Epilogue
MAYA—A FEW WEEKS LATER
Ethan grinned down at me as he spun me around the dance floor at Abby and Nico’s wedding. His eyes were bright, his hair was messy, and his tie was crooked.
He was perfect.
The decorations were beautiful. At least a thousand gorgeous paper flowers made from old book pages surrounded us.
The lake paired with the leafless trees to create the perfect backdrop.
The sunset made everything look more warm, gorgeous, and comfortable, and the space heaters eased the chill of the late December weather.
Ethan and I swayed together as the song slowed down.
Our pack was all over the dance floor, the couples spread out and nestled in with so many others I either didn’t know or had just barely met.
They were all Abby and Nico’s friends and family. I couldn’t even imagine having that many people to invite to my wedding.
Was I seriously thinking about having a wedding?
Maybe a little.
Zed, my new boss, was there in the crowd with his mate. He was nothing like Aidan. Even when things were intense, he never insulted or degraded anyone.
The last two weeks working in his restaurant had been something out of a dream. I was slow and rusty, but no one had treated me poorly for it. Somehow, I was even making friends there.
I was pretty sure Ethan was to blame for the friendships.
Spending so much time with him had made me reconsider my lack of friendship abilities, and taught me how to talk to people. He was a miracle worker when it came to conversations.
“What do you want to do after this, Muffin?” he asked me, pulling me closer so his lips brushed my ear. “Marry me?”
“I’d need a lot more dishes.”
“I’ll put in an order.”
“Don’t pay for fast shipping, this time.”
“You can’t stop me.” He nipped my earlobe lightly. “Everyone looks happy.”
“So do you.”
“Oh, I’m much happier than they are.”
“Are you?” I teased.
“By far.” He dragged his tongue slowly over the two piercings in my ear. His fascination with licking me had become endless. I didn’t hate it. “We could watch a romcom, now that you’ve admitted they’re the best.”
“It’s undeniable,” I said with a sigh.
“You’ve converted to romance for me. How romantic.”
“I guess.”
“Well, I approve.” He bit the arch at the top of my ear, just softly enough not to hurt me. “I love you, Maya.”
“I love you too.”
“And for the record, if you ever want to get married, I’m here for it. I can be dressed and driving us to the nearest courthouse in less than five minutes.”
I smiled. “Convenient.”
“I aim to please.”
I laughed, and he kissed me.
Being with him was more fun than I’d ever imagined—and I’d never felt safer.
I was tied permanently to my best friend and lover. I’d never need anything else.