Epilogue
Simon
ONE YEAR Later
Sweetbriar’sFirst Annual Charity Art Gala is a huge success. Not that I had any doubts. Once Ellery sets her mind to something, nothing—and I mean nothing—will stand in her way.
Beckham is a good example of just that.
My lips curve in a rueful smile when I think about my best friend. We had a rough go of it last year. I’ll be the first to admit it. Thankfully the two of us were able to move past everything and come out on the other side stronger than ever.
As much as I was loathe to admit it at the time, Beckham and Ellery are meant to be together. I couldn’t be happier for them.
But that joy does not extend to my sister’s new mission in life: trying to get her big brother to settle down. Just because she has found love, that doesn’t mean I need to do the same. I’m perfectly happy with my life.
Besides, I had love once. And I have no desire to go down that particular road again. Ever.
This explains why I am hiding out in a secluded corner of the new Unity Art Co-op building. I am also nursing a bourbon while I survey the culmination of all my baby sister’s hard work.
Her passion project just recently celebrated its grand opening. Lena pitched the idea of this gala as a way to celebrate and create buzz. On top of that, with a silent auction of original art and other gifts donated to the event, the gala also puts a spotlight on the artists and businesses local to Sweetbriar. All money raised tonight will be going toward the art center. Ellery decided the business should be non-profit, so every donation is helpful.
Like I said. No doubts. My sister is a powerhouse.
“Hiding so early?”
My head jerks up at the sound of Beckham’s voice.
“Early?” I ask, incredulous. “I’ve been here for two hours already.”
“Don’t worry, Cinderella, you’ll get to leave before you turn into a pumpkin.”
“That’s it.” I hold my hand out. “Give me back the ring. I withdraw my blessing. And I’ll take your man card, while you’re at it.”
Beckham rolls his eyes and leans back against the wall beside me. “Too late,” he says, staring out over the crowd. “No take-backs.”
“Fuck. It’s worse than I thought. Not only are you lame enough to throw fairy tales into conversation, but you’re reverting to a ten-year-old mentality.”
That earns me a light punch on the shoulder. I laugh lightly and take a sip of my drink. We stand there in companionable silence—at least until I get a good look at my friend. He seems relaxed, but his expression is carefully blank and his jaw is clenched so tightly that I can see the muscle twitching.
“You ready?” I ask in concern.
He gives one terse nod. One hand is tucked into his suit jacket—playing with the ring box, no doubt. I’ve lost count of the number of times he touched the ring. He needs to know it’s still there. Proving that tonight is real.
“Relax, Beck.” I clap him on the shoulder. “She’s going to say yes.”
He huffs a laugh. “You’re too confident for your own good, you know that?”
“Yep.” I take another sip of bourbon. “And you’re not confident enough.”
He is so keyed up right now that I can feel the tension rolling off of him. With a sigh, I set my tumbler on the nearest high top. He deserves my full attention.
“Beckham.”
“Hmm?”
His focus is entirely on Ellery, watching her across the room while she charms her guests. I know he won’t hear a word I say.
“Hey. Look at me.”
He must have caught my serious tone that time because his eyes immediately cut over to me. One eyebrow raises in question. So I repeat the words.
“She’s going to say yes, man. Ellery has wanted you most of her life. She’s stubborn. No way she isn’t going to lock you down if she gets the chance.”
Beckham barks out a surprised laugh. “Fuck. You’re probably right.”
Finally, he relaxes into a smile and lets his shoulders drop down from around his ears. About damn time. I swear, the man is going to give himself a complex one of these days.
“Pfft. I’m always right.”
He ignores that. Instead, after a deep breath, he says, “Alright. Gonna go get my girl.”
“Attaboy,” I say.
After a quick, heartfelt hug and a slap on the back, Beckham starts across the room. Focus zeroed in on Ellery, he is standing in front of her just as the music switches to something slow and romantic. It is a perfect moment of serendipity.
If I believed in that sort of thing.
They are too far away to hear what he says, but I can see the smile bloom on her face. He pulls her into his arms. As they start to sway in time with the song, my heart twists up and I have to look away.
Time for another drink.
I love Beckham. I love Ellery. And I’m honestly, wholeheartedly thrilled that they each found their person. But I’m not immune to the occasional bout of jealousy. Because I had my person once upon a time, and I let her go.
