EPILOGUE
SCARLETT
ONE YEAR LATER
Haven Pilates.
I’m standing across the road from the studio. My studio.
This has been my dream since I realised that Pilates was my calling, and it was something that I didn’t ever think would become reality.
The early sunlight glints off the studio windows, and inside I can just faintly see the reformer beds throughout the front room.
I sigh, feeling my eyes tear up just as a pair of arms slide around my waist, pulling me into a solid chest. Levi’s scent makes me relax instantly as I melt into him. He squeezes me lightly as he rests his chin on my shoulder.
“Today’s the day, Princess.” He whispers in my ear, turning to press a gentle kiss at the curve of my neck.
“Today’s the day.” I repeat as a wide smile takes over my face. Grasping his hand in mine, I pull him across the road to the studio, unlocking the door before we step inside.
My smile grows even further as I look around. It’s perfect.
Beige reformer beds line the studio, the off-white walls lined with green plants, the oak counter in the middle of the reception area with the props set behind it, and the floor to ceiling windows that line the front of the room. It’s everything that I’ve ever wanted.
“Are you nervous?” Levi asks, placing our stuff behind the counter.
I wave him off. “Absolutely not.”
I absolutely am.
Levi smirks at me, raising an eyebrow.
A high-pitched squeal cuts through the moment, and I spin around to see Gigi Carter running toward me. She tackles me in a hug. “I am so excited.”
“Me too, Gige.” I laugh, hugging her back.
Pulling away, she looks around. “How can I help?”
…
The Grand Opening is in full swing, everyone that we know, and love is here. We have the best caterers in Seattle for the food, an open bar, and everyone seems to be having a great time.
Though, there’s one thing missing… Right on cue, the boys walk in, dressed up in Haven Pilates gear. All six of them – Levi, Bennett, Hudson, Evan, Reid and Cole, because, being their captain, Levi really left them with no choice.
“Are you boys ready for your class?” I ask, directing them over to the Pilates beds for them to take their place.
“Let’s start with our down stretch. I already set your springs on a light spring, so don’t touch them.” I raise an eyebrow. Hudson looks excited, Cole and Evan look bored, Reid looks like he’d rather be with his baby girl, Bennett looks scared, and Levi looks… turned on. Of course.
I gave them a run through of the reformer a few days ago, so there’s no need to explain, and I cue them into their exercise.
“Okay, boys. High kneeling position. Hands on your footbar, shoulder width apart and tuck your bum in, creating a nice straight line with your body.”
Their brows furrow as they focus. Well, all of them aside from Levi. I snap my fingers at him, causing him to straighten up and quickly move into position.
“Inhale to prepare,” they collectively breathe in, “and exhale as you press away from the carriage. Keep your hips in line. Don’t let them move.”
The guys exhale as they move down into the movement, keeping slow and controlled.
“Once you reach your full range of motion, inhale as you draw the carriage back in.”
Following my instruction, the guys continue to move into the down stretch before I decide to throw in an add-on.
“On the next one, we add on a push up. Inhale to prepare, exhale as you press down into the stretch. Control the carriage back in. Up the top we add on the push up, so bend through the elbows, lower the chest toward the footbar, before pressing back up.”
They all groan when adding on the push up, causing the crowd behind me to laugh.
I continue to correct them, making them work until their bodies ache and they’re dripping in sweat. And it was the best opening I could have ever hoped for.
…
Later, after the last guest had left and the studio lights were dimmed, Levi and I stand in the middle of the space, arms wrapped around each other.
I can still feel the lingering adrenaline from earlier, my heart racing from the excitement of the Grand Opening, and the warmth of his body pressed close against mine.
“You were amazing tonight,” Levi murmured, pulling me closer, his lips brushing my temple.
“I couldn’t have done it without you,” I whispered, leaning into him. Every step, every word, every bit of confidence has been easier with him by my side.
He tilted my chin up and captures my lips in a slow, lingering kiss that makes every nerve in my body spark to life.
We pull back, grinning at each other like fools, because this right here was everything. The Grand Opening, the studio, all the effort and excitement, it was my moment, and having him by my side made it perfect.
Levi pressed a hand to my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. “We have a lot ahead of us,” he said, voice low and certain. “And I will be with you for all of it.”
I smiled, letting myself fully believe him. Whatever came next, games, work, or life, it did not matter. I have him, and he has me.
Hand in hand, we stepped out into the crisp Seattle night, the cool air a sharp contrast to the heat of the studio and yet somehow perfect.
We laugh quietly, hearts full, adrenaline still humming through me from the evening’s triumph.
For the first time in a long time, everything felt exactly where it was meant to be.
The future was mine, and ours, and I cannot wait to face it together.