Extended Epilogue #2
There were two things I realized in this moment as I walked away from Wylder Hayes, the boy who chose fame and walked away thirty years ago.
I realize that I’d give him all the time in the world he wanted after I made him work for it, and that I was still completely in love with him even after all this time. And that scared the shit out of me.
The ceremony went off without a hitch, and everything following went just as smoothly. Seeing her walk down the aisle was a dream, and seeing Spencer cry when he saw her melted me. I was so happy for these two and couldn’t wait to see the life they created together.
Pictures went smoothly, and the boys had us all cracking up during their sets.
By now, I’ve met all of Spencer’s friends at the gatherings they had at their house, and they all took to calling me Mama Donna.
Looking at Jacob now, I don’t see how I didn’t notice the similarities before.
He had his father’s eyes, that unruly black hair, and strong jaw.
The way he acts so carefree and wild is similar to his father too.
Sitting at a table in the reception hall and sipping on a glass of strawberry wine, I watched as Spencer twirled Allie around on the dance floor for their first dance. The two of them were absolutely beaming with happiness.
“Is this seat taken?” A warm voice whispered against my ear, and he slid up beside, pulling the chair out.
“No go ahead.” Taking another deep pull of my wine, willing it to calm my fraying nerves.
“The wedding was beautiful, by the way. Allie looked gorgeous. How’re you holding up, Mama?”
“She looked like a dream, didn’t she? I’m glad I could give her the dream wedding she wanted.
Surprisingly, we didn’t want to strangle each other during the planning process.
” Letting out a laugh, I turned and faced him.
God, he was still gorgeous. “I’m doing good, though.
I’m so proud of the bright and successful woman she’s grown into.
She’s proof I did something right. Her and her little sister are my two biggest accomplishments.
” He sat there and studied me for a moment, trying to break down the walls I’ve carefully constructed over the years.
“The bride and groom would like to invite all their friends and family to join them on the dance floor for this next slow song to celebrate this day filled with love.” The DJ called out as they wrapped up their first dance. Wylder stood, offering me his hand.
“Dance with me, Rebel.” Taking a fortifying breath, I reached out and placed my hand in his, letting him lead me out onto the dance floor while the intro to “Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith started to play.
Well, if there’s one thing I did right, it was passing my music taste down to my kids.
Wylder effortlessly spun us around the floor, both of us easily falling back in time with the music.
Allie and Spencer wore matching faces of confusion as they spun around, as did Jacob.
Everyone faded away as we twirled around, my heart keeping time with the music as it flowed through my veins.
Suddenly, it was as if I was nineteen again and dancing in the crowd of people while he performed.
“I know I already said it, but I am sorry, Donna. You didn’t deserve what I did, and I’ve regretted it every single day.
There were so many times I wanted to come back or reach out to you, but I was a scared little boy who didn’t realize the amazing woman I had lost, and I let my pride get in the way.
All you ever did was love me completely for me, embracing my wildness, and I paid you back by walking away to chase a dream.
” He let out a laugh and shook his head.
“Maybe it’s what was supposed to happen.
I mean, if it didn’t, I wouldn’t have my two beautiful girls, you wouldn’t have Jacob, who is an incredible young man, by the way, and Allie and Spencer would have never ended up together.
Life is a cruel bitch, but things always happen for a reason.
” Lying my head against his chest, I took a deep breath.
He no longer smelled like tobacco and leather but of woods and whiskey.
We’ve both changed so much over the years, yet it feels like no time has passed at all.
“What are the odds that I could see you even after today?” His voice a low rumble in his chest, where I was still closely pressed against him. My head and heart fought against one another. To keep myself guarded behind the fortress I’ve created, or to let him in and see what could happen.
“I can’t be hurt again… I’ve had enough of being let down, and I don’t think I can take it again.” I leaned back and looked at him, “We’ve been hurt in ways that have left scars that aren’t all visible, and I don’t know if I’m ready.” I could feel his grip on me tighten.
“I promise I won’t hurt you, and I won’t walk away. I’m not the boy you used to know, and I’ve grown up, Mama. Give me a chance.” The fire in his eyes was an unmistakable one. He would keep trying to earn my trust and attention back.
The song ended, and he led us off the dance floor and out onto the balcony in the back overlooking the river.
The sun was almost completely set, and the cold rolled in, but thankfully, the venue had tall heaters out to help chase the chill away.
I braced my hands on the railing, taking in the breathtaking landscape surrounding us.
He walked up and mirrored my stance next to me, and gently ran his pinky against mine as he did.
“Where are you living now?”
“Not far, actually. I bought some land and settled down in Willowcreek. From what I gathered from Allie ya’ll still live in Maplewood?” All this time, he’s been just an hour or so away.
“Yep, that’s right. I never left.” Part of me always hoped he’d come back and say sorry, but as the years went on, I knew that wasn’t going to happen.
“Donna…” He stepped behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. My body betrayed my mind's warning, leaned back into his strong arms, and melted into him.
“You get one chance, Riot. Got me?” Turning around to look at him, he bent his head down closer, his lips hovering just above mine.
“I’m going to do everything in my power to earn your trust back, and I promise you won’t regret this.” He inched closer, our breath mingling now.
“Better not eat those words, rockstar.” My eyes flitted to his, seeing the longing there, and I knew they mirrored mine.
“God, I’ve missed you every day.” With that, he slammed his lips against mine. It wasn’t gentle or sweet. It was rough and heated, fueled by longing and years of being apart. We broke apart, both of our chests heaving as we sucked in lungfuls of cool air.
“Why is it we always find ourselves in some back-stage area or side room kissing?” I tossed my head back and let out a loud laugh.
“Well, we’ve never exactly been subtle about wanting one another, and I guess that hasn’t changed.
” He ran his hand up my arm and made more goosebumps break out along my skin.
“Come on, let's go back inside before the kids come looking.” He interlocked our fingers and pulled me back toward the party going on inside, and toward a future I never saw coming.