38. Epilogue
Epilogue
Vi
Once upon a time, I had existed in the world worrying I wouldn't get to know what true love was. Now, six months after my parents' anniversary, love was all I knew.
The big family— Gabe and his friends, plus partners, plus my parents— we all gathered at the lake house. It was the haven we all came back to, sharing time and warmth and letting it moor us together. We had had a lovely dinner together, and now we prepared for the grand show.
Jake would play music for all of us.
Everyone else found places around the living room. For his birthday a couple of months before, I had gifted Jake a renovated, antique upright piano. He had chosen to keep it at the lake house, to play it on special occasions. Apparently, that evening was one of those times. He had sung for my parents, Gabe, Lina and I, but this was the first time he did it for the whole lot of us.
The piano had forced us to move a few things around; a couple of large reading armchairs had been moved to the other corner of the room. The instrument itself now occupied their original place, with its ornate details and dark wood body. Despite the clash with the décor style of the house, it looked like it belonged in the space.
"Ready?" I asked Jake.
Jake sat on the stool and opened the lid, me by his side. He ran soft fingertips over the keys, and took a deep breath.
"I'm ready." He gazed up at me.
"It's going to be lovely. I'm sure of it."
It was the first time Max and Eva, and Javier and his girlfriend got to hear him sing. I couldn't wait.
He nodded and tried a few notes. "Still finely tuned. This piano is a beauty, Vi."
"Dazzle me with it." I kissed his temple, and he winked at me.
I sat on the sectional that framed the big fireplace, on the corner closest to him and next to my mom. He had written a song for the night that he had refused to show me; he said he wanted me to share the experience with the rest of the family. Hearing a brand new song he'd written, in front of everyone, would make it more special. The closest I would get to hearing his music and voice like for the first time again.
With the first hints of notes, everyone around us quieted. He tried a few different melodies, like he was getting used to the instrument in front of him. He looked huge on the piano stool; his wide shoulders, thick torso, and cozy middle were big and comforting. I had gotten enough hugs from him, that just gazing at him and thinking about it, I could feel the same tingling feeling in my heart.
The music turned more purposeful and coherent— the song had started. The melody was romantic and light; something about the notes evoked joy and hope. I sighed. Over the last several months, I’d had many chances to listen to his work. Inevitably, my heart beat a little faster, and my mind quieted. That evening wasn't any different. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sparkles scattering over my skin.
A thousand songs have played In the quiet of my mind Shadows in the night You were the light
I was made to love you I hope you know, love, you're the sun A religion in your name in me An altar for you and I Pagan monuments that challenge time A ritual for us, and I'll promise you forever
A warm hand landed on my arm. My mom watched me with tenderness and awe shining in her eyes.
"This is beautiful," she whispered.
I nodded and smiled. Everyone around us stared at Jake with a mix of surprise and delight.
Jake continued playing, the music growing in intensity— a deeper accompaniment to the quick, light notes he invoked. His voice effortlessly filled the grand room of the home by the lake.
My heart followed a metronome to the pace of the music.
Years I waited and time stood still when I met you again, anew That I could be so lucky turned history on its feet I'm the priest holding the truth of possibility A sanctuary made of the love I have for you And the love you feel for me, too
I hadn't been sure if Jake would choose a song about me to sing to our family and friends. Hearing words of love that lasts and feels mystical, it's so special… My throat hurt, grateful tears building behind my eyes.
Mistakes had been made. Months where we postponed the inevitable. Yet a world where Jake and I didn't end up together and in love seemed impossible. With his song, he told everyone he felt that way, too.
In the open, he told our family that he would love me forever.
"I'm so happy for you," Mom whispered again.
I smiled at her, tears in my eyes. Jake's music had a way of making my feelings come to the surface. Without even a hint of embarrassment, I allowed them to show through, too. If Jake could, I could, too.
Scattered bones on sacred ground They tell me not to wait, time is not our debt If ancient rock has built our shrine A crystal tribute should belong to you and I
The music transitioned; it quieted. He played just a few notes with his right hand. The melody was airy, hopeful, and it fell on me like dew on a bright morning.
His left hand searched for something in his pocket. I frowned, momentarily distracted. He put a small velvet box on the top lid, and slid it to a corner where everyone could see.
I gasped.
Promise me forever, my love Take this gemstone, if you will Speak your heart, my life, yours If you'll have me, I'll hold you still A ring with your name my finest vestment If you will
"Holy fuck," someone muttered nearby.
The sweet air I breathed until that moment disappeared. His words became a warm anointment, bathing my shoulders and dripping down my ribcage. The moment turned bright and intense, just as the music reached its tail end. The last notes were welcome, as I processed the true meaning of what had just happened, and my brain put two-and-two together.
Silence filled the room. Jake gazed down at the piano, his shoulders lifting in a deep breath.
He turned and found my eyes. "Violeta—"
"Yes!" I exclaimed.
His face pulled in a half smile. "Let me ask you first, please. I agonized over doing it this way, in front of everyone—"
"You asked— with the song." I stood, a hand on my chest. "I said yes."
He unfolded his big body, his eyes locked on mine. Without looking, he picked the velvet box from the piano lid.
My family surrounded us, but I couldn't spare a thought their way. All I could see was Jake.
His half smile had a hint of playfulness. "I thought you might want to see the ring first."
"No— I mean, yes." I grinned. "Yes to that, too."
"Mmh. Well, let's see if I can still get this to happen in the right order."
He offered me a hand and I took it. He invited me closer, and opened the box in front of me.
I gasped again. I had never seen an engagement ring like it before; five irregular, purple stones suggested petals around a tiny gold pinpoint. The flower was flanked by three small, round stones on each side, on a thin golden band.
"You collect violets," he said. "I thought I could give you one to wear every day. You said you liked unique rings, remember? That first weekend together. I had it custom made at the same shop."
I bit my lip, tears filling my eyes once again. "It's beautiful."
"I know that six months together isn't long, but we did the time. We worked through difficult things. I've had a life with you, and I can't wait to start one where I get to be your husband. I'm already a lucky man, but if you marry me, Vi—"
"How many times does a person have to say yes before you—"
I didn't get to finish the thought. He kissed me. People whooped and clapped and laughed behind us.
"Stop getting ahead of me," he said against my lips.
I smiled. "Yes, Jake. I'll marry you."
A soft blush colored his face. He grinned as he took the ring off its box and put it on my finger.
At the edge of my awareness, I sensed the family approaching us and waiting. I stared at the ring on my finger, Jake's big hand holding mine.
"One last thing," I said. "Did they know you were going to propose?"
He shook his head. "No one knew. I wasn't sure about doing it in front of everyone, but…" He shrugged. "I love them, and I wanted to show off."
I laughed. I gave him one last kiss and whispered. "It was a good idea. I love you. Let's do this."
He grinned, held my hand, and we turned to our family.
They enveloped us with love, happiness, and congratulations. We laughed and hugged everyone, and talked through a few initial ideas for our wedding.
The people I belonged with, and the man I loved. Love like I had craved all around us, and embedded in our future.
Jake may see himself as a lucky man, and he was… but fortune had never left me behind.
In fact, with Jake's ring on my hand, I might have been fortune's favorite child.
Can YOU imagine Jake tearing up at the sight of Vi walking down the aisle? I don't have to imagine it… because I wrote it.