Epilogue
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Bev
As Aimi, my Maid of Honor, helps me with the white satin buttons on the back of my wedding dress, I think back on this past year. We hit every stop on my dad’s bucket list, and apparently, today will be the last item on it: walking me down the aisle. Nate and I have fallen even deeper in love than I thought possible and watching him play across the globe has been a dream come true. He’s ready to settle down though and start a family. He’s also all-in on P’awesome, although he still thinks we need a name change.
I look out the window at the guests arriving. Chandra and Tommy, who are now an item, which fits since Tommy is such a fan of her writing, stand in the aisle, as if debating which section to sit on, the bride or groom’s. They opt for my side. Chandra has brought Penny, the orgasmic parrot—who she ended up adopting. As for the ceremony, we talked about it, and Penny will go inside, so nothing untoward happens. But Penny will be here nonetheless.
Louise has also been adopted by an Oscar-winning documentarian who summers on the island. Apparently, he was quite taken with her “intense stare” (as he put it). I can only imagine them gazing at each other. He likes to call her his “Assistant Director.” And he loves to send videos of her helping him edit footage. She’ll place her paw on the screen, and he’ll know the scene has gone on for too long. He’s a very serious man—with a German accent that makes him seem all the more serious—but in the videos, he’s always laughing. I’m not sure if I’ve ever met such a perfect pairing in my life. Also, happily, he’s brought her here for the day. She’s in her kitty kennel, and I haven’t seen her yet, although I’m sure I’ll catch her staring—from somewhere—when I least expect it.
Sir Carrots the Third has been adopted by Janice and her grandbaby. They’re obviously huge Nate fans, and Sir Carrots played a vital role in Nate’s lore. Not to mention, Janice’s grandbaby has wanted a pet rabbit since learning about the Easter bunny. I’ve seen many a Sir Carrots video, and he’s been having a ball, bouncing around. They even adopted a second bunny from the shelter who he has bonded with.
Alberto. Dear, sweet, door-loving Alberto. Apparently, he didn’t take Nate’s departure well and would forlornly curl up next to the door. So obviously, Nate had to adopt him—and his favorite door from the shelter. Although in a fun twist of fate, Alberto has taken an even stronger liking to the patio door leading out to the infinity pool. It’s sweet. Sometimes, I’ll come home to find Nate opening and closing the door for Alberto, continuing their endless game—the one Alberto loves so much .
Nate has also officially adopted Moose, who will be our “flower boy.” Moose has been practicing carrying a basket of flowers in his mouth all week and has done quite well. Moose continues to thrive every day—outliving his name Cody in the best of ways. He loves curling up in Nate’s lap, which is a bit comic, given Moose’s size. He also inexplicably loves the dishwasher, which he stares at for hours on end. We wonder if he thinks of it as “the treat machine” since sometimes he’ll sneak a lick onto one of the dirty plates as we load it. We’re training him to be a therapy dog, and Laval constantly tells us what a smart dog he is. We couldn’t agree more.
Lastly: Jerry. At first, we were worried he might not get adopted. He was the only animal left, looking sad in his kennel. One late-arriving woman came close but decided that Jerry was, “too ugly.” Obviously, it was for the best she didn’t take him. Nate’s sister, Lucy, ended up staying late at the event since Nate and I were at the hospital with my dad—and let’s just say, Lucy fell in love with Jerry. Nate thinks Lucy always felt overlooked by their parents, living in his shadow, even if they are in the same band, so she felt a strong affinity for this dog who had been overlooked his whole life too. Needless to say, Jerry is very happy. He’s come out of his shell, and Lucy says he loves to fall asleep with not one—but two—tennis balls in his mouth.
I think it’s safe to say that Penny, Louise, Sir Carrots, Alberto, Moose, and Jerry are all living their best lives. And I’m absolutely thrilled.
Aimi taps me on the shoulder. “It’s time,” she whispers.
My heart flutters, but it’s calmed as she grabs my hand. We carefully take the stairs, and the music wafts in from outside .
My dad waits for us in the foyer. “You look beautiful.” His eyes dance, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so happy.
He walks me down the aisle, and when I say “walks me,” I mean he really walks me. I lean on his frail arm, probably more than I should, but I’m just overcome with…well, everything.
Nate’s eyes widen when they meet mine, and I’ll forever remember his expression. The spark in his gray eyes, the parting of his lips—those goddamn lips.
The ceremony flies by in a blissful blur. And when the officiant says to kiss the bride, oh boy, does Nate ever. If I thought our first kiss in high school was the most cosmic in my life, it has nothing on this one.