Epilogue

E pilogue

A rna

Six months later

T he resounding chime of metal against glass silenced the laughter and conversation on what was thus far, the best day of my life, as all eyes turned to my fiancé. I looked over to where he stood in his light grey suit, the jacket never having made it on, and I sighed deeply. My cheeks were already sore and we had only been here for an hour, another indication of how content I truly was.

Andy was going to be my husband and I was the happiest bitch alive.

The suit pants did wonders for his arse and I was going to take great delight in removing the grey bow tie which sat saliently against his crisp black dress shirt later tonight. I admired him as he thanked our guests for being here to celebrate our love while moving closer to pull me into his side. He thanked his parents for sharing their house with everyone we held dear and especially commended his mother, my soon to be mother-in-law, on the beauty of where we stood.

And he wasn't wrong.

Fairy lights hung low across the yard, casting a soft glow over our guests, the waitstaff moving around seamlessly with the delicious canapés we selected especially for tonight. When I first saw the little cases with popcorn and red liquorice, I was like a kid on Christmas morning. If I didn't already know, that small gesture alone cemented that I was marrying my other half.

"I'm the luckiest bastard alive." He said, his eyes never leaving my own. "And I can't wait to celebrate with you all again when I make this beautiful woman my wife."

"Kiss her." Someone called and Andy laughed before lifting my chin and doing just that to the pure elation of our family and friends. Looking at me adoringly, he pulled away and turned to our guests, his hand still firmly around my waist.

"Please raise your glasses to my absolutely divine wife-to-be, Arna." Everyone cheered and Andy and I kissed again before Queeny appeared with a wine in hand.

"Since when do you drink wine?" I asked, taking the glass and having a sip before handing it back.

"Since your fiancé introduced me to something more sophisticated than the $4 Gossips bottles at the local corner store." She remarked, as if I was beyond stupid for even asking.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Queen, I didn't realise you'd become a woman of such class." I mocked and then frowned as Nan and Andy looked at me with faux horror.

"Honestly, Andy, you're marrying the wrong Frost woman. But you know where I am if you change your mind." She winked at him and I barked a laugh as Andy planted a kiss on her cheek before excusing us both to continue mingling with our guests.

"I'm so sorry." I giggled, feeling a little tipsy from the few drinks I had already consumed to calm my nerves.

"Baby, I'm beyond used to your Nan by now. She asked me if I wore boxers or briefs earlier."

I choked on my drink, Andy patting my back as he chuckled, nodding solemnly as if he understood and agreed with my reaction.

"Of course she did, the horny bitch." I scoffed again, shaking my head at her obnoxious behaviour which only seemed to be getting worse. "Wait until I tell Marls." I said, sighing, before turning in for a hug.

"She'll be here soon." He consoled, rubbing his hand up and down my back.

"I know. I'm not mad, the last few months have been awful for her and I can't even imagine. I just miss her, you know. She's my girl." I shrugged sadly.

"Bellsy!" I turned to Dad who was gesturing for me to meet him at the backdoor to the house.

"If I'm not back in five minutes please come and disentangle me from whatever long-winded conversation I'm about to be pulled into." I whispered.

"I will rescue you with honour." Andy bowed as I grinned and walked towards Dad.

"Bells, Marlee is at the door, but she isn't coming inside."

"What?" I asked in confusion. Why wouldn't she come to my engagement party? I knew it was a really difficult time so I hadn't been pushing her, but she assured me she would be here tonight.

"Be gentle," he said, reaching for my wrist, halting me, "And be prepared. She doesn't look well."

I nodded once, walking through the house to the front door, brushing aside Dad's warning in my haste to see her. Although, I could have had a month to sit with my dad's words and I still wouldn't have been prepared for the slap I felt at seeing the state of my best-friend. Her unwashed hair was tied into a bun, her face covered in more makeup than I had seen her wear in the fifteen years we had known each other but the hopelessness in her tired eyes evoked the biggest shock of all.

"Hey, Arns. I'm sorry I'm late and I'm so sorry but I can't stay –" Her eyes darted to the car idling at the kerb, Lucas in the driver's seat on the phone.

