Epilogue
One year later…
Theo stood inside Second Chance Chic, Amber’s new boutique, on grand opening night and listened to the buzz of excitement and laughter around him with a proud grin on his face. Amber’s family had pitched in over the last month to turn the little shop on the corner of Main Street into a vibrant, boho explosion of colors.
The front display window held fairy lights and mannequins in flowing, vintage maxi dresses hand embroidered by Amber herself. Theo knew because he had helped her steam and press each one in preparation for tonight. Each corner of Second Chance Chic was artfully arranged with scarves and handbags, jewelry, and clothing sourced from local designers as well as her own designs.
Amber had cut the ribbon earlier in the night and the party was in full swing now. Music and champagne flowed while they celebrated Amber’s success with their loved ones.
Her entire family, plus Ford and Georgie, Cap, and Johnny, Charlotte, Diane, and Todd. Val sat with Holly and Sandy. She had declared college “overrated,” but Theo knew she loved it.
She had shown him her Dean’s List letter with a proud smile on her face, and she was considering applying to study abroad now that Sandy had regular work hours and a hefty raise as Theo’s new assistant.
Amber had asked him to consider hiring Sandy to replace her, giving her more time home with the girls. Sandy was ruthlessly efficient and organized and had quickly fit right in with Diane to run the office.
Theo sat next to Georgie on the plush vintage couch in the corner and took in Amber’s vision. He was so damn proud of her. She flitted around, greeting her family and friends, practically glowing and so thoroughly in her element.
Their relationship had only grown stronger since she moved into his house shortly after that press conference when she told everyone she loved him. The memory still made him smile.
In the days following, the surrounding buzz in town and on social media grew, but it turned out people enjoyed seeing a love story unfold right in front of their eyes with a little help from a PR queen. Amber had taken over with her photos and stories on social media about Theo’s lifelong dedication to Northfield, and he had won the election in November by a landslide.
Now, as he watched Amber mingle with her guests, he thought about their future. He had a ring picked out and airplane tickets for Paris at home, waiting for them later. But tonight was for Amber. He wanted her to shine all on her own.
Not that she needed any help from him in that department. She had gone old Hollywood tonight with a slim-fitting, wine-colored dress and, Theo noted with interest, her black ankle strap heels. He had big plans for those heels later too.
“Sthmile,” the curly-haired princess in his arms demanded. Savvie’s dress sported permanent marker and what looked to be pink frosting, but she was as unaffected as ever. Theo grinned and kissed the top of her sticky hair. The little hellion and her sweet sister had him wrapped around their fingers but good and they knew it. He didn’t mind.
Maybe someday they would have kids of their own, but he was perfectly content to watch Amber make her dreams come true now. They had all the time in the world.
He didn’t think he’d ever get tired of watching her passion and creativity flourish as she pursued what she loved most.
Amber caught his gaze from across the room and she smiled, so soft and joy-filled and confident, that he was nearly taken down to his knees. He would happily spend the rest of his life looking for opportunities to make her smile like that.
The mic in the corner that Amber had set up for announcements gave feedback that made the crowd cover their ears, laughing as Sammy and Ben sang obnoxiously loud. The kids were all taking turns singing, much to the crowd’s amusement.
Theo glanced at the mic, and an idea sparked.
He set Savvie down gently next to Davis.
“You okay, man?” Davis asked. “You look a little pale.” Over the last year, Theo had become good friends with Davis and Allie both. Davis was a straight shooter, a family man, and someone Theo respected.
Theo took a deep breath and felt slightly sick. “I’m about to do something I said I would never do again.”
Davis broke into a grin. “It’s the Hart women. They have a way of making you dive off into the deep end.” He clapped him on the back. “It’s a hell of a ride.”
Theo gulped and made his way over to the kids. “Sammy, can I have a word?” He talked to Sammy for a minute, who did an admirable job of not laughing at his idea before grabbing the mic.
Theo’s collar felt too tight, and he was suddenly lightheaded, but when he looked up, Amber was smiling at him from across the room and everything was technicolor again.
Theo cleared his throat and tapped the mic. “Hello everyone.” He was surprised by how steady his voice was. “I hope you’re all enjoying the grand opening of Second Chance Chic.”
The sea of faces broke out into clapping and cheers. “Tonight we celebrate the newest business in Northfield and also the hard work, the dreams, and the dedication of an incredible woman—Amber Hart.” He held her gaze during more applause and cheers.
And arched his eyebrow. Dare me?
Her smile stretched wider, mischievously wider, and she nodded faintly. Dare you.
“I’m not much of a singer, but someone once told me that life is more fun with risks.” Georgie blew him a kiss from the couch. “Please bear with me because this is for you, Amber.”
As Sammy strummed the opening chords of “I’m Gonna Be (500 miles),” the room erupted into cheers, Amber’s loudest of all. Theo found her across the crowd and grinned, holding her gaze, his heart squeezing with the love and laughter he saw reflected there.
And then he got into it, because never let it be said that Theo Clairmont didn’t know how to have fun.
THE END