Epilogue
Kendall: Four Months Later
Dane insisted on a fifteen-foot tree decorated with colored lights and a huge star on top. Christmas at the lake house promises to be a festive occasion.
“Isn’t it a beauty?” Dane whispers in my ear as we stand there admiring the fully decked-out tree set up right in front of the large glass windows. The lake is covered in snow from the storm we had last night, but the ice isn’t ready to skate on.
“You picked a good one,” I say to him, squeezing his arms that are draped around my front.
He nudges me to turn and face him. Brushing the hair from my face with gentle fingers, he dips down to rest his forehead on mine. “Yeah, I did.”
The doorbell rings, jolting us out of the moment. “Guests are starting to arrive.” I peck his cheek and hug him, holding on for a few extra beats.
“Let’s welcome our guests.” We both turn and walk to the door. It’s all three of my best friends, bearing gifts and dessert. “You guys didn’t have to bring anything.”
Lane hugs me with one hand. “I mean, who doesn’t like chocolate cake?”
“Not many, thank you.” I take the container from her.
“Dane, looking dazzling as ever,” says Addison as he slips the tray of truffles from her hands to bring it to the kitchen.
“You always know how to pump up a guy's ego, Addison,” he chuckles.
We all hug and walk to the kitchen, each with a handful of goodies in tow.
To make life easier, we catered the main dinner for our guests.
There should be about twenty-five of us.
I invited a few people from the salon and spa; Dane invited a couple of people from the firm; and our friends and some family are stopping by.
Speaking of the caterers, they should be here shortly. It isn’t long before more people arrive to celebrate Christmas a week early. They mingle, eat, and there is a lot of laughing.
A little later in the evening, the doorbell rings again. I open the door to see Dane’s dad with a woman on his arm.
Did I call it or what?
His smile is wide, and once they are inside, he introduces Lily to everyone. She’s probably fifteen years younger than he is, but who cares? She has changed him for the better. He’s more down-to-earth, caring, and smiles a lot when she’s around.
Theresa comes up to me and whispers, “You called it, but did you expect to see such a young woman on his arm?”
“Nope, I honestly didn’t think he had it in him.” We both laugh.
I watch as he introduces her to Logan and Dane. Their faces are priceless—shocked, but they put on their hundred-watt smiles anyway.
“They crack me up,” I say to Theresa.
“It’s been nice to see them hanging out as brothers again instead of just business partners. They both seem a bit more relaxed these days, too.”
“I agree.”
From behind us, Gram says, “I do too. How things have changed over the last few months.”
“Jane…that’s an accurate statement. All good though.”
“All very good,” she says, glancing from her son to her grandsons. “My boys have done well for themselves.”
I hug her. “I’m so happy.”
“You deserve it.”
My girlfriends eye me from across the room, trying ever so discreetly to signal to me, ‘Who is that?’ They all make their way over to me. They’ve met Theresa a few times before, and everyone really likes her; she fits in well with us.
Theresa mouths, “Girlfriend,” as they walk over to us.
Addison stares at them and says, “He likes them young.”
We all laugh, and I shake my head. “You guys are too much.”
As I’m chatting with the ladies, I hear the sound of glass clinking. “Sweetheart, can you come here?” I hear Dane ask over the quickly quieting crowd.
I turn my body to see Dane by the Christmas tree with a beautiful white backdrop as the sun hangs low in the sky. He’s holding two glasses of champagne. And there’s more being passed around.
Walking to him, I’m skeptical. He didn’t mention wanting to have a toast with champagne. Actually, where the heck did he even get the champagne? I stand next to him, but it’s not close enough as he drags me by the hip closer to him. I can’t help but wrap my arms around his waist.
“We want to thank everyone for being here, celebrating with us. I hope you enjoyed the catering. I know I did.” He laughs, sounding almost nervous.
“To more parties at the lake house,” he toasts, prompting all of us to lift our glasses and take a few sips.
He swipes my glass and places both of them down on a small table by the window.
He holds both of my hands, kisses me, and bends down on one knee. My hand covers my mouth, and tears prickle to break free.
He isn’t, is he?
“Kendall, you have been the light in my life for months now. From the second you called me out on being a one-night-stand kind of guy, I knew you were different. You didn’t just challenge me—you changed me.
I don’t want just a night, or a month, or a year with you.
I want the laughter, the morning coffees, the craziness of building a life together.
I want all of it—with you. Will you be my wife? ”
Tears streaming down my cheeks, guests cheering, and him holding out a black velvet box with the most gorgeous diamond ring I’ve ever seen—with emeralds surrounding it.
I drop to my knees, holding his face, staring at him. We’d talked about it, but I never imagined it would happen this quickly. That’s how it goes with us, though—loving hard, fast, and passionately.
“Yes, of course I will.”