When I turn away from the bar with a fresh glass of bourbon in hand, the song is fading into its last strains. I turn my head just in time. Beckham leads Ellery into a final spin and then, once her back is turned, drops down to one knee.
Ellery turns toward him again. Her hands fly up to her mouth. At the same time, there is a collective gasp before everyone in the room goes silent. Absolutely everyone. Quiet enough to hear a pin drop while they all lean forward for a better look. Ready to hang on every word. But, whatever Beckham has to say, he keeps his voice low, his words for Ellery and Ellery alone. She is breathing heavily from too many emotions. Fighting back tears while he speaks, her fingers reaching out to touch the engagement ring.
Our mother’s engagement ring.
Everything that comes next feels like it happens in slow motion, yet all at once.
Ellery beams, nodding, and shouts, “Yes!”
Beckham slips the ring onto her finger. She starts to cry just as the room erupts into applause and cheers.
Beckham launches to his feet. Takes her into his arms. Twirls her around while she laughs.
They kiss. More cheers. Louder, mixed in with catcalls and whistles.
Before the masses can descend, Ellery looks around until she spots me. She breaks free of Beckham and gathers her skirts, launching herself across the room and into my arms.
“I love you, Si,” she says through broken sobs.
“Love you too, little sis.” I chuckle softly and tuck her into one of my bear hugs.
“I c-can’t believe—Mom’s ring…” Suddenly, she yanks back. “What about you, Simon? You’re the oldest. What about—?”
Shaking my head, I reach up and cup her cheeks. My thumbs wipe away the tears now falling in earnest. “Mom would have wanted you to have it. Trust me.”
I don’t need Mom’s engagement ring. Marriage isn’t in the cards for me. The ring would have just gone to waste.
Besides, I already own an engagement ring. One that I bought over a decade ago. For nearly as long, it has been tucked away in a junk drawer where most things go to die. I really should sell the thing.
Not sure why I never did.
With a sigh, I kiss Ellery on the forehead before stepping back. Beckham, who was hovering nearby, steps up and tucks her under one arm. I catch his eye and smile. He returns it, mouthing, “Thank you,” before turning them toward the crowd that has been forming behind them.
Giving me the chance for a quick and stealthy exit.
As I step out onto the estate’s large wraparound porch, the sudden silence is comforting—and I need it more than I realized. Instead of rushing down the steps and straight to my car, I move toward the railing, lean forward, take a deep breath, and hold. The fall air is crisp and has a refreshing bite to it when it enters my lungs.
Even for just a few minutes, it feels good to relax. To be alone, truly alone, for the first time all day.
Except that I’m not alone.
Something moves in my peripheral vision. Suddenly on full alert, my hand flexes at my side. I resist the urge to grab the gun strapped beneath my tuxedo jacket—but only just.
A quiet gasp comes from the shadows. I turn my head and squint. I can just make out the figure of a woman but no definitive features.
Christ. It’s a party, Simon. Probably just a guest looking for air, like you.
“Who’s there?” I ask.
Trying and failing to keep the cop out of my voice.
After a moment’s hesitation, the woman moves out of the darkness. I track every move. My eyes trace the same path the light takes, unable to look away. And not because of my cop instincts.
No. Because of a dainty pair of silver heels attached to slim ankles. Because of shapely calves and the ruffled hem of a wine-red cocktail dress. Because I am caught in some sort of spell.
My gaze continues to travel along the flared skirt of the dress. There is a slit on one side that goes almost completely up her leg, framing a shapely thigh. My eyes follow that, too. Higher and higher. Tracing the form-fitted silhouette and bodice that leads to a delicate collarbone and a long, slender neck.
As soon as my gaze hits the woman’s mouth, parted in surprise, my pulse starts to ratchet up because I know those full, pouty lips.
That heart-shaped face.
That pert nose.
Those large doe eyes staring up at me. Wide and filled with uncertainty.
Despite not having seen them for over a decade, I would know those features anywhere. Just like I used to know the woman they belong to.
“Hello, Simon,” she says.
Her voice brings everything rushing back. Every memory I’d locked away. Every feeling. Every single, solitary regret—and I have so many.
I also have so many questions.
But the only thing I can get out is her name.
“Piper?”