Epilogue

I finish setting the last of the place cards early on Thanksgiving morning. Somehow we created a tradition, not that I’m at all mad about it, and the whole gang will be arriving at the brownstone in just a couple of hours. And the crew is even larger this year, with Nick’s parents joining us, along with Lucy and her brother, Jason, and Gemma’s new girlfriend. They met at the restaurant where Gem has been working since June, and it’s still pretty new, but she handles us well, so I hope she’ll stick around.

“Table looks great, sweet pea.” Jack wraps his arms around my waist from behind me, nuzzling into my neck.

My head falls back against his shoulder, but I only give in for a second before I bump him away from me with my hip. “We don’t have time for that, Jackpot.”

He spins me around, capturing me in a searing kiss. “Do you remember what happened on Thanksgiving last year?”

I roll my eyes, but it doesn’t detract from my wide smile. “Duh.”

He kisses me again, this one soft and serious. “This has been the best year of my life, Sadie Jane.”

“Ditto.” I reach up for one final kiss before stepping out of his embrace. “But really, we got shit to do.”

Gemma and Taylor, the new girlfriend, arrive a few minutes later, heading straight for the kitchen with barely a hello. Thanks to Taylor I’m free of sous chef duties this year, so I take my time finalizing décor before sneaking up to BaBs to answer a few emails and post on Instagram.

The studio is currently filled with paintings, and while I’m up there, I check out some of Jack’s most recent work. He’s started taking on a few commissions, though he doesn’t use the name Jackson Bennett. A couple of people in the art world have started to sniff around the story, but Jack talks only to his clients, refusing to confirm any theories. All the money he makes from his paintings is funneled directly into the foundation he set up with the profits from the sale of the Connecticut house. It’s a scholarship fund for people in their late twenties and older who want to go back to school or start a new career but don’t have the means. Jason was the first recipient, and Gemma the second.

When I hear a knock on the front door, I dash into my room to change before bounding down the stairs to greet our guests. Soon the house is filled with laughter and clinking glasses, the smells so tempting I consider sneaking bites of everything before Gemma plates it all. But she’d kill me, so I don’t.

I help Gemma and Taylor set up the buffet on the kitchen peninsula. Everyone fills their plates and finds their seats, and that silent hush falls over the room as we all dig in.

This year, it’s Jack who makes the first interruption. “At the risk of sounding like a total sap, this was my favorite part of last year’s meal—though the mac and cheese gave it a run for its money—and so I’m hoping to start off this year, if you don’t mind.” He reaches over and takes my hand. “Once again, I’m so thankful for everyone at this table. You’ll never know what it means to me to have a house full of love and laughter during the holidays, and I’m not exaggerating when I say you all have changed my life.” He turns to me and gives me a quick wink. “Mostly this one over here, but you’ve all certainly helped. So thank you.”

We move around the table, everyone giving thanks for friends and family and opportunities and love. Finally, we come to Nick, having purposefully maneuvered around the table, saving him for last.

Nick clears his throat, taking a minute to look at the faces in the room before he speaks. “I don’t think it’s any secret that I have a lot to be thankful for in life. I have loving parents and the best friends a guy could ever ask for. I’ve never wanted for anything, and I am, and always have been, thankful for that.” He turns to Harley, sitting next to him, watching him speak with nothing but pure love in her eyes. “But even with everything I’ve had, I never knew what I was missing until you came along, Harley. I’m so thankful for you. Your love and support, your kindness and compassion. You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met, and we’re sitting in a room with some pretty incredible women.”

“Hear hear!” Gemma calls, sending a ripple of laughter through the room.

Nick pushes his chair back, rising from his seat before falling to one knee. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small black box, and the room takes in a collective gasp. Harley’s hands fly up to cover her mouth, and I know by the look in her eyes that she’s truly surprised.

Jack squeezes my hand and we share a quick glance. We both knew this was coming, and yet, there’s a sheen of tears in both pairs of our eyes.

Nick opens the box and the ring catches the light, sparkling even from across the room. “Harley, I love you more than anything, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you’ve made me. Will you marry me?”

The room explodes before she’s even fully accepted, everyone pushing out of their chairs and rushing in for hugs. Gemma and Taylor pop two bottles of champagne and everyone toasts.

When we finally make it over to the happy couple, I wrap Harley in my arms. “I’m so happy for you. I can’t think of a single person more deserving.”

She squeezes back. “Thank you, Sade.” She wiggles her ring finger at me. “And thank you.”

I give her a wink. “You know I got you.”

Nick pulls Jack into a bro hug, slapping him on the back. “Sorry to steal your Thanksgiving thunder, man. Best of luck topping that speech.”

Jack catches my eye over Nick’s shoulder, giving me a slight eyebrow raise. I grin and nod, not needing to hear his question; he already knows my answer.

I already can’t wait for next year.