Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Laird
I made this trek once before.
Not the same route. I took a lot of detours to get here this time. But you know what they say—it’s about the journey, not the destination. For me, it’s about both.
Poppy got her memories, but I got her, so it all worked out how it was supposed to in the end. Though, I believe this is just our beginning.
The car pulls into the parking lot, and I get out, taking my duffel bag from the trunk before tapping the back to send them on their way. It’s hotter in July than the last time I was in Austin.
I could have spent my time flying here wondering why she insisted I meet her here since the place doesn’t hold a spot in my fondest memories. No fault of theirs. Only my own. Knowing Poppy was coming here and that she would marry me that day in October doesn’t mess with my head like it used to. That’s what closure gives you.
That’s the gift she gave me .
Peace with the past.
I look around and can’t lie. I’m starting to feel a little nervous. Only a few cars are in the parking lot, and no one is walking in or out. The last time I was here it was packed, so I’m sure what’s going on but I head to the front door on the side building.
As soon as I round the corner, I stop.
A cropped top, short skirt, tan legs leading into white boots. Dressed in white with white flowers in her hair that match the bouquet in her hands. Poppy says, “Took you long enough.”
I walk right up to her, drop my duffel, and dip her into a kiss. Pulling her upright, I take her into my arms. Face-to-face. Lips to lips. Heart to heart. “I took the scenic route. Thirty-three months to be exact.”
With a smile that could light up the Vegas Strip, she caresses my cheeks. “You got here just in time, babe.” This time, she kisses me. Could be Austin, or maybe it’s just being reunited after a long week of shows, but her happiness pervades the world around us.
I kiss her again, our lips parting and our tongues tangoing. I taste her little mewls and deepen our connection. She wasn’t wearing white when I met her, but I can see so much of her returning to who she used to be. The heaviness doesn’t weigh on her, the sense of always failing in her parents’ eyes is gone.
She’s carefree again.
Her hair is a little unruly from the wind, her lips stained in cherry red, and the boots are scuffed, though she’s probably only worn them for an hour. I love discovering the little things that make her Poppy.
The scars from the accident.
The vibrant green in her eyes bask in the sun’s rays .
And a new tattoo I’ll be asking her about later. Although it doesn’t need much explanation. With my eyes on her, I bring her arm to my mouth and lick the length of it.
“What do you think?” she asks, timidity entering her tone. “I wanted something else that you designed.” I love you. L.
Simple. Encapsulating. Our past tangled with our future. “I love it, but I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
“It’s not what you did. It’s who you are that made me fall in love with you over and over again.” Holding me again, she asks, “Want to play a game?” I’m already smirking, liking the direction we’re heading. “I’ll go first. Never have I ever gotten married before.” She tugs the door open, but I stop her from entering.
Since the outfit is a dead giveaway, I need to get some things off my chest. “Before we go in there, I need to tell you something.”
Her smile falters, but trust still resides in her eyes. I take her hands in mine, letting the door close on its own, and say, “Never have I ever had one doubt about marrying you after knowing you less than twenty-four hours.” I kiss one hand and then the other before leaning in to kiss that spot just beneath her ear that makes her giggle, or if I catch her in just the right mood, she moans.
“Mm.” Her head tilts toward mine, making me smile from hearing her purr.
I cup her face and drink in her captivating features. “Never have I ever doubted that you are my soulmate, Poppy. I know we give destiny a lot of credit for our relationship, but we put in the work.” I glance toward the restaurant, spying all the familiar faces inside. Not so much a surprise that I’m getting married but that she went to the trouble to pull this together for us while I was touring, I say, “It will be the honor of my eternity to love you with every ounce of my being.”
The restaurant smells of ginger and pancakes, coffee, and my soon-to-be wife, who smells divine with a mix of vanilla and sex appeal. But when I come in from the sunshine, it’s not only the stacks of pancakes lined up on the counter that I see. It’s everyone I care about in one restaurant, filling the booths and clapping for us.
Poppy bumps into me and says, “If you think they’re happy now, just wait.”
She’s mistaken me for someone with patience. I’ve waited my whole life to be with this woman. I’m ready for this. But first, I make the rounds greeting and hugging, shaking hands, and patting backs with everyone from my parents to my sister with Autumn and Tulsa to Johnny, Holliday, and Tommy. The Crow Brothers are representing, and even The Rock Star Heroes came to be a part of the big day. Of course, they still live here, so the travel wasn’t bad.
Even the server from back then came in to celebrate. Emmie says, “I’m glad it worked out.”
“Thanks.”
Nikki brings me a tuxedo jacket to slip on with my jeans. I would have chosen different clothes for my wedding day, but if Poppy’s happy, I am.
I look around, seeing faces that aren’t typically at our family events, but are familiar faces and in reputation. Good things said, so I’m glad I finally get to meet all of them.
It’s Marina and Cash, the Westcott parents, and all three brothers and their wives who pull me in their direction. Meeting the family that matters, the people who took care of Poppy so one day I would have the privilege means everything to me. Like it does for Poppy. They showed up when no one else in her world did .
This is what receptions are for. “I’m ready to get married. How are you feeling?”
“Ready.”
The door opens, pulling everyone’s attention away from us exchanging rings. My cousin stumbles in with a woman under his arm. I could be mad, but I’ve been angry enough to last for centuries. It’s time for me to put that behind me. Shane says, “Sorry I’m late.”
“ Speak of the devil .” I’m just glad he made it.
We exchanged our vows in the middle of Magnolia Café, booked the same room at the Austin Hotel where we fell in love the first time, and then six days later, we’re honeymooning in our favorite place. I say, “I would have taken you anywhere.”
Resting her book on her chest, she says, “I don’t think you understand my financial situation, now our financial situation.”
I know about some of what she’s inheriting, but since we decided we didn’t need a prenuptial agreement, the details are still a bit vague. “Which is?”
“My point is that I could have taken you anywhere as well.”
Chuckling, I add, “That’s fair. Next vacation is on you, Mrs. Faris.”
“I love Deer Lake. I couldn’t have asked for a better three-day honeymoon between tour stops.” She points a finger in my direction. “You’re not the only one who counts days away and how long we’re together when you’re fortunate to have downtime days.”
Taking her hand, we hold it to bridge the distance between our chairs. “Do you know when the book is due?”
“I haven’t gotten the schedule yet. In the meantime, I have something else due soon.”
“What is it?”
“Twins.”
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