Epilogue

She didn’t mean to cry. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t. But as they waved off Isla and Cruz, who sped away in a long, sleek, silver town car, the tears fell. Addie was so happy for her best friend. Maybe traditional fairy tales weren’t true but the ones where the girl dreamed of being everything she ever wanted and having a loving man by her side as she reached her goals? That one had come true. Not just for Isla, but for Addie as well.

“You okay, baby?” Sawyer’s arms wrapped around her from behind. The cool air was pushing people back in to enjoy the rest of the party but she just wanted another minute under the Nashville sky.

“I am. I’m just happy for them. So happy.”

He rocked back and forth, snuggling her closer. “You want a winter wedding?”

Addie shivered. “I don’t think so.”

“Thank God. It’s freezing out here. How about we head back in.”

She turned, pressed her lips to his and then let herself be led straight to the dance floor. Their bodies fit together like a lock in a key. Music drifted around them, others danced and laughed, drinking and singing. But Addie just held on to Sawyer and thought about how far she’d come from last year. She hadn’t known what coming to Nashville would bring her, but she never thought the answer would be everything.

Isla had been a vision in her white, sweetheart-neck gown, long sleeves with delicately embroidered lace, a sexy, somewhat vintage flair at the hips and miles of silk and organza between the skirt and the train. Liam looked like he was going to float away from happiness.

“What are you thinking about?”

“How happy they seemed. How perfect it was.” She leaned back to see him. With her heels, the top of her head came to his chin.

“I’ll do anything it takes to give you the same kind of happiness, Addie. Whatever you want. Always.”

Her hand rested over his heart. She loved the feel of it beneath her palm. “You make me happy. I don’t need anything this fancy or elaborate. I just need you promising me forever in front of our family and friends. And the life together that comes after that moment. That’s what I want.” She hoped that his mom’s phone call over the holidays was a step toward rebuilding their relationship and by the time the wedding came, she and his brother would attend.

“It’s what I want too. I never thought I would. I love you. It’s hard to make you understand how much.”

“Since I love you back, I’d say I get it. So, what were you thinking? Summer wedding?”

He laughed and she realized what she’d said. “Huh. Maybe not during the season?”

Sawyer shook his head and she grinned. During the season, she’d be down a groom and a maid of honor. She’d worried he offered to retire for her but that turned out not to be true. In fact, he was feeling pretty good and they’d decided, together, that he should play one more year. His MRI had shown arthritis and while it could have been much worse, Addie was able to research treatments that helped with the pain and they were both confident he’d be ready for next year.

She’d asked him more than once if he was sure that was all he wanted. He’d answered that yes, from his baseball career, it was all he wanted. They’d informed Cruz and Isla together. Instead of seeming sad when he’d shared the news, he’d seemed excited. Maybe because he felt like it was a choice and not because his body had given up on him. On the way home, he’d shared the highlights of his career with her and told her he was looking forward to the next stage even if it wasn’t entirely mapped out.

“No. Maybe not. Plus, I’d rather not wait over a year to marry you.”

“No. You’re right. That won’t work.”

“I have an idea,” he whispered, leaning in for a kiss.

“What is it?”

“How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?”

Her heart twirled around in her chest and swooned. “Seriously?”

“It’s soon, still winter but edging toward spring. It won’t be impacted by baseball. Your first big event with Alyssa isn’t until the end of March.” He stared at her expectantly. She and Alyssa had decided spring was a great time to launch and were currently working on gathering more support. Their organization, All In, would educate people on a variety of causes they could support and how to do it. In addition, they’d have targeted fund-raisers based on issues closest to their donors’ hearts.

Her smile grew and Sawyer tightened his hold on her. “We could pull it off. I don’t want to wait to make you my wife.”

“That’s like a month and a half from now!”

He grinned. “It is. But why wait when you’ve found what you didn’t even know you were looking for.”

She laughed and threw her arms around his neck. “I can’t think of one good reason not to.”

“Then I think I just secured myself a Valentine for the rest of my life.”

“You absolutely did, Sawyer. You absolutely did.”

“Regardless of what happens this season, I think you might be my greatest catch ever.”

Addie’s laughter bubbled. “Despite the slightly cheesy line, I can’t help but agree.”

He kissed her nose. “I’ll buy you ice cream if you promise not to tell anyone about my cheesy lines.”

“Deal. And, just saying, I’m no professional, but I think my catch was pretty fine as well.”

His mouth closed over hers and she lost herself in kissing him. When he pulled back and pressed his forehead to hers, he whispered, “Guess that makes us even.”

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