Epilogue

Celine checked the turkey for the hundredth time. It smelled wonderful and it was her first time cooking for Thanksgiving. She and Killian had decided to invite their families to their house for the holiday. That way, everyone got to meet, and by the sound of laughter coming from the living room, they were all getting along great.

“Hey, do you need some help?” Blair asked as she entered the kitchen.

“No, but thank you.” Celine hugged her.

“This was a great idea. I’m so glad you decided to do this. Killian’s parents are wonderful.”

“And what about Kian?”

Blair smiled. “He’s sexy, but nothing is clicking for us. We were both in the hall when he said he thought you and Killian were playing matchmakers.”

“You don’t like him?”

“That’s not what I said. There’s no chemistry between us, but that’s fine. We both feel the same way. We can be friends, but anything more than that isn’t happening.”

“Damn it.”

Blair touched her hand. “Don’t be upset. I like him. I do, but not in a romantic sense and he feels the same.”

“Well, I tried. I wish you’d move to Clifton.”

“I’ll give it some thought. I promise. Now, let’s get this dinner on the table.”

“Okay. Could you take the biscuits and corn to the table and tell Killian I need him?”

“Of course.” Blair picked up the dishes of food, then left the kitchen.

Killian entered the kitchen. “Do I need to carry the turkey for you, sweetheart?”

“Please. It sounds like everyone is getting along.”

“I think your dad and mine are going to be good friends. Our mothers too.”

“Kian and Blair are a no.” Celine shook her head.

“Yeah, Kian said the same. It’s fine though. At least they’ll be friends.”

“True.” She wound her arms around his neck, and kissed his lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too. We need to tell them.”

“We will once we’re all seated.”

Celine opened the oven door, grabbed two potholders, but Killian took them from her.

“I’ll get it. You get them all to the table, please.”

“Yes, sir.” She saluted making him roll his eyes.

****

As the sun began to set and the scent of a home-cooked meal filled the air, Killian reached for Celine’s hand and rose from his seat at the head of the table. The gentle clink of silverware stopped as all eyes turned to him.

“We are truly grateful that you could all join us today to celebrate our first Thanksgiving together,” he spoke, his voice filled with sincerity. “And we hope to make this a tradition in the years to come.” He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I have an announcement. Celine and I... we’re getting married.”

There was a moment of stunned silence before Rosemary leapt up from her chair, her face glowing with joy.

“Oh, my goodness, that is wonderful news! When will it be?”

“Next December, Mom.”

“You always wanted a winter wedding, honey. I am beyond happy for you both.” Rosemary hurried over to embrace Celine, followed by everyone else in turn. Kian hugged them tightly before Killian turned to him.

“Kian, I want you to be my best man.”

A wide grin spread across Kian’s face. “It would be my honor, Killian.”

“And Blair,” Celine said, turning to her cousin. “I want you to be my Maid of Honor.”

Tears welled in Blair’s eyes as she embraced Celine. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Killian then turned to Dale. “Mr. Nelson, I would be honored to have your blessing.”

All eyes turned to Dale as he looked at Killian intently before extending his hand.

“You have my blessing. Just make sure you take good care of my Buttercup.”

Killian tried his best not to smile too widely at the nickname but couldn’t resist teasing Celine about it.

“Buttercup? You never told me he called you that.”

“And now you know why,” she playfully retorted .

“Mr. Nelson, I promise you with my life that I will take care of... Buttercup. She will want for nothing.”

“I think it’s time you start calling me Dale, Killian. Welcome to the family.” As everyone excitedly chattered about the news, Killian gently cupped Celine’s face in his hands and leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips before pulling back and gazing into her eyes.

“I’m so glad you wished me a happy birthday, baby.” He couldn’t help but grin as she laughed, then leaned in to kiss her again.

With her by his side, he knew life would always be an adventure, and for the first time in his life, he was grateful for being the wrong man.

* * * The End * * *