Epilogue

Ali

A li brought a box into the living room and sat it down against a wall, then sat on top of it and looked around the living room. There wasn’t any furniture yet, but that would all change as the moving vans started bringing in the furniture from Ali’s house. They had only to spend a month staying in her home before they could finally move into the two-bedroom flat across town. It was a month that was filled with not only preparations but love.

Jo entered the room, dropped a box next to the fireplace, and sighed. “And that was the last box from the car.” She walked over and moved in for a kiss. Ali graciously latched onto the kiss, sighing as she grabbed Jo’s hand and pulled her down, so she was seated on her lap.

“This place is all ours,” Ali said. “We made it, and I can’t wait to have so many memories with you here.” Ali brushed her hand against Jo’s cheek, pulling her into another kiss. “I love you so much, Johanna Vialdi.”

“And I love you,” Jo whispered as their lips parted. “But we’re not the only ones making memories.” She smirked as she stood up and reached for Ali’s hand. They walked down the hallway and through the kitchen to the backdoor. Jo grabbed the handle and opened the door, and they exited to their large back patio.

Maverick ran across the yard, bouncing as he ran. His tongue hung out as he giddily played in the grassy backyard. His health had greatly improved. With two rounds of blood transfusions and finally getting his medication regulated, he was down to only needing one capsule daily. It was a long process to get there, but even with the bills mounting, Ali and Jo felt it was imperative that they did whatever it took to help Maverick get through the health crisis. And Ali was more than willing to help out with the bills.

Jo wrapped her arm around Ali as the newest addition to the family, Barkley, ran around in circles, chasing Maverick around the backyard. He was a spitfire, and even though Ali expected to get a Golden Retriever, as she always considered, this two-year-old Beagle was the perfect dog to complete their home, at least for now. Maybe another day, she would get that Golden Retriever. The sky was the limit to what their family life would entail. Ali leaned in and kissed her cheek.

“Maverick and Barkley love the new home as much as we do.”

Jo looked over and grinned. “I would say you are right.” She turned back to them. “Boys, come here. Wanna eat?”

Both Barkley and Maverick turned and ran towards them, bouncing up to the porch like they had lived there their whole lives. Ali laughed, escorting them back into the kitchen to feed both dogs.

“Our bed should be delivered tomorrow. We might have to snuggle up in front of a fire tonight with a sleeping bag and two pillows.” Jo smirked as she leaned back against the counter. “I’m not complaining, though. It will be nice to spend our first night in our new home.”

“Absolutely agree!” Ali said. She moved over to the counter, then shrugged. “But we don’t have to spend it in front of a fire. Our body heat could do enough to warm us up, and I’m thinking this counter would be a nice place to have a little rendezvous.” She winked and moved in, kissing Jo’s open mouth.

Jo laughed as she shook her head. “You naughty woman.” She playfully smacked her shoulder, then turned, and they both watched the dogs eating. “I’ve never dreamed I’d ever be this happy.”

“Expect only to get happier,” Ali grinned, brushing her hand against Jo’s. “We should get going. Don’t want Maverick to be late for his first job.”

Jo laughed. “That would give a bad impression, indeed.” Jo walked over and grabbed the leash, then leaned down to Maverick. “Are you ready, boy? You have a job to do.” She patted his head, then turned to Barkley. “We won’t be long.”

Ali, Jo, and Maverick left the house and went to Ali’s car. They drove to CAPMed, where Maverick would officially begin his new career. As his health improved, it was inevitable that Maverick was destined for greater things. They got him certified to be an emotional support dog, and with his certification, he could go to the hospital and be there for the patients. Ali knew how excited Jo was that the patients would be able to interact with Maverick and get a little taste of what they were missing out in the real world .

They got to the hospital, Jo leashed him, and they took him to the hospital this time. They didn’t have to keep him in the corridor, another change since he was certified. As they walked through the main lobby, Maverick drew attention to them as patients came up and wanted to pet him. They didn’t turn anyone away, making them reach their destination much slower.

When the doors opened, May was at the desk waiting for them. She grinned and rushed over. “Hello, Maverick.” She knelt and petted behind his ears. “We have two kids you’ll meet on this floor.” She jumped up and grinned. “They are so excited.”

Jo looked down at Maverick. “So are we,” she said. “Lead the way.”

As they walked away, Ali heard them talking. Jo was moved to a different shift than May, so they hardly saw one another. Ali was glad that Jo had this time where she could connect with her friend. Jo looked over.

“Are you coming?”

“I will meet up with you. I have something I have to do first.” Jo nodded, then turned away as Ali headed down the hall to find Julia. Julia was at her desk when she peeked her head inside. “Am I interrupting?”

Julia looked up and grinned. “You can interrupt any time.” She stood and rushed around her desk, pulling Ali into an embrace. “How have you been? We’ve all missed you?”

“I honestly couldn’t be better,” Ali admitted. “I needed a change, and when it was finally official that Jo and I didn’t have to hide behind our relationship, I knew I had to make my move.”

“It was just a shock,” Julia admitted. “But I know you had to do what was best for you.”

Ali felt that was the truth. As she signed the papers on that day, she felt this weight lifted from her. They could do the relationship how they wanted it to go, which should have been enough, but there was still so much that Ali wanted to do. And that led her to a teaching position at a nearby medical facility. She could then say she finally had it all.

There was just one thing. She didn’t want to let Jo down, and she feared that maybe Jo wouldn’t understand why she had to say goodbye to CAPMed to have the relationship and the career she desired. Luckily for her, Jo was understanding, which only strengthened their relationship.

“I’m happy, Julia. This career is everything I could want, with the bonus that Jo and I are together.”

“Then that’s really all that matters,” Julia replied. “This place wasn’t the same when you left, but I’ll do what I can to make it even better.”

“Not too much better,” Ali teased.

Julia laughed and shook her head. She followed Ali out of the office, and they went to the room where Maverick got to know one of the patients. The little boy hugged him, and Julia smiled.

“Looks like you’re not the only one happy,” Julia whispered. Ali looked to Jo, who was beaming in her direction.

They stayed at the hospital for nearly an hour before they left and headed back to Ali’s car. “How was it seeing Julia?” Jo asked.

“Good! I worried that she would hold a grudge because I quit so unexpectedly.”

Jo laughed. “Unexpectedly is right. I believe you signed the paper and then resigned that day.” Ali turned to face Jo once they reached the car. “Best decision you could have made.”

Ali shook her head. “Not quite. The best decision was when I realized my true happiness was with you.” Ali wrapped her arm around Jo and pulled her to her. They kissed in the parking lot, her heart still racing every time she kissed her love.

“I love you so much,” Jo whispered before they embraced, every ounce of their happiness realized. This was their happily ever after, and nothing could interfere with that.