Epilogue
MAGGIE
Summertime in Bluebell Springs was second only to autumn. I loved the warm sun on my face and bare arms, the influx of tourists who gave the town an extra breath of life, and spending time on the lake without worrying that falling off my paddleboard would leave me shivering down to my bones.
I soaked in another beat of sunshine before slipping inside Frosted Peaks Bakery, where the temperature plummeted to instant goosebump levels.
“Here to pick up Walter’s cake?” Aspen, now one of my closest friends, asked from behind the counter.
It still amazed me sometimes that I went from having zero female friendships I could count on to a whole gaggle of them.
They’d effortlessly become such an integral part of my life these past few months that it was hard to remember life before them.
“I know I’m a little early, but I want to make sure I’m able to sneak in to the Legion Hall without him catching on.”
It was Walter’s ninety-fourth birthday, and the Legion members had voted—while he was in the restroom last meeting—to throw him a surprise birthday party. I was put in charge of the cake.
“No worries. I have it ready. Be right back.”
Aspen whisked into the back, where she kept her special orders. The line beside me moved forward but never seemed to stop growing. People traveled from neighboring towns to buy her cupcakes, and it was no mystery why. It didn’t matter the flavor—they were all to die for.
“Here you go,” she said, coming around the counter and handing me a square pink box with her custom logo on the top. “Hey, before you go, you free tomorrow night?”
“I think so. Why?”
She glanced back at the line behind her, then lowered her voice. “Emergency girls’ night.”
“What happened?”
“My dad broke his leg.”
I frowned in confusion. “Does that require margaritas?”
Aspen grimaced, leaning closer. “My brother’s coming home.”
Thoren.
Shit.
“I’ll bring the tequila.”
“Seven o’clock?”
“See you then.”
I hurried down the street, heading the two blocks to the Legion Hall. Despite the number of tourists, I recognized half a dozen friendly faces. Even Dana Wilcox was pleasant in passing, despite her cheerful promise to best me in this year’s chili cookoff.
I slipped in through the back door of the Legion Hall, in case Walter decided to take his walk early.
The Hall was deserted, and I left the light off as I snuck in to the kitchen.
I’d spent so much time here these past few months that I could navigate the place blindfolded.
I loved what this building represented—honoring those who’d served, and helping those veterans receive the benefits they’d more than earned.
I hoped Grandpa would be proud.
The click-clack of claws against the tile floor made me quietly gasp, but I caught sight of Ellie’s swishing tail a moment later. She trotted to me, sock in her mouth. She didn’t offer it up, though. I suspected it was a birthday sock for Walter.
“She refused to stay home tonight,” Luke said, filling the doorway with his tall, muscular frame. He was in uniform, but he was just coming off shift. He’d arranged with his officers to keep Legion meeting nights free, and had only been called out for an emergency once since I moved home.
Home.
I’d never get tired of thinking of Bluebell Springs as my home.
“She wanted to celebrate Walter, didn’t you, Ellie Belly?”
Her tail swished against the tile.
“How’s the cake look?” Luke nodded at the box on the counter. I’d yet to put it in the fridge.
I lifted the lid as he came up behind me, peering over my shoulder at the elaborate design.
The words Happy Birthday, Walter were written in olive-green frosting in the middle of the cake.
Several military items were stationed around the words—an Army star emblem, a pair of dog tags, a sergeant rank insignia, and even his unit patch.
“Where did she find the unit patch?” Luke asked, pointing.
“I snuck a picture the last time I was at Walter’s. He had it on display in a shadowbox.” I closed the lid. “Do you think he’ll like it?”
“He’s going to love it,” Luke said, combing my hair back and exposing my neck. He pressed a kiss there, the gentle friction of his beard giving me shivers. “I’ve missed you.”
“I just saw you this morning,” I teased.
“I missed you the minute you walked out that door.” He moved his lips up my neck, pressing soft kisses against my jawline.
I sank back against him, resting my head against his shoulder so he could continue his exploration with his lips.
“You miss me that much, huh?”
“I do.” He slid a hand up my side, his fingers grazing the side of my breast. My nipples instantly pebbled, and I considered—not for the first time—whether we had enough time to slip into the supply closet before people showed up.
“I made the mistake of keeping my feelings to myself once, and it almost cost me the love of my life.” He moved his hand across my chest, and heat coursed through my veins.
“I won’t make that mistake a second time. ”
“Jesus Christ, you two gave me a shock.” Dylann Mercer staggered in the doorway, hand clenched against her chest.
“We weren’t—”
“I get it. Frank was just as handsy. Still is. But now’s not the time. Birthday boy’s on the move, and so is half the town. Put your clothes back on. We got a party to throw.”
I looked up at Luke, my cheeks no doubt a deep shade of red. But that didn’t stop me from eagerly accepting his kiss. I sank against him, already looking forward to the private afterparty we’d throw tonight at home.
The muffled hum of conversation carried into the kitchen, announcing an influx of Legion members.
Tonight would start as any normal meeting, but when we got to the new business, Phil was in charge of making a motion to sing “Happy Birthday.” Which Bernie only agreed to because he was allowed to second the motion.
With Luke behind me and Ellie at my heel, I opened the door to the delightful chaos spilling into the building.
Half the town had shown up bearing gifts, bottles of wine, and covered desserts.
We’d have to hide several of the non-Legion members in the kitchen until the motion to party was passed or Walter would catch on.
I looked at Luke. “I don’t think we have enough chairs for this.”
“We’ll manage.”
Before I could usher guests into hiding, Walter appeared in the doorway. Everyone froze for a moment, and the room went silent.
So much for the surprise.
After an awkward beat, Dylann started to sing “Happy Birthday.” Soon, the entire room erupted in chorus with her. Walter smiled through it all, accepting the sock Ellie shoved into his hand during the last Happy birthday to you!
“Surprise?” I said to Walter as Luke and I approached him. He accepted my hug, and shook Luke’s hand. “This wasn’t exactly the gift we had in mind, but I hope you like it just the same. Plus, there’s cake!”
“It’s perfect,” Walter said. He leaned closer, as though he meant to lower his voice. “But truth be told? Seeing you two together is the best birthday gift I could’ve asked for.” Walter looked at Luke, winking. “Don’t let her go.”
Luke looked down at me, such love in his eyes. “Never again.”