Epilogue

“Happy New Year, Jules,” Chase said, grabbing her hand and ushering her into the darkened entryway of the Baileys’ home, away from the party. It was just past midnight and Chase kissed her until she could barely stand.

“This was the best New Year’s I’ve had in a long time,” she whispered as they slowly pulled apart, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupting their interlude.

“It would have been even better if we were at home, in bed, not at a party.”

She laughed at his disgruntled expression. “I don’t think there was any way we’d get out of attending this. The Baileys are celebrating Jack’s return—what a way for them to start a new year.”

Chase kissed the top of her head. “You’re right. I haven’t seen them this happy in years. But now that it’s past midnight, I think we can go. Maggie is already asleep. So we can sneak out and start this new year off right.”

“God some things never change.” Jack’s deep voice, laced with humor made her smile. Chase cursed under his breath and turned around to face his friend.

“When are you going to shave off that god-awful beard? You look like a fugitive.”

Jack rubbed his cheek, a lopsided grin on his face. “What are you going to do about it? Do you want my fingerprints?”

“Okay, you two, this is not the time to behave like children. There are more important things to discuss—like have you had a chance to speak with Lily?” Julia whispered.

Jack frowned. “Jules, I’m not going to speak with her.”

Her stomach dropped. Her poor friend. “Why not?”

“We can’t go back to what we were. She’s moved on.”

Julia made a mental note of the fact that he said she’s moved on…meaning he hadn’t. She was going to update Lily tomorrow. “Nothing’s ever too late. You should at least speak to her,” she said, nudging her chin in the direction of her friend who was currently standing alone and filling up another glass of champagne.

“I’d suggest shaving first,” Chase said.

She poked him in the ribs.

“Well, thanks for the advice,” Jack said, taking a step away and raising his empty glass of champagne to them.

Julia cringed as she turned around to face Chase again. “I feel so bad for him. He’s still not himself.”

Chase gave a nod. “I know. Give him time. He came home and did the right thing. He’ll get there.” His gaze darted from hers. “Oh man, don’t look now, he’s approaching Lily.”

Julia whipped her head around.

“I said don’t look,” he said, laughter in his voice as they both watched the scene unfold.

Julia held her breath as they watched Jack say something to Lily and hold up his empty glass. Vulnerability was stamped across his handsome face. Lily’s expression didn’t change, didn’t soften at all at whatever he said. Julia’s heart started hammering as she watched her dear, sweet friend, lift the bottle of champagne and slowly pour it in Jack’s glass. It looked like she was saying something too. And it looked as though she kept on talking, as she kept filling the glass, as champagne started overflowing and she kept pouring.

“Oh hell, that’s not going well,” Chase said in a strangled voice.

Julia held her breath. Clearly, Lily wasn’t ready to start the year off with forgiveness.

They watched, not moving as Jack just stood there as Lily stuffed maraschino cherries in his glass, her eyes narrowed and her mouth moving a mile a minute. “Do you think she’s insane?” Chase asked.

Julia stifled a laugh, because none of it was funny at all. “No, she’s just really, really mad at him.”

Lily stormed off and Jack stood there, champagne, and cherries dripping from his glass and onto his feet. Gwen raced across the room and followed Lily. Jack turned to them and gave them a salute before walking out the patio doors. Alone.

“That was so bad,” Julia whispered. “You should go talk to him.”

“Guys don’t like talking after they’ve just been humiliated by a woman. Maybe I’ll pass by and see him tomorrow,” he said, yanking their coats out of the closet. “I think this might be a good time for us to leave.”

She slipped on her coat. “I guess.”

“Don’t let that ruin our night,” he said, giving her a kiss.

She smiled up at him. It had taken forever to get to this good place. “I won’t. We’ll figure out a way to get them back together tomorrow.”

“Uh, that’s not exactly what I meant.”

She patted his shoulder. “That’s okay. I’ll help you.”

He laughed, pulling her out onto the porch. Snowflakes were falling and the air was crisp and tinged with the smell of cedar. He started down the steps and she called out to him, ready to share with him something she’d never thought she’d say again.

“What is it, Jules?” He stood there, on the bottom step, his dark hair sprinkled with white snow. His handsome features were relaxed and happy.

Her eyes filled with tears and a rush of hope and slight fear filled her as she spoke from her heart. “I…if you want…”

He frowned, moving closer to her, taking her hand. “What is it?”

“Have you ever thought about becoming a dad again?”

His blue eyes softened, and her heart swelled when she saw them fill with moisture. “I have.” His voice was thick, rough with emotion. “I didn’t want to push, or pressure you.”

She nodded rapidly, taking a step closer to him. “I want babies with you, Chase.”

He closed his eyes for a second and then leaned forward, cupping her face with his hands. “I want to give you babies, Jules. I want to give you everything,” he whispered before kissing her. They stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms and snow fell around them. Julia knew she was ready for a new year, a new life, with the man holding her.

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