I guess I wouldn’t mind living in such proximity to Arden again.”
He laughs. “Remind me to thank her.”
“For what? Luring me into your clutches?”
“Pretty much.”
“Aw yes, nothing like a long-lost cousin-sister to shake things up.”
He winks. “Exactly.”
I laugh with joy, although joy is not a big enough word to hold what I’m experiencing. Tonight feels like the beginning of something new and special, like the best years of my life are starting right now.
Cooper - Two Months Later - Age 28
Carrying grocery bags in both hands, I hurry into the penthouse, the anticipation killing me. I can’t wait to spill the news. I’m pretty sure she’s going to be excited, but a little part of me worries she won’t. Guess there’s only one way to find out.
I push the door open with my shoulder, deposit the food on the counter, then find Sybil curled up in our bed watching reruns of The Office . Her hair is tied in a messy bun, and she’s wearing my sweatpants, complete with a ratty Nantucket hoodie she’s had for years.
“Honestly, you’ve never looked so beautiful,” I say, and she laughs.
“Hardy-har-har.”
“I mean it.” And I do.
“Well, I did say we were having a fat-dog night.”
A fat-dog night means staying home and eating so much junk food that we have to lie around like fat dogs until we eventually fall asleep.
It’s Valentine’s Day and her twenty-eighth birthday, so she gets to choose what we do tonight. We’ve both been pulling overtime at work, so I’m not surprised she wants to be lazy, which sounds perfect to me.
She points a socked foot in my direction. “What flavor of Doritos did you get? Because your answer could make or break our relationship.”
I snort. “Don’t worry, baby, I know you hate the cool ranch, which is crazy since it’s the best one, but I got you the salsa verde.”
“In the green bag?”
“And gummy candy and a pepperoni pizza and… your favorite cheesecake.”
Her grin is magnificent. “Taking the reins from Ethan, I see.”
I sit on the edge of the bed and begin massaging her socked feet. “Why would you say that?”
She shrugs. “He’s had my favorite cheesecakes flown in from Boston for years on my birthday.”
I shake my head. “Valentine… that was me.”
Her mouth falls open with an audible pop. “What the fuck? Why didn’t you tell me?”
I shrug. “As I recall, we didn’t talk for several of those years.”
She pouts, her eyes welling with happiness. “Good point. Thank you, Cooper. I wish I would’ve known.”
“I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it because I loved you, and I wanted my girl to have her favorite cake on her birthday.”
Even before she was my girl, she was my girl.
“Hey, there’s something kinda cool I have to tell you,” I say, dropping her foot. She senses the change in my tone and sits up straight.
“What’s up?”
“I just got off the phone with Perry.”
“Oh?” Her eyebrow rises.
“First of all, his sister is cancer free.”
She yelps and pumps her fist. “Hell yeah!”
“And there’s news about Top of the World. As you know, season one ended with record ratings.” It also ended with her friend Benton not looking so good, something she’s felt extremely bad about ever since.
“They’re renewing it for a second season?” she guesses correctly.
“Yes, they are… and Benton has agreed to return.”
“Wow. Okay. I bet his publicist told him he needs to rebuild his name.”
I make a mental note to warn him that someone working on that set who can’t be trusted.
Despite an investigation, we never did figure out who took footage of me and Sybil together for the Vales to use against us.
That mystery has become one of those things we’ve had to let go as we’ve moved forward.
“Exactly, but there’s more.”
“They can’t have the penthouse,” she deadpans. “They can pry my cold, dead body out of here before I’ll move willingly.”
I bark out a laugh, agreeing completely.
“Never. They know they have to find a new location. That’s not it. The new network has decided to run a nationwide sweepstake, and one lucky woman will get to join the show, living among the rich and famous for three months.”
“You’re telling me some ordinary, everyday woman is going to get to be on Top of the World?”
“That’s exactly what I’m telling you.”
She pumps her hands in the air, cheering. “That’s fucking brilliant. We’re going to watch it together, right?”
“Of course, but right now, I’m hungry and you’re hungry and what I want to watch is you eat.”
I help her off the bed, leading her toward one of many normal evenings together. Sure, this isn’t the set of a glamorous reality tv show anymore, but I still feel like I’m on top of the world.
THE END