One year later…
The crowd on the dance floor had their hands up, moving to the beat of the rock song that the live band played. Behind the bar, Kinsley looked around at the new Whiskey Blues. It took two months to get the place reopened, and as much as she missed the old bar, she loved this new one too. Besides, all she had to do was glance over her shoulder at the photograph of her inner circle all sitting at the bar to remember what this placed used to look like. This time, she’d redesigned the bar with more of a rustic sexy feel, with big wooden beams running across the roof, wrought iron fixtures, and soft lighting.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the singer called as the crowd applauded. “Let’s get the bride and groom out here for their first dance.”
Kinsley smiled, sensing Rhett watching her. She found him near the doorway, looking damn near mouthwatering in his suit and a black tie. Her heart still fluttered when he smiled at her. After months of therapy, his nightmares had gone away and something else had replaced them…peace. An obvious weight had slowly dropped off Rhett’s shoulders. And the rest, well most of that had disappeared the moment that both their lives changed forever. Leo, their little boy, bounced in Rhett’s arms, waving his chubby arms up and down, smiling from ear to ear. Baby blue noise-canceling headphones covered his ears. He looked nearly identical to his father, same dark hair, same nose, but he had the Knights’ signature blue eyes.
The commotion on the dance floor caught her eye as everyone moved off to the side. Her father, dressed in a dark gray suit and smoky blue tie, held his hand out to his new wife, who wore a gorgeous vintage wedding dress. Dad and Maria had just gotten married outside Boone’s lake house. Tonight, they were celebrating their love, and Kinsley’s heart nearly exploded with happiness.
She replaced the vodka bottle behind the bar then smiled at Benji, touching his arm. “Thanks again for holding down the fort tonight.”
He grinned. “You know I wouldn’t have missed this celebration.”
“Of course he wouldn’t have—I’m here,” Lola joked, grabbing a couple beers then heading back toward the end of the bar.
Kinsley laughed. Just another day at Whiskey Blues. She made her way around the bar and approached Rhett. He was talking to Boone, but his eyes followed her with every step, warming as she got closer. The rings around her finger were a weight she enjoyed, a reminder that three months before Leo came into his world, they were married on the beach at Rhett’s house. The party had been there too. Nothing fancy, but beautiful under a blanket of stars. All the important people were there. Friends, family, everyone who mattered. Her heart warmed as Leo bounced faster, and all but leapt into her arms when she closed in on him. “I missed you too, sweetie,” she told him before attacking his little neck with kisses.
His laughter washed over her, the best sound she’d ever heard.
When she leaned away, Rhett caught her chin. “My turn.” His smile heated before he dropped his mouth to hers.
“Not only is your kid here, but so are others.”
Rhett chuckled against her lips, before pulling away and saying to Boone, “My son is gonna know how to love a woman right.”
Boone returned the smile and cupped Rhett’s shoulder. “Ah, Rhett West lessons. Never thought that’d actually be a good thing.”
Rhett barked a loud laugh. “You and me both, brother.”
Peyton and Remy came over then, a wineglass in Peyton’s hand. She gave it to Kinsley as Asher offered Rhett a beer. Peyton wobbled into Boone’s arms, and his hand went to her round belly. She was due any day now. Asher threw an arm around Remy, kissing her forehead. Remy still had five months to go. Kinsley inhaled deeply, nearly smelling the beauty of all the love in this room. She slid her arm around Rhett’s waist, leaning her head into him, watching her father smiling down at his new wife. “I’ve never seen him look this happy,” she said.
“Me neither.” Boone smiled. “It’s a good day.”
“So what now?” Remy asked.
“With what?” Peyton asked.
“With all of us,” Remy explained, glancing between everyone. “It’s been a wild ride to get us here.”
Asher added with a knowing look, “That might be the understatement of the decade.”
Rhett chuckled. “I, for one, am good with the current adventure. Less danger. More visits to the park. Quiet days and nights.”
Remy barked a laugh and said, “God, look at you, Rhett West, being all domesticated.”
Rhett winked at her. “I like it too.”
“Well,” Remy said. “I guess this should just prove to all of you how much my nana’s spells really do work. Look how happy everyone is.”
Asher kissed her forehead. “No one doubts you, Remy. Not ever.”
Everyone gave her that. Remy’s smile spoke of love and happiness, and sometimes that’s all that mattered.
Kinsley glanced around at her family, her found family, and everyone in the town that had come out to share in the happiness of her father. “You know what I want?” Everyone looked at her. “Just this. Us. Happy like this forever.”
Soft smiles greeted hers.
Rhett’s being the gentlest, as he turned her into his arms, keeping Leo between them. “If anyone can make that happen, Kinsley, it’s you.”
Boone raised his glass. “To this. To us. Forever.”
Rhett’s eyes bore into hers, his mouth dropping to hers. “To this. To us. Forever.”
She reached for the kiss. “To this. To us. Forever.”