Epilogue
Brock
Willow and I have been nearly inseparable since I told her how I felt. After the dinner with her family, she came back to my place and we made it all official. She had three orgasms that night and it’s now my goal in life to continue to top that.
I haven’t told my family anything, even though the questions have been endless. Willow and I decided that we wanted to tell everyone at Sunday dinner. Let them know together that what we have may have started out as fake, but it’s anything but that now.
After everything that happened in Vegas, it’s the right thing to do.
Anya has been the worst because she’s been calling and texting both of us constantly. We both tell her things are getting sorted, which she doesn’t appreciate. She wants full details.
Paxton called me from his honeymoon and I told him that he may come home single if he calls anyone else.
Shepherd, Callum, and Tripp only called to see how I was. They didn’t ask any questions and I appreciated that. Tripp seems to be in another world lately and I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. Griffin told me that a few months ago Tripp commented about liking a girl, so maybe that’s it.
“Are you sure we shouldn’t at least give your mother a heads up that I’m coming to dinner?”
I grin as I wrap my arms around Willow. She’s been staying at my place and I love waking up with her in my arms every morning. It’s almost made me want to be a morning person. Almost.
“Baby, my mom makes enough food to feed an army. One more person isn’t going to throw a wrench in that. Plus, she’s going to be happy to see you. She loves a good surprise,” I explain, pressing a soft kiss to her full lips.
We just had sex in the shower and I feel like I need to be inside her again already. The need I have for this woman is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It consumes me and I fucking love it.
“I’m just nervous. Last time I saw everyone, everything was such a mess,” she says, shaking her head.
I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear and smile. “My family knows how messy love can be. Stop worrying. They all love you.” I kiss her cheek and pull back. “Anya might want to kill us both though for keeping this from her.”
She laughs, checking herself in the mirror one last time.
It’s completely unnecessary because she’s absolutely stunning.
She doesn’t need to have the curls in her hair or her makeup perfectly applied.
She doesn’t need to be wearing that low cut white shirt and tight jeans, showing off her incredible body.
She’s just as gorgeous when her hair is on top of her head in a messy bun, with no makeup, and just my T-shirt on.
In fact, that’s when I find her undeniably sexy.
“Anya is definitely going to be pissed,” she says, applying her lip gloss. She finishes and turns to me with a smile. “But, she’ll understand.”
I stare at her and my heart slams against my chest. The love I have for this woman is unmatched. I’m truly the luckiest man alive.
“Let’s go make this official. I’m tired of not shouting from the rooftops that you’re mine.”
Her eyes soften as she steps against me, wrapping her arms around my waist. “You’re gonna shout it from the rooftop?”
“Right after I fuck you on it,” I say, slamming my lips against hers.
My fingers sink into her silky hair and I deepen the kiss, unable to stop the possessive growl that escapes me. She moans, tightening her hold as her nails dig into me through my shirt. I move one hand down her sexy body and grab onto her round ass.
She quickly pulls away and giggles, adjusting her shirt. “No way. If we don’t stop now we’ll never make it to dinner.”
“Fuck dinner,” I say, taking a step toward her.
“Brock Atwood, you’ve been chomping at the bit to tell your family. You really want to wait longer?”
I drop my head and sigh. “Beautiful, sexy as hell, and the voice of reason,” I say, lifting my head and giving her a wink. “We’ll go now, but just so you know all this pent-up sexual tension I’m feeling will need to be released as soon as we get back.”
She rests her hand on my chest with a devilish grin on her face. “Oh, I’m counting on it. Now I need to reapply my lipgloss.”
I smirk at her.
Fuck, this girl is everything.
The drive to my parents' house is quick, the familiar route filled with anticipation. As we walk up to the door, I reach for Willow's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She glances up at me, her eyes reflecting the same mix of excitement and nervousness I feel.
“I love you,” I whisper softly, my voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.
“I love you, too,” she responds, her smile warming me from the inside out.
