Epilogue
LUCY
SIX MONTHS LATER
“Daryl, you get back here right now!” I yell, shaking my head at the mess in front of me.
I was working on a new painting in the art room Colton set up for me.
I set the paint brush down for one second on the short stool Colton built me so I could check my phone, and somehow my pig picked it up.
I looked up to see him dragging the bright pink paintbrush around the floor as he chases his sister.
I’m running behind him, trying to figure out how in the world I got myself into this predicament, when the door opens, and Colton comes in, his eyes widening as he takes in the chaos in front of him.
“Damn it, Daryl,” he groans. “Stop that!” he yells. Unfortunately, all this seems to do is make Daryl more excited as he takes off back through the living room, leaving a squiggly line of pink paint in his wake.
“Well, hello to you, too,” I tease, walking over to kiss him. “You can see that today is going super well.”
“Yeah, I see that,” Colton says, shaking his head. “I missed you today, though.”
“I missed you, too,” I tell him honestly. “I was almost finished with the last painting for this month’s market when Daryl swooped in and stole my paintbrush.”
“Yeah, I guess we should do something about that, huh?” he asks, bringing my mouth back to his.
“Uh huh,” I say distractedly as Colton continues to kiss me, neither of us making the motion to move.
Finally, Colton drags his mouth away from mine and smiles at me. “Okay, if I don’t stop, this is going to get out of hand.”
“I’m okay with that,” I tease, and he shakes his head at me.
“As much as I’d love that, there’s something I need to show you. But when we get back, we’re picking up where we left off,” Colton says seriously, grabbing my hand and leading me to the front door.
As soon as he opens the door, Daryl, Denise, and Knox all rush from the back of the house, following us outside.
“Where’d you leave the paintbrush, huh?” I ask Daryl, shaking my head at the paint covering his snout.
He looks up at me, his short tail wagging happily, and I roll my eyes. “You three are really something else.”
As soon as the words are out of my mouth, Carla and the squirrels run from the side of the house.
“I guess they were feeling left out,” Colton says, shaking his head as the squirrels jump on the pigs’ backs. “I know they do this all the time, but I’m still convinced that can’t be normal.”
“Babe, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there isn’t much normal about this house.” I laugh. “Now, where are you taking me?”
“Well, I planned to take you to the meadow, but somehow, this feels right.”
I look at him in confusion. “Babe, what are you talking about?”
Instead of answering, he sinks down to one knee and pulls out a small black ring box. I stare at him in shock as he opens the lid, revealing the most perfect teardrop-shaped solitaire diamond I’ve ever seen in my life.
“Lucy Phillips, you’re everything I never knew I wanted.
You came into my life when I was least expecting it.
Ever since the night you walked into The Watering Hole, you’ve owned every piece of my heart.
And nothing in this world would make me happier than getting to spend the rest of my life by your side. So, will you marry me?”
As soon as he finishes, the animals all run over, thinking that Colton wants to play. Knox barks, and the pigs scramble around him, almost knocking Colton over as they all try to get his attention.
“Damn it, can y’all not let me have this one moment?” Colton groans, causing me to laugh. He stands, shaking his head.
“I can’t imagine a more fitting way for us to start our lives together,” I mutter, and Colton looks up at me.
“Does that mean you’re saying yes? You’ll marry me?” he asks, his expression hopeful.
“Absolutely, I will,” I cry, reaching my hand for him to slip the ring on my finger. The moment it’s on my hand, I sigh, soaking in how perfect this moment feels.
“I love you, Colton Harris,” I mutter, looking around at the life we built together.
“Not as much as I love you, Lucy Phillips,” he says, dropping his mouth to mine.
We kiss for a moment, lost in the feeling of each other. “You know, I’m gonna miss this chaos next month when we start touring.”
Colton was officially hired as the Bama Bulls head coach just before Christmas, and we leave for the season in less than three weeks.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but so will I. But you and I both know they’ll have a great time staying with your mom.”
I nod, knowing he’s right. “Also, I need to run something by you,” I say hesitantly.
“What’s up, baby?”
“Well, I was talking to Amelia, and I think she should come with us. You know she’s had a hard time since she and Mitch broke up, and I don’t want to leave her. Plus, if she’s there, it’ll give me someone to hang out with while you’re in training.
Colton goes quiet for a second before nodding. “Actually, I think that’s a good idea. But I’m getting her a hotel at each stop, because there’s no way I’m going four months without fucking you.”
“I think that’s a great compromise,” I agree, leaning back in to kiss him.
Pulling back, I look down at the ring he just placed on my finger. “We’re getting married,” I squeal. “You know, there’s no take-backs. You’re officially stuck with me forever.”
“I like the sound of that,” Colton replies, planting a soft kiss on my forehead.
Reaching up, I take his hat and place it on my head. Colton smiles, his eyes filling with mischief. “Now, Darlin’, you know I only take that hat off for one thing.”
“I know.” I tell him, grabbing his hand and leading him back towards the house, “Now come on , Cowboy. I think you have something to take care of.”