Epilogue
One year Later
Max
I’ve spent the last seven agonising days in America taking care of business.
I didn’t want to leave Lex here in Scotland, but she was adamant that she would survive a week without me.
Absence definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted.
I spent those days, scrolling through her social media, video calling, and sending text messages, just to have communication with her.
I didn’t tell her that I got an earlier flight home; I wanted to surprise her. She thinks I’m getting home tomorrow night, and I know from Brendan that Lexi is meeting my mum and dad this evening for dinner in the lounge of our hotel.
I leave my suitcase behind the reception desk and speak to no one in my passing.
I’ve got one place I want to be and that’s in Lexi’s arms. I stand at the door to the lounge.
It’s not overly busy, but I’d be able to point out Lexi from any crowded space.
She has this aura about her that attracts me to her.
I stand and watch her laugh at something my mum says.
I know my dad has spotted me; he knew I was coming home tonight, but I told him to keep it a surprise.
“Does she know you’re home yet?” asks Brendan as he slides up beside me.
I shake my head. I’m a little lost for words at the beauty several feet away from me. “I’m about to make it known.”
“You’re smitten, bro.”
I pat my hand on my brother’s chest and laugh. “You’ll know what that feels like when the right woman walks into your life. In the meantime, keep working hard.”
Brendan has been the assistant manager of this hotel. He has been doing amazingly well with the training I’ve given him. He has proven to us all that he is a good worker and hospitality is his calling.
I walk into the lounge and follow Ricky the bartender over to our table where he deposits the drinks.
Lexi turns her attention to Ricky and gives him her empty glass. “Thanks, Rick.”
Lexi has a good rapport with all the staff, they love her. She settles back into her seat but does a double take at me standing behind her. She balls up the napkin from her knee and launches herself into my arms.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be home early?” She kisses my neck and my cheek, until her mouth lands on mine.
“I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“Did you know?” Lexi turns to my parents. My mum shakes her head, but my dad holds his hands up in a mock surrender.
Lexi tries to pull away from me to take her seat again, we’re kind of drawing attention to ourselves, but I don’t care. I catch her hand and pull her back towards me.
“Let me have a minute of your time, Lex. I promise it will be worth it.”
“Is everything okay?” The nerves in her voice are something I didn’t want to hear.
I place my hands on her cheeks and kiss her softly. “I hope everything is going to be perfect.”
I pull away from her, fumble in my pocket for what I’m looking for, and get down on one knee. She gasps and holds her hands over her mouth. “I never thought I’d love again, Lexi. I nearly fucked up before it even began…”
“Language,” my mum chastises, and everyone around us giggles.
“You gave me a second chance. It has been the best year of my life. The last week away from you has been hell. You’ve tamed me, Lex.
You’ve got a hold of my heart and soul, and I never want you to let it go.
We blurred the lines all those months ago, we took a risk, now will you take one last leap with me?
Will you do me the greatest honour of becoming my wife? ”
I open the box and the diamond sparkles up at Lexi. The simple white gold elegant band with a small diamond in the centre is perfect for Lexi.
“My knee is getting dead down here, Lex. What’s it going to be?”
She kneels in front of me so we’re nearly at eye level.
She wraps her hands around mine holding the box.
The tears roll down her cheeks. “I love you, Max. Of course I’ll marry you.
” She throws her arms around my neck, knocking me off balance, but I somehow manage to catch myself before we both tumble to the ground in a heap.
The claps and cheers break me out of my thoughts. Lexi said she’ll marry me. She’s going to be Mrs Loudon.
“It’s about time you found the right woman, son. I’m so happy for you both.” My mum bends down and kisses both of our heads. “I’ve always wanted a daughter.”
Lexi pulls back, stands up, and holds her hand out for me to follow her.
As soon as I’m on my feet, I take the ring from the box and put it on my finger.
She’s never getting away from me again. It might have taken us a while to figure things out, but we’re finally on the right track to our happily ever after.
We’ve got the rest of our lives to live, to take risks, to walk on the wild side together.