Epilogue
Justin
Six months later
O ne kiss.
It’s what I’m thinking about as all the eyes of Riverbend are focused on me.
I’m not being paranoid. I’m not climbing the metal bleachers to kiss my girl.
Their eyes are on me because with Ricky at my side and Dax beside him, we’re standing in the front of the church, wearing tuxedo pants, starched, itchy white shirts, bowties, and suspenders.
I know I won’t have their attention long because the music has started.
Jill is the first to come up the aisle. Marilyn is the next.
The last is Molly in her flower-girl dress, a miniature version of Devan’s from what I’ve gleaned.
With her giant front teeth, Molly is all smiles as she drops a petal, steps, drops a petal.
I’m currently cursing my sister for teaching Molly to move at a snail’s pace, but I can’t deny my niece is adorable.
For the record, so is my second niece—Ruthie, named after Dax’s grandma, the woman responsible for getting his head out of his ass.
Some people say the flower girl can steal the wedding.
My mouth goes dry as the congregation stands, and the doors at the back of the aisle open.
On Jack’s arm, Devan is a showstopper.
Her radiant smile, the one I fell in love with over a year ago, is beaming up at me. If I’m supposed to notice the long white dress or anything about it, I’m failing because I can’t wrench my gaze away from Devan’s beautiful face.
Stunning.
Gorgeous.
I can’t find words to describe what I see or how I feel.
The rumors around town are true. Miss Dunn will not be back next year teaching seventh-grade science. Mrs. Sheers will.
After Ricky moved to Bloomington for the second semester, Jack and Janet Dunn purchased a two-bedroom home in Riverbend. Their plan is to divide their time between here and Florida.
Of course, Devan and I told them they could always stay out at the farm—at our farm in our house, our home. Janet said she wanted us to make it our own, and we couldn’t do that with them living there, even part time.
Once school released for the summer, Devan and I went to work. We are tearing out walls and remodeling the kitchen. At first, I was afraid to change Devan’s childhood home, but she reminded me she’s no longer a child.
Ricky nudges me with his shoulder, bringing me to the present—to our wedding.
I take a step toward Devan.
Jack places Devan’s hand in mine.
Seeing it there—in my grasp—I know without a doubt that holding her, touching her, and being with her is where I’m meant to be.
The wedding proceeds. I remember to place the wedding ring on her finger, and when I’m given permission, I lean in. “One kiss,” I whisper.
After more photos than anyone should take are completed, I’m finally sitting at Devan’s side. The reception is in full swing. Ricky and Marilyn have given their speeches. To be honest, it’s mostly a blur. Until what happens next.
It’s the part I’ll never forget.
Devan leans close and whispers, “I have a surprise for you.”
“Are you going to get me out of here early?”
“No,” she says with a grin. “Just know when we’re done” —her whisper grows lower— “I forgot to wear panties.”
My eyes widen, and I lift my hand. “Check please.”
And they lived happily ever after
Thank you for reading ONE KISS, Justin and Devan’s story.