EPILOGUE
One week later
R iley squirmed. It was official, blindfolds were no fun outside the bedroom.
“Can I take it off now?” she asked again, her fingers already fiddling with the black cloth.
“Hold on,” Wade replied. “Okay. Now. Now you can take it off.”
She wasted no time ripping the material from her eyes. And when she did, she felt her smile stretch all the way to her ears as she took in the huge space.
Wow.
“It’s amazing,” she gushed. “You guys did so much while I was away.”
The shabby chic barn had finally completed its transformation.
There were no old stalls in sight, it was now a fully-fledged rustic restaurant with a sprinkling of subtle modern touches.
The exposed brick and the wooden beams meant it kept its character and fitted perfectly with the reclaimed wood tables and minimalist chairs.
But her favorite part was the floor to ceiling windows they’d put in by the entrance.
She’d seen them being fitted but this was the first time she’d seen how well they went with the rest of the décor.
And that view. Miles and miles of fields. It was magical.
“You like it?” Was he kidding? “Come, I want to show you your kitchen.”
Your kitchen.
She may have swooned as he took her hand and led them through into the newly created back room. While she’d helped pick the appliances, seeing everything set up, ready and waiting for her was enough to take her breath away.
She still couldn’t believe this was her real life. Her real job. Her real man. How did she get this lucky?
Twisting to face Wade, she stared up into bright blue. “Do you think your parents will mind if I spend the next twenty-four hours in here, getting to know my new oven?” she teased.
Wade flashed her those sexy dimples before pulling her into him. “It’s Christmas day, darlin’. As much as I want you to bond with the kitchen appliances, I’d much rather spend our first Christmas actually together.”
Our first Christmas.
She liked that. She liked everything about today and her new life. And even though it was still hard to grasp just how much had changed in such a short space of time, she understood why and how. Because that was what love was all about. It changed you. Forever.
***
One month later
W ade had never exactly been a social butterfly, so, him being out at a party was unusual. Well, it was until recently. Riley had become very close with Rachel, Bella, Cat and Libby, which meant he was being dragged along to many more gatherings than he was used to.
Like you don’t love it.
Okay. So, love might be going a bit far.
But he did like it. Mostly because seeing Riley shine was his favorite thing in the world.
And shine she did. She was completely at ease in the large group of friends which included his brother Zach, and her friends’ men, Hunter, Cody and Luke. Let’s not forget Benny too.
That’s not to say she still didn’t get anxious. She did. Usually when she was around people she didn’t know. Which if you asked him, was completely normal. Not that she agreed.
Today wasn’t one of those days though. They were all gathered at Zach and Libby’s for game night. Although they had yet to get to any games and Wade hadn’t spotted any in the cosy living room where he currently stood with his beer.
“Look at you, all smiling and shit.” Benny slapped him on the back. That was him. He’d turned into a smiler. Life was good. “Riley got any single friends who want a tour of Woodvalley?”
That would be a hell no.
“You run out of women in town already?” Wade teased.
He was treated to a wink. “It’s a small town, man.”
Wade could only shake his head. It was a small town so he and everyone else were well aware of Benny’s inability to commit to any one woman.
“Hey, Benny.” Riley smiled as she tucked herself under Wade’s arm. “How did the move go?”
Benny had just bought a house. A fact he was only aware of because he’d been staying at Luke’s while he waited for completion, and Luke had a big mouth. And spent the majority of Benny’s time there bitching about how his friend was a cockblock.
“Good, thanks, sweetheart,” Benny replied. “But could do with a woman’s touch—you ever get sick of this one, you come find me.” Another freaking wink.
“Seriously?” Wade’s sneer was met with a full belly laugh.
Unbelievable.
Bella and Luke were the next to arrive, greeting Libby at the door with a bottle of wine. After a quick glance around, they made a beeline for Wade, Riley, and Benny, where the group had started to gather. Luke waved a stack of envelopes like a man on a mission as he strode toward them.
“Hey, douchecanoe, how many times do I need to tell you to change your address? I’m still getting all your mail, and trust me, I have no interest in hearing about your penis enlargement plans!”
The group burst out laughing as the letters were shoved into Benny’s hands.
“Sorry.” Bella giggled as her hand went to Luke’s arm. “I’m getting him tested.”
“Tested for what?” Riley asked. Not getting the joke. God, she was cute.
He couldn’t help himself. He dipped down to lay a sloppy kiss in her hair and was rewarded with her bright smile.
“Save your money, sweetheart. He already tested positive to being a dick.” Benny quipped.
After a while, conversation between the group faded into the background as he held Riley close.
How did I get so lucky?
He finally had it all. His dream woman. A job he loved. Actual people he considered friends. And it was only just the start. He had big plans. One of which was already burning a hole in his pocket.
“What the fuck!” Benny’s usual jovial demeanour switched in an instant, bringing Wade out of his head and turning to look at the man in question.
He’d been opening his mail, and one particular letter had caught his attention. In a bad way. But Wade suspected it wasn’t just an unwelcome bill. There was too much tension thickening the air.
Bella, Luke and Riley all asked, “What?” But their question went unanswered as Benny continued to stare at the small card in his hand. Then he was gone. Storming through the arch leading to the kitchen and then slamming the back door. Not before chucking the mail onto the countertop.
Riley was off. Following his footsteps and retrieving whatever he’d been holding before coming to a stop.
My little detective.
She bit down on her lip as she passed the card to him.
Wade looked down at the wedding invite, Benny’s anger no longer a mystery.
So the rumors he’d heard were true. Not only was Benny’s old high school sweetheart back in Woodvalley. She was getting married. And apparently, Benny had been invited.
God help Woodvalley Pines. The past was back...and she was wearing a white wedding dress.