I push the door open and we step inside, the comforting aroma of Sunday dinner enveloping us immediately. “Hello?” I call out, my voice echoing slightly in the hallway.
“In here,” my mother shouts back from the kitchen.
The scent of roast chicken and freshly baked bread fills the air, mingling with the faint hint of my mother's favorite lavender cleaning spray. It's a smell that embodies home and family, a feeling that has only recently begun to truly resonate with me.
As we enter the kitchen, Willow tightens her grip on my hand. My mother, standing in front of the sink, turns her head at the sound of our footsteps. Her eyes widen in delight, and she quickly dries her hands on a nearby towel.
“Willow, oh sweetheart, I’m so happy to see you,” she exclaims, rushing over to envelop Willow in a warm, enthusiastic hug.
“All right, Mom, let her breathe,” I say, laughing as I gently pry my mother away, her affection as overpowering as the scent of dinner wafting through the house.
Willow laughs as my mother grabs her hands, looking between us with eager eyes. “I’m not going to make any assumptions, so tell me before I burst.”
“Yes, Willow and I are together. For real,” I say, a smile spreading across my face.
My mother laughs, pulling us both into a warm embrace. “I knew it. I knew I was right. The way you two look at each other, there was no way that was fake.” She pulls back, her smile so wide it makes her eyes sparkle. “I told you that weddings are a great place to find love.”
“Yes, you did, and this time you were right,” I admit, the warmth of her joy washing over me.
“Well, look who it is. Did you come to give no details of what’s going on with you two, even though it’s clearly something?” Anya asks, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she walks past us. “Hi, Mom.”
“Bro, please tell her something. I can only handle so much,” Griffin says, shaking his head in exasperation.
“Baby August is here!” Shepherd yells from the other room, and the entire kitchen empties as everyone rushes to see the newest addition to the family.
I glance at Willow and shrug. “August gets all the attention, I guess.”
We both laugh, following the crowd to see if there's any chance my mother will let someone else hold him.
Callum and Tripp finally arrive just before we all sit down for dinner. The table is laden with my mother's best dishes, each one steaming and smelling delicious. As we settle into our seats, I rest my hand on Willow’s leg under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze.
She looks at me and smiles, her eyes reflecting the warmth and love that fills the room. This is what home feels like, I think to myself, surrounded by family, laughter, and the comforting presence of the people I love most.
“Okay,” I say, standing up. “I’ve kept this in for as long as possible, but I can’t wait another second.
” All eyes are on me and they obviously know because of the smiles and the way they are looking at me and Willow.
“Willow and I are officially together. Like for real together. There’s nothing fake about it.
I love her and somehow I’m lucky enough that she loves me back. ”
“I knew it!” Anya shouts.
Everyone congratulates us, each person echoing the sentiment that they had known all along from the way we were with each other. It seems our feelings were obvious to everyone except us.
I’m so happy to have it all out in the open and to feel the love and support of my family. Willow relaxes beside me, and her comfort makes me even happier. It's as if a weight has been lifted from both of us, allowing us to breathe freely for the first time.
“I don’t know that we needed the big production, but I’m happy for you guys,” Callum says, taking a bite of his food with a nonchalant shrug.
My brother, the true romantic, I think with a smirk.
“Well, I’m just glad there are no more secrets. Love should never be hidden,” my mother says, her voice filled with emotion.
“Never again,” I promise, kissing Willow’s cheek tenderly. Her smile in response is worth everything.
Anya suddenly stands up, holding her hands to her chest as if to contain her excitement. “Griffin and I are engaged!” she shouts, extending her hand to show off the sparkling ring.
“Oh my God!” my mother exclaims, leaping to her feet with tears in her eyes. She rushes over to Anya, embracing her in a tight hug, her joy palpable.
The room erupts into a chorus of cheers and congratulations, everyone gathering around Anya and Griffin to admire the ring and share in their happiness. It's a beautiful, chaotic moment, filled with laughter and heartfelt sentiments.
