9. Epilogue Charlie
Chapter 9
Epilogue: Charlie
Paisley dances to the twang of the banjo and the sight warms my heart. She spins around and her white checkered dress splays out around her. Her boots are bedazzled and a cheerful pup wags his tail as he bounds beside her. It’s like Paisley was always meant to be a true country girl. Watching my daughter live the life I wanted as a child is a gift that melts my heart.
It’s just one of the many things Travis has brought into my life. He and I are going to be forever and that isn’t just a thought. Standing by my side is a promise Travis continues to make to me every single day. He wants a wedding, and I do too, but for the first time in my life, I don’t feel rushed.
When Travis looks me in the eyes and tells me he loves me, I believe him with my whole heart. I am enjoying every moment of melting our two lives into one. With his influence in my life, I’ve been doing all sorts of things I never thought I’d do; passing on work assignments, taking days off, and keeping a remote office run right out of the tavern.
Today I’m looking at Travis with pride as the residents of Findlay Farms gather in his tavern to celebrate the founders who established this beautiful town one hundred years ago. My heart flutters as I watch him take the microphone at the center of the dancefloor. Washed in the bright lights, he looks more handsome than ever.
Travis clears his throat and the chatter in the room falls silent. “I’d like to thank y’all for coming. This is a big night for all of us. One hundred years ago, the men and women of Findlay came together. They had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I’m so grateful they did because their legacy is enough to sustain this town. When I look around, I see the community that raised me. I’m overwhelmed with pride and gratitude…”
Travis’ words bring tears to my eyes. He is a man of substance. I can’t believe there was ever a time I considered taking this place from him, or from this town. Travis and his tavern are what America was built on. I’m so happy he’s chosen me.
He continues, “That’s enough from me. Y’all have me crying like a baby up here. I’ll pass it off. What I’m asking today is that you not forget that we are blessed to live in the great state of Texas and blessed to be with each other. These days, some of you may have noticed I’ve got an extra couple of blessings in my world. I don’t deserve them, but Charlie and Paisley make my life worth living. Thank you for giving them a big ole Findlay welcome.”
The crowd erupts in applause and Paisley takes a bow as my face flushes pink. When Travis steps off stage, he wraps his arms around me and I bury my face into his chest. It’s amazing how this man has gone from being a stranger to being my whole world in a matter of weeks.
“I love you, Charlie, I sure as hell don’t deserve you. But there’s no way in hell I’m letting you go now.”
“You better not.” I rock up onto my tiptoes and plant my lips on his. Fire whips through my body and my knees go weak.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see the door to the tavern open and a woman steps inside. I guess her to be in her very early twenties if that, and she’s striking. She’s tall and her eyes are deep and brooding… just like her dads. I could pick Dolly out of any crowd.
When I found her online and asked whether or not she wanted to surprise her father, she jumped at the opportunity. Since then, I’ve been impressed with her intelligence, wit, and kindness. She may not have grown up with Travis, but Dolly inherited so much from her dad.
I pull away from his embrace and take Travis’ hands in mine. “I have someone to introduce you to. She’s uh, here.” I gesture to the door and his eyes follow my line of sight.
I know he’s spotted her when a strangled breath leaves Travis’ throat. He covers his mouth with his hands as tears spill down his cheeks. “Dolly?” His voice breaks at the end.
“Yeah, it’s her. She’s so excited to talk to you. Go on.” I squeeze his hand and then let go, turning him toward his daughter. “I love you and she does too. You can do this.”
He swallows and takes a sharp inhale through his nose. “Thank you, Charlie.”