I didn't need her to apologise. I knew in my gut that my Maid of Honour was not going to be at my engagement party, even for a little while, but the last thing she needed was my guilt. Because hers was already written all over her face.

Instead, I threw myself at her. Winding my arms around her shoulders, I spoke through the emotion which sat deep in my throat at what I suspected was someone else preventing her from being here.

"Don't apologise, I understand. I miss you."

"I'm sorry. Things have been pretty crazy since the funeral. I just finished packing the house and it's now on the market."

"Oh, Marls. I would have helped you. You shouldn't have done that alone." I would never forget the way her voice sounded when she called to say her parents were in a horrific car accident. It wasn't until much later that I would reflect on how she hadn't told me for three days, or how she didn't seem to need me at all in preparing for the funerals. A stark contrast to when she used to call me every single morning to ask if her shoes matched her outfit or what colour she should paint her nails.

"It's okay. Lucas has helped with everything." She shrugged ever so slightly and I wrapped my arms around her again, squeezing her a little more firmly. Instead of returning my hug she stiffened a little and I reluctantly stepped back. Taking a good look at her, I noticed how she seemed almost nervous as she again peered towards the car. I took her hand and mustered all the fake positivity I could as I ushered her to where Lucas now sat against the hood of the car at the edge of the driveway, knowing that right now was not the time to discuss the million things running through my head.

"Hey, Lucas." I said cheerily when we got close and he turned with a tight, artificial smile.

"Congratulations, sorry we can't stay. My sister–" I heard Marlee's sharp, almost imperceptible, intake of breath and interjected.

"Oh, don't be silly. Marlee was just saying you had a family emergency. We totally understand. I hope everything is okay." Marlee looked at me, the briefest look of sadness morphing into relief before she plastered on a smile which mirrored Lucas'.

"Catch up soon, yeah?" She said as she reached for the door handle.

"Of course. You're my Maid of Honour, right?" I winked before pulling her in one last time and holding her tightly, speaking softly for only her to hear. "You know where I am. Any time of any day – you call me and I will move the world for you." Her small hitch of breath was the only confirmation I heard before she loosened her hold.

I pulled away and forced a fake laugh as I said, "I know." Then twirled for Lucas' benefit, saying, "She keeps telling me how much she loves my dress and I agree, it's amazing." I pushed the fabric of the white chiffon dress clean over my hips and stepped away so Marlee could get in the car.

"I'll call you, okay?" She said as she waved, the car pulling away quickly to leave me standing there with plenty of questions and no answers. Something was very wrong and it went far beyond my best-friend losing her parents only a few short months ago. But now was not the moment to process all of that and as much as I wished I could follow her and save her from whatever it was that was dragging her into a pit of desolation, tonight wasn't the time.

I walked towards the front door, stepping inside just as Andy rounded the corner in front of me.

"I'm here to rescue you, my lady. Your five minutes are up." I squashed the emotions which were churning within and smiled but he saw straight through the act. "Your dad mentioned she couldn't stay. I know it's hard but let's put it to the side, just for tonight, and try for another visit tomorrow."

"Thank you. I'd love that." I said as I moved under his arm and we walked back towards our guests.

We headed for the group who were all camped around a table, Sebastian and Cooper recounting a story which involved a lot of hand gestures on Coop's behalf and a lot of grunting on Seb's. I snuggled into Andy's chest as we listened, breathing him in and using his warmth and ungodly scent as my own personal Valium. Felicity smiled at me, a drink in both hands, before turning just in time for the punchline which saw someone allegedly getting arrested, but neither Sebastian, nor Cooper, could agree on who exactly that was.

"Sorry to break this up, but I'm looking for a young stallion to take me for a spin?" Queeny pressed herself in between Andy and I as my mouth opened in horror.

"There is zero chance you are stealing my fiancé tonight, Queeny." I said, pouting and moving back to my man's side.

Jack stood in an over-dramatic fashion and bowed before Nan. "I would be honoured to dance with you, Queeny." He declared as he knelt before her with his hand outstretched.

"Oh, my." Nan said and we all did our best to stifle our laughter as she followed him, her hand fanning her face.

