Epilogue
Seven Years Later
"I've scheduled interviews between the first two stops this summer," Alice says in a tone that tells me she's trying to get away with something.
"How many?" I ask.
"A handful," she says brightly.
"What’s your definition of ‘a handful’? Your hand or Dane's?" I quip.
She laughs instead of answering, which tells me it's probably a multi-day press junket situation.
"If it interferes with our trip to the zoo or the days I've marked as unavailable, you’ll have furious reporters on your hands,” I warn her. “I will not switch those days, Alice."
"Fine," she grumbles. "I'll rearrange them. What is this three-day block in July?"
"We're visiting my mom in Tennessee and dropping the girls off on the way to the festival in Fox Falls."
My mom and Dane get along like two peas in a pod.
And the fact that we've given her two grandkids to spoil rotten is the icing on the cake.
She even has a vegetable garden they started together last summer.
The kids are so excited to see what has grown this year.
The only time they eat vegetables is at Grandma's house.
Dane and I married in the fall seven years ago, one month after our night in that little cabin.
We had a small ceremony in Fox Falls to commemorate where we met.
My mom and Dane's family attended, as did his two closest friends, Silas and Jett, with their families.
Silas and Dolly live in Fox Falls, while Jett and Lulu live in Durhing Park, where Dane's sister, Naomi, and her family live.
Alice was in the audience, but Dane confiscated her phone before the ceremony to prevent her from livestreaming our vows.
They have a mutual understanding and generally get along well now, though she still calls him Hulk when she's mad at him.
I slowed down my touring when I got pregnant on our honeymoon, followed almost exactly one year later with baby number two.
My girls are the loves of my life, next to their daddy, and I can't believe I once considered not becoming a mama.
We settled in Festival Valley, close enough to Dane's family, but the town is accustomed to big names and celebrities and offers a level of privacy and security that makes us both happy.
We've made friends, and our girls are thriving.
I've spent the last seven years writing and engaging with fans online, building up quite a following. My new album released last month, and we’re hitting the touring circuit this summer.
"Are they coming to Dallas in August with you two?" Alice asks.
"Yep. They’re spending two weeks with Grandma, and then we'll have them for the last week before we head home so they can start school."
"Sounds good. Then you can start the next album, and we can plan for next summer with new music." Alice cackles with glee. She loves nothing more than a productive client.
I glance at my guitar, then my notebook, which is already brimming with new lyrics. "Let's see how this tour goes, but I hope to have a single ready to release for Christmas."
Alice sucks in a sharp breath, trying not to get too excited. I’d probably see dollar signs flashing in her eyes if I could see her face.
I say goodbye and hang up, stretching out on the fluffy covers and staring at the ceiling. I’m excited for the upcoming plans. It's the first tour with my family, but Dane has already hired additional security, and he wouldn't let anything happen to us.
"I figured I'd find you working after a call with Alice." Speak of the devil. Dane's deep voice has me biting my lip.
"Are the girls home yet?" I lift my wrist to check my watch, pleased to see we still have two hours of alone time before they come barreling through the front door, chattering about their days.
Dane climbs onto the bed, pulling me against his hard body and kissing my head. "Is Alice sticking to the schedule?"
I snort. "She is now."
Dane shakes his head, but the corners of his eyes crinkle.
"Are you ready for the tour?"
He nods. "Yes. Particularly the part when we get the dressing room to ourselves." His big hand smacks my ass, grabbing my butt cheek possessively.
I yelp and swat him, but I love when he manhandles me like he owns me, because his big, sweet, broody heart is all mine.
"Do you need a little break from work, or do you have to get back to writing about heartbreak and loneliness?" Dane asks, already unbuttoning my shirt before I can answer.
"All my songs these days are about finally finding the right one." I grin at my handsome husband, my number one protector, and the love of my life.
"Damn straight." Dane leans down, kissing the soft skin near my ear before making his way down my neck.
I wrap my arms around his neck. "The new Christmas single is one you're going to love."
I let out a little moan as his fingers slide into my panties, finding the spot that makes my toes curl.
Dane smirks. "Is that right?"
"Yes," I pant. "It's about forbidden love and a bodyguard who makes her fall hard..."
I trail off as my forbidden bodyguard expertly works my body, sending out a silent thank you to the universe for summer festivals and elevator kisses.
Thank you for reading my fantasies come true.