Epilogue
Evie
“Ready to go?” Zander calls out from his kitchen.
I’m throwing my hair in a messy bun and just as I’m about to rethink it, I steel myself. A messy bun is fine. Still learning not to doubt every decision I make. Though, to be honest, this evening warrants a few nerves.
“Did you pick up the bottle of apple cider I suggested for your parents?”
“Yup. Good call on the non-alcoholic beverage. You know them well. Ahhh…there she is. My sexy doctor.” His arms are outstretched ready to pull me into a hug.
“Ha ha. I’m going for slightly more sophisticated than I actually am.”
“Not sure you nailed it.”
“What?” I pull on the collar of my black sweater. “This is perfect for a family dinner.”
“True. But you’re uber sophisticated, so the look isn’t more than you. It’s just you. And it’s perfect. Just like you.”
“Awww…Zander, I never knew you could be so sappy.”
His laughter mingles with mine and then he kisses me. “What can I say? As my girlfriend, you bring out a different side of me.”
“You bring out the best side of me. I feel fearless with you.”
“Love expels fear, Evie. And I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Zander. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“So you’re glad you didn’t make your move on Logan that night?”
“Logan who?”
He throws his head back and laughs. His grin is the best. Deadly. Panty-melting.
“I need someone who’d be a book for me, Zander.”
“That’s all you need? A costume sidekick?” he teases while he nibbles on my neck.
“That and everything else you are.”
“Which is?”
“Loyal. Kind. Supportive. You’ve never once berated me for my indecisiveness. You’ve always stood by me, no matter the rumors. You’ve always trusted me. Believed in me. We’ve had some of the best days together doing absolutely nothing. That’s how I know you’re the one for me.”
“I feel the same way, Evie. You’re the most resilient woman I know. Once you’ve made your choice, you don’t give up on what you want. You have the most amazing heart.”
“You’re the best friend and best boyfriend I could ever ask for, Zander.”
“Glad you said that because there’s just one thing you should know before we head out.” Sheepishly, he grabs the back of his neck and then clears his throat. “My parents weren’t expecting me this weekend. I was supposed to be at Sloane’s Thanksgiving Dinner tonight.”
“Thanksgiving?”
“American Thanksgiving. She always visits her family this weekend and I said I’d go.”
I really can’t be upset about that considering they dated for a while. Of course, they would have discussed the holidays. A discomforting thought settles in the bottom of my stomach.
“Do they know you’ve broken up?”
“Yes. Definitely.” His hands come up to rub my upper arms, and he tucks some strands behind my ear. “I told them right away.”
“And they know about us, right?”
“I told them that too.” He’s more hesitant when he answers that one.
“And…”
“Not gonna lie. They weren’t enthusiastic.”
Shit.
“But it’s mostly because they thought this was all happening too soon. They thought maybe you were a…”
“What?” I’m thinking the worst here. Slut. Side piece.
“A rebound.”
Damn. That’s not great either.
“But don’t worry, Evie. Trust me. I told them about my feelings and how I’d been an idiot for a long time.
After I explained it, they started to come around.
They even mentioned how they’d seen a few things at various events we had shown up at together.
So they’re not completely blind to it. Just surprised and a little cautious. ”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” He pulls me into a long hug. “I almost didn’t want to tell you because I know you have a habit of second guessing yourself, and I didn’t want you to worry. But then I reminded myself of what an absolute goddess you are, and I knew you could handle anything. Including my parents.”
“Oh. Goddess, am I? I thought I was just a sexy doctor?”
“Goddess. Doctor. They’re all one of the many roles you take on in life.”
“Hmmm…”
“What are you hmmming about?”
“Just thinking that a goddess deserves to be worshipped.” I take in the matching smirks we must have as he drops to his knees.
“You are so right. And I can’t think of a better time than now to show you my devotion.”
“We’ll be late.”
“I don’t care.”
And ya, neither do I, but it was the respectful thing to do and protest.
My body is so ramped up for him that it won’t take long anyway. One lick—mmm—ya, this won’t take long at all.
And we’ll just make it up to them. Somehow. Maybe two bottles of cider—mmm—my knees buckle.
There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. And I don’t just mean with my legs wrapped around his head.
I mean, with Zander. The Golden Boy. Who chose me all those years ago, stood by me, defended me, never left.
It took a lot of years to finally open up in our fullest capacity to each other, but I love him more for it. This isn’t rushed. This is us.
***