"You are such a pissant, Jack." Jay called before guffawing loudly.

"Do you have to be so loud, especially when laughing at your own joke?" Flick asked exasperated, shooting Jay an expression oozing with disdain.

"I'm just giving you an actual reason to look at me, Autumn, rather than those sneaky glances you think are so subtle."

"My name is Felicity, you pig, and I'd rather attempt an Ikea flatpack with no instructions than glance at you."

"Whatever you say, Autumn." Jay said before he winked and headed to the makeshift bar which was set up in the corner of the yard.

"How is Jack going down at Nexus?" Andy asked Seb.

"Better than I expected. He arrives on time, does everything asked of him and then heads out before the doors open."

It was Andy's idea to give Jack hours at the club, seeing as it was his misdemeanour that gave the place some decent negative press. Although, no one other than those sitting at this table knew that Jay had falsely taken the blame for Jack.

From what Andy and Marlee had said, it made perfect sense. He was close to retiring and while it was premature, it was for the sake of his health. Ultimately, it was his nobility which impressed everyone when he publicly allowed the media to slaughter his character just so Jack could continue his playing career.

"Good. Little shit is lucky he's still on the team." Andy said looking over at Jack who was spinning Nan on the dance floor.

"Loved the photo of him elbow deep in the toilets but." Cooper said.

"Oi, add me to this group chat now I am finally part of Outback Aces." Jay said. "I'll send you some good pics." He winked towards Flick who looked at her nails as if he wasn't even there.

"Yeah, add me too." Dylan added.

"Fuck off. You're not in until you prove yourself." Andy said.

"How come Jack gets to stay in it?" Dyl questioned sullenly and I had to hold back my laugh at how devastated he was about not being in a chat thread.

"He is lucky I didn't create the group or he would be out. Seb is soft." Andy replied and I hid my laugh behind my glass.

"Jack made a mistake. He's a good kid, I reckon he has learnt his lesson. Sorry, Dyl, not adding you though until your bro gives the go ahead." Seb said as Cooper placed a bottle on the table.

"You only let Jack stay in there because you've had someone scrubbing the toilets on both Saturday and Sunday mornings for the last fortnight. Couldn't pay me enough." Cooper retorted.

"That's because you had a fucking maid growing up and have never cleaned a toilet in your life." Seb replied, inciting laughter around the table.

"Shut up or I won't let you all try the latest drop." Cooper held up a bottle of brown liquor.

"Don't start without me." Jay called as he ambled over, looking at the bottle which held a blank label. "What's it called?" Jay asked.

"This here," Cooper began, "Is the Outback Aces - Gold Label."

The boys all roared humorously and Felicity and I looked at each other and then back to them.

"Did we miss something?" I asked Andy, smiling at the way the boys were still chortling.

"My mum calls our poker nights Outback Aces for some reason and Cooper loves it. Give us a taste, bro." He said and Cooper began pouring a round of nips.

When everyone had a drink in hand, Andy held his glass up in the air. "To my beautiful fiancé, her new friend Flick and you bunch of dickheads, now formally known as, The Outback Aces ."

Everybody's glasses clinked together as we all took a sip. I grimaced as the liquid burnt my throat, covering my face in Andy's chest so Cooper didn't think I hated his newest creation. Whiskey was just not for me.

Andy leant forward, scooping up my margarita which was sitting on the table after the tasting.

"I think you should stick to this, future Mrs. Gloss." He said, raising my glass and leaning down to kiss me, much to the delight of our audience. I broke the kiss, looking him deep in the eyes and licking my lips.

"I think you're right, Mr. Gloss, but it tastes realllllllly good on you. Now let's dance." I said heading out to join Queeny, my fiancé close behind.

As the music changed to Another Night by Real McCoy, I threw my arms up and cheered. The dance floor quickly filled with those we loved the most and as Andy flung me out and pulled me in, I felt a sense of completeness in a way I didn't even know existed.

His eyes were on mine the entire time, his grin splitting his face, and when he started singing the chorus louder than I'd ever heard him sing, I knew this was my very own vision of love and he had my whole entire heart.