Epilogue

Jessica

5 Months Later

It's Thanksgiving and we're at Sean's parents house. Liam is officially retired from the military and we all feel like we have so much to be grateful for. I peek at my text thread with Sean again, and when I don't see a response, I slip the phone into my pocket.

"Don't worry, Jess. Sean will be here soon." Evie wraps an arm around my shoulder and gives me a squeeze. "He promised to be here and he will. He's just running behind."

I sigh and lean into her. "But he hasn't responded to any of my messages. It's worrisome."

"Come on." Evelyn pulls me out of the room. "I'm sure he's fine! I know he's anxious to see everyone. Stop worrying yourself. Let's go downstairs where all the fun is."

I follow Evelyn downstairs. Even before we reach the living room, I hear laughter and chaos. I should head in, but I don't want to talk to more people right now.

I turn around and head toward the kitchen. When Sean and I spoke last night, he showed me his flight information, and according to his itinerary, he should be here already. I woke up this morning so excited to see him, and the longer I wait, the more my mood starts to sour.

Where is he? And why won't he respond to my messages? I am worried and annoyed. He better have a good reason for being late.

Liam is the only person in the kitchen when I walk in, and he's seated at the counter, with a drink in his hands. I can tell he came here to escape the noise in the living room, even though he's a significant reason for the celebration. Liam has never been one to appreciate the spotlight.

"Hi, Jess." He smiles at me, setting down his drink. "Are you okay?"

I sigh and grab a bottle of juice from the fridge before walking toward him. "Can I join you?"

He contemplates for a moment before shrugging. "Yeah. Be my guest."

We sit in comfortable silence before he breaks it by asking me a question.

"Is there a reason you are sitting in the kitchen with me?" He asks with a small smile.

Liam is different now. He's always been a bit of a wallflower, but now I feel like he's even more withdrawn. It feels like he's closed himself off to the world.

"It's Sean," I sigh, sipping my juice. "He's not here yet and I'm having a hard time enjoying everyone's fun."

"That's why you're worried?" Liam arches his brows.

"Yes. We spoke last night, and he should be here by now," I groan. "To boot, he hasn't responded to any of my messages. I don't know what's going on. I'm worried, annoyed, and anxious all at the same time."

"He'll be here," Liam says. "Don't fret it. Sean keeps his word. If he says he'll be here, then he will be."

"I know. Thanks, Liam."

Liam looks back to his drink and stares into his glass. "Liam, are you okay?" I blurt out

"Don't I look okay?" He smirks at me.

"Yes," I sigh. "But you seem different and I just want to make sure that everything is okay. You know you can always talk to me, right?"

Liam sighs and finishes the last of his drink. "I am fine," he says. "Don't worry about me. And thank you Jess, I appreciate that more than you know."

"Any girlfriend?" I ask to try and lighten the mood. It works because he bursts into laughter.

"Girlfriend?" He echoes. "Nah."

"Why not?"

"I've been in the military, Jess," he says with a hint of sadness. "There's no time for that."

"What about now that you're out?" I ask, and he stares into his empty glass for a moment.

"For now, I don't think I need a girlfriend. I need time to myself."

I want to ask why, but it's clear that Liam isn't going to say anymore. I let him be for now. He knows that we all love him and we're all here to support him. It's the best we can do for him right now.

The commotion in the living room grabs my attention, and when I turn to look toward the kitchen door I freeze. Sean is standing in the doorway with a smile from ear to ear. He's glancing between Liam and me, although Liam hasn't noticed him yet.

"Sean!" I fly off the stool and race across the kitchen into his arms. Sean catches me as I leap at him and wrap my arms around his neck. He pulls me close only to kiss me. His lips pressed on mine has every nerve ending in my body standing at attention, and sends tingles running down my spine. Tears sting my eyes, and I blink them back. He's here now, everything is alright.

Grinning, Liam walks toward us. "Hi, bro," he says. "It's been a long time." He extends his hand for a shake, but Sean swats it away and pulls him into a hug. The emotions that come up from watching the two brothers unite after so many years makes my eyes watery, and I blink back tears again.

"Oh, I missed you so much," Sean whispers. "I missed you."

Liam shuts his eyes briefly, and I can tell he's trying not to cry. "I missed you too, brother. It's so good to see you." The brothers pull away, but both keep a hand on the other's arm. "You look good," Liam adds.