“Holy shit, congratulations,” I say.
“Bitch, you were mad at me for not telling you about Brock and you’re engaged?” Willow says, smiling. “I better be the maid of honor.”
I laugh as we all exchange hugs.
“Wow, it just keeps coming,” Callum says, giving a quick hug to Anya and Griffin. “Happy for you guys.”
“Love has no boundaries,” Tripp says, congratulating the newly engaged couple with a sincerity that catches me off guard.
I glance at Callum, my brow furrowing in confusion. That doesn't sound like something Tripp would normally say. Callum meets my gaze, shrugs, and sits back down to continue eating. I guess all the love talk is a bit too much for him.
“When did this happen?” Willow asks, her curiosity piqued.
“The night of the wedding. When we got back to the room, Griffin got down on one knee,” Anya says, her face lighting up with excitement.
“Another wedding. My heart is so full,” my mother says, bouncing August on her knee, her joy almost tangible.
Just then, Shepherd stands up with a sheepish smile. “Well, this might sound crazy, but Felicity and I eloped in Vegas. We’re married now.”
“Fucking hell,” Callum grumbles, rolling his eyes.
“What?” my mother shouts, her voice a mix of shock and excitement.
“You’re kidding?” I say, laughing at the unexpected announcement.
“Nope. We decided we just wanted to get married without the fuss. It was perfect,” Shepherd says, looking down at Felicity with a tender smile.
“Well damn, congratulations,” I say, genuinely happy for them.
“Wow, I’m so happy for you guys,” Willow adds, her eyes shining with joy.
“Way to take away from my announcement, but I’m incredibly happy for you guys,” Anya says, rushing over to hug Shepherd and Felicity, her initial mock irritation melting into genuine happiness.
“Our family is growing by leaps and bounds. I’m so grateful,” my dad says, wrapping an arm around my mom and kissing her cheek, his eyes misting with emotion.
The room buzzes with excitement and love, everyone talking over one another to share their congratulations and well wishes. The atmosphere is electric, filled with the warmth of family and the promise of new beginnings. I only wish Paxton and Hartford were here to witness it as well.
As I look around at my family, each face reflecting the joy and love that fill this moment, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I squeeze Willow’s hand, our fingers interlacing naturally. She leans in closer, her head resting on my shoulder.
“This is what it’s all about,” I whisper to her.
She nods, her eyes glistening with happiness. “Absolutely.”
“We need to celebrate,” my mother shouts, holding her hands out wide.
“I’ll plan something,” Anya says, sitting back down.
“No, it’s not necessary,” Felicity rushes out.
“You’re an Atwood now. You should realize everything is celebrated and there’s nothing you can do to stop it,” Callum says.
“Yeah, welcome to the family, officially. You’re stuck with us now,” I say, wrapping my arm around Willow.
“You’re stuck with us too, baby. I don’t need to get down on one knee or sweep you off to Vegas to make that clear.
One day, I will, but right now I’ll show you in other ways,” I whisper, kissing the soft skin below her ear.
“I’m so happy for everyone. Love is in the air and it seems to be contagious,” Tripp says.
“Something you wanna tell us?” I ask, staring at him.
He takes a sip of his drink and offers a sly smirk. “Nope,” he says, popping the ‘p’ sound.
He’s full of shit. Something is going on. When he’s ready he’ll tell us.
“Wait until Paxton and Hartford get home. They aren’t going to believe any of this,” my mother says, looking around.
“I guess we all have them to thank. If it wasn’t for their wedding in Vegas, none of this would be happening,” I say.
It’s true. If it wasn’t for the wedding, who knows if Willow and I would have ever truly found each other. We may have ended up like two ships passing in the night. Instead, we crashed into one another and exploded.
I look at her laughing with my family and I grin.
There’s nothing fake about the way we feel for each other. Even if it did start out that way.