Epilogue

“And just like that, the most beautiful woman in the world was my wife. Love like that might only come around once in a blue moon, so when you find it, don’t let go.” Blue Moon

“There you are.” Laney walked over to the granite headstone she’d spent so much time with. Adam was leaning against it, his legs stretched out, with Violet curled up on his chest. The sight that once scared her so much now had the opposite effect. All the parts of her life were together. Whole.

“Hey, you.” He gave her a breathtaking smile, and familiar warmth spread through her. “Tilly was coming here. I figured it was a good chance to get a lift in a pink hearse.”

“Really?” She glanced over. Tilly was pulling weeds out of the space around Martha McDonald’s headstone. She waved at her friend, then turned back to him. “That would be more convincing if I didn’t know you can drive the hearse anytime you want. You have her wrapped around her finger.”

“I think you’ll find it’s the other way around. Yesterday I had to paint someone’s mailbox for her,” he protested, the teasing light in his eyes causing her stomach to tighten with longing. “Anyway, what are you doing here? Isn’t it bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding?”

She sat down on the ground next to him, letting the warmth from his skin flow through her. “It’s not until tomorrow. We still have some time until you need to avert your gaze. So, what are you really doing here?”

“Just having a guy-to-guy chat with Simon.” He used one hand to scratch Violet’s ear. “I owe this guy a lot. He stopped you from drowning when I couldn’t.”

A lump formed in her throat.

“Yes, but you saw me as someone who could rescue herself. You never thought I was broken.” She pressed her mouth to his hand and delighted in the little shudder that went through him. “What were you talking about?”

“I wanted to run something past him.” He released her hand for long enough to reach down to his lap and pass her a small leather box. Curiosity and confusion swirled through her as she carefully prized open the lid.

It was a blue garter, the fabric faded and soft.

“Is this what I think it is?” she gasped as a smile broke across his beautiful mouth.

“You already borrowed it once. I figured you must really like it.”

“I don’t understand. You had it cut up? But it symbolizes our relationship. The good and the bad.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “And you think this doesn’t? This romantic gesture is going to have Sam and Paige wailing in despair that they’ll never find anyone half as romantic as Laney George’s hot husband.”

There was a teasing edge to his voice, and she giggled. “Good point. Though I’m not fond of seeing my friends wail, so we might have to keep it between us. But I love it.”

“I was hoping you’d say that. Now I guess I’d better take you to the Bluebell for your night with the girls.”

“Thank you. For this. And for Simon.”

“He’s part of your life, so he’s part of mine. I foisted my ex onto you. It’s only right I spend time with yours.”

“Eloise told me I’d eventually find her charming, and I do. Entirely.”

“You say charming. I say bossy,” he said but smiled. “I’m pleased you like her.”

They sat there for several more minutes until Tilly strolled over, silver hair spiked around her face.

“Right, I’m off, but before I go, I wanted to talk to you about my outfit for tomorrow. I was thinking about wearing the pinstripe tux. I want to look spiffy if I’m giving you away. But if you really want me to wear a dress, you know I will. Whatever you want.”

“A pinstripe tux sounds wonderful.” Laney gave her friend a grateful smile and threaded her hand into Adam’s, Violet at their feet.

“Should we tell everyone we secretly got married last month in Vegas?”

“If we told them about it, then we’d have to mention the rather wild adventure that led us there. Wouldn’t you rather keep it just between us?” He kissed her neck, and heat traveled up her body. He’d cut back most of his schedule, and the events he did go to, she joined him, each time discovering more about each other and the world.

She groaned. “You’re saving it for a book, aren’t you?”

He grinned and kissed her again. “I have a wife, a dog, and a flower farm. I need to make sure I do my bit.”

“At least I know what I’m getting myself into,” she said, warmth spreading across her entire body. “I love you, Adam.”

“I love you, too, Laney.” He answered her with a kiss, his eyes gleaming. Today they were the color of forget-me-nots. His flower. The one he’d be wearing in his buttonhole tomorrow. “We still have an hour before I need to deliver you to your posse. Would you like a quick trip to the woods?”

Her heart exploded, and her grip tightened on his hand. “With you? Always.”

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