"Thank you." Sean searches Liam's face. "We've got a lot to talk about."

"Okay." Liam nods. "Now talk to your woman. She's been worried about you."

I roll my eyes as Liam winks at me and leaves the kitchen. Sean turns to me with an apologetic smile. "I had to get something done before heading here," he says. "And I was trying to surprise you. Were you surprised?"

"No!" I swat his arm. "I was worried. And angry."

Sean laughs and pecks my cheek. "My little spitfire," he says. "Come on, the table is set. Let's eat."

When we reach the living room, Evelyn and Jamie are bickering about something while Liam is already at the table, waiting for the chaos to cease so we can all eat. When we walk past Evelyn to the table, she pauses her argument with Jamie and winks at me.

"You can smile now, can't you?" She teases. "I told you he was going to be here."

"I've not forgiven him for being late yet," I mumble. "Maybe I will when he tells me why he was late."

"You'll find out soon," he says, pulling me along.

Everyone gathers at the table, and we all pass the food and fill our plates amidst laughter and wild chatter. When we're ready to eat, Mrs. O'Connell motions for everyone to be quiet. In a moment, the dining room is quiet, and we all look up curiously at her.

"I want to thank everyone here today," she says. "To the Stewart family that's always been here for us whenever we're celebrating, regardless of anything, I'm grateful. Thank you so much."

My parents smile gratefully, and Mrs. O'Connell continues, "I also want to welcome Liam, my baby, home officially," she says. When everyone cheers, Liam rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

"He's been away for so many years, and now that he's back, I want him to know that we love him so much and are happiest when he's with us."

"Thank you, Mom," Liam smiles at her.

She nods, and we all begin to eat. All through dinner, Sean keeps his hands on my thigh. I can't wait for this to be over so we can go somewhere private.

When dinner is over, we all start to drink and talk about our lives for the past month when Sean rises. "I'd like your attention, everyone," he says. "Permit me to have the floor for a moment."

Evelyn rolls her eyes. "He lives for attention," she whispers loud enough for everyone to hear. We all laugh, and Sean narrows his eyes at her.

"So guys," he says. "I'm happy everyone I consider family is here because I'd like to say something important, and there's no better time to say this than when surrounded by people you love and who love you back."

Everyone nods, their eyes shining with curiosity. I'm also eager to hear what Sean says, even though I think it's about his recently completed movie. It was a hit, though it's just been released.

"My first note of thanks goes to John and Lenny."

I frown, mirroring my parents' confusion as they glance at each other. Sean continues. "I want to appreciate them for Jessica," he says. "Without them, there would be no Jessica, and without Jessica, my life would be as cold as ice."

A blush creeps up my cheek as everyone claps and coos. Sean is so dramatic and cheesy.

"Jessica has been my light and my peace, and these past few months with her have been the happiest moments of my life. I would not trade that time for anything." He turns to me. "Jessica, I love you so much," he says. "You are everything to me. I want you to know that I'm yours as surely as you're mine. I'll always protect you and be there for you as long as I live."

"Sean–" the words die in my throat when he pushes away from the table and gets down on one knee. Silence descends on the room as everyone watches in shock. My hand flies to my mouth when Sean withdraws a shiny black box.

"Jessica Stewart," he says softly, his eyes on mine as he opens the box to reveal the perfect diamond ring. "Will you marry me?"

For a moment, I forget how to form words. My vision remains on the ring, and my heart beats rapidly.

"Jessica?"

I don't know who called my name, but the voice slams me back to reality, and I propel myself into Sean's arms, unable to stop the tears this time.

"Yes. Yes. I'll marry you."

Everyone shouts in excitement, but it's like Sean and I are locked in our own private bubble. He wipes a thumb down my face to clean my tears. "Don't cry, Jess."

"I'm sorry." I sniff. "I'm so happy. Sean, I love you so much. You make me so happy."

He draws me closer and kisses my lips. "I can't wait to call you my wife." He winks. "I'm sure you'll be the best, grumpiest wife ever."

Laughing, I nudge his arm and shake my head. Sean might be an arrogant tease, but I wouldn't trade him for anyone else. Today is the happiest day of my life, and I'm happy to be surrounded only by family.

THE END.