Epilogue
O ne month later, Nantucket Stroll weekend
“I’m so glad you’re not just visiting for Nantucket Stroll,” Lisa said. It was Nantucket Stroll weekend and Lauren and Hudson had just arrived at Lisa Hodges’ annual Christmas open house. Lisa had told her that she held the party every year and it was a tradition of sorts that people stopped in before heading downtown to participate in the Stroll activities. Lauren had heard so much about this magical Nantucket Stroll and was looking forward to walking along the cobblestone streets of downtown Nantucket and visiting the shops that were all decorated for the holiday. There were Christmas cookie decorating tables and carolers, and Santa would be making an appearance as well.
The snow had started falling as they pulled up to Lisa’s house and swirled around them as they walked to her front door. There was already a good crowd gathered and there was so much food. The kitchen island was overflowing with chips and dips, shrimp cocktail, spiced nuts, stuffed mushrooms, lobster quiche of course, cheese and crackers and more. Lauren accepted a glass of a bubbly wine and sherbet punch that Kate had made. It was sweet and delicious, and Lauren sipped it slowly as they walked around and chatted with everyone.
Angela arrived and she looked great. She was showing quite a bit now, and had a cute baby bump. Lauren filled a plate and sat down with Angela to catch up while they ate. Hudson had wandered off and was talking with Kate’s husband, Jack.
“How are you feeling?” Lauren asked.
“So good. My energy is back and I’m still working and I think keeping active is helping. Did I tell you we found out it’s going to be a girl?”
“No! That’s awesome. Do you have any names in mind yet?”
Angela nodded. “I like Charlotte and Charlie for short. Philippe likes Olivia, but he says he likes Charlotte, too.”
“Both names are cute.”
“How is the filming going? Is it so different after the reality shows?” Angela asked.
“It is. I’m learning a lot. It’s such a great story. I’m excited for it to be on Netflix.”
Kate walked over and heard what Lauren said.
“I still can’t believe it’s going to be on Netflix. I started to think it wasn’t going to go anywhere, so it’s amazing that it ended up with Cami and is filming here.”
“Is it true that you are in one of the scenes? Kristen mentioned something about that to me,” Angela said.
Kate laughed. “Yes. That was so fun. I attended a fancy cocktail party and got to dress up. I’m just in the background and think I’m maybe on screen for a few seconds, if that.”
“That’s so cool. We’ll watch for you when it airs,” Angela said.
Kay and Walter walked in, and Kay walked over to say hello.
“Lisa told me you were back on the island. How exciting that you’re here to film a new show. Are you happy to be back?” Kay asked.
Lauren nodded. “So happy. It’s great to be back here.”
“How are the other folks doing from the show? Have you kept in touch with any of them?” she asked.
“Yes. I’ve seen all of them and keep in touch with a few of the cast, mostly Anna, who has filled me in on what’s going on with some of the others. She says that Suzanne and Noah are still dating. And she and Jason are engaged!”
“Well, isn’t that something? How’s that Katy girl doing? The one that dated your charming ex?” Kay said it sarcastically and Lauren laughed.
“Katy is great. Anna and Jason actually set her up with his friend, Sean, and they are getting along really well. Honey and Brett are actually expecting, which is exciting for them. Oh, and Sami is going on a solo trip to India to study Buddhism and find herself. She will, of course, be documenting everything online.”
Kay shook her head. “Of course she will. I’m happy for Katy though and the others, too.”
Two hours later, Lauren and Hudson left to head downtown and experience the Nantucket Stroll. It was cold and Lauren was bundled up in a long ivory wool coat and matching cranberry cashmere hat and gloves. The snow fell softly as they walked. It was just enough to look pretty and add a festive dusting of white to the ground.
Lauren had to agree with everyone that told her how magical the Christmas Stroll was. All the shops were decorated, and many were giving out samples of chocolates or mulled cider and there were all kinds of holiday events happening. They stopped by the cookie decorating table and each decorated a gingerbread cookie and walked around eating it.
Later that night, back at Lauren’s cottage, she and Hudson snuggled on the living room sofa as they watched a movie and enjoyed the warmth of the real wood fireplace that was glowing merrily.
Just when Lauren didn’t think she could be any happier, Hudson told her he loved her for the first time.
“I’m so glad that you’re here, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than with you. I love you, Lauren.”
“I love you too. And I feel the same. I love Nantucket and it feels like home, but that’s mostly because I’m with you.”
“How would you like to stay here permanently? And make Nantucket your forever home?” His eyes shone and Lauren’s heart fluttered.
He stood and then got down on one knee. “I know it hasn’t been long, but you’re the one, Lauren. When you left to go back to LA, I missed you so much. I missed seeing you every day. Now that you’re back, I’ve realized how important you are and how much I love you. Will you marry me?” He held out the most delicate, beautiful ring. It had a platinum band, and the design was a vintage antique, with one big round diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller ones.
Lauren just stared at the ring, stunned into silence.
Hudson continued talking, “It was my grandmother’s ring. If you don’t like it, I can get something else.”
“No, it’s perfect. It’s lovely. Yes, of course I’ll marry you.” She was shocked by the proposal as it was unexpected, but it also felt so right.
Hudson gently slipped the ring onto her finger and it fit perfectly. He grinned. “I borrowed one of your rings and had it sized to make sure it fit.”
Lauren stared at her hand. The ring sparkled in the firelight. “I can’t believe we’re engaged.”
“We can take our time getting married. I’m not in any hurry. I just wanted you to know how I felt and to make the commitment.”
“I’m not in a hurry, either. Eventually, we’ll plan something. I just want to enjoy being engaged to you, too.”
She glanced at the window where the streetlight illuminated the snowflakes that were still coming down.
“Everyone was right. Christmas Stroll on Nantucket really is magical.”
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed the latest story in this series.