Epilogue

B lair and Lumi are on their way back from the airport, and I'm already a nervous wreck. They have been gone for four days on a trip to visit Lumi's family. Blair begged me to go with them, and it killed me to say no, but I had to be here to ensure the remodel went smoothly. On top of that, I have practice.

My phone buzzes, and I check it and find a text from Lumi.

Lumi: We are two minutes out.

"Take a deep breath. You look like you are going to pass out. She's going to love it." Mrs. Potts walks up behind me and pats my shoulder.

Sighing, I run my hand down my face. I hope she's right. I'm so happy that Mrs. Potts and Chip are part of my life. Who knows how I would have ended up if it wasn't for them? They are the glue that kept me together all these years.

I get another text from Lumi and roll my eyes at his message.

Lumi: Pulling into Hawthorne Manor now.

Grabbing the dozen roses off of the counter, I head to greet them. Fuck, I've missed her so much. I know it's only been a few days, but now that I know how life is with her, I dread the days without her.

When I open the front door, a running bundle of energy barrels up the stairs with a shit-eating grin on her face. Gliding down the stairs, I meet her halfway, and she jumps, wrapping herself around my waist.

"Hi!" she sings.

I catch her, strategically shifting the roses to the side so we don't smash them between us.

"Happy birthday, baby," I murmur and lean forward, kissing her soft, supple lips. "How was your trip?"

" Amazing . I have so many pictures to show you," she rambles as I carry her up the steps and inside.

Lowering her to her feet, I hand her the bouquet, and she blushes red, like the delicate flowers.

"You didn't have to get me anything." She flicks her eyes up to mine before inhaling the floral aroma deeply.

Without saying another word, I bend down and grab her around the waist, hauling her over my shoulder. Nostalgia smacks me, reminding me of the last time I threw her over my shoulder like this—the night at the club .

She squeals, "Griffin! What are you doing?"

I palm her ass over her leggings. "I have something to show you."

She wiggles, trying to break free as I carry her across the house to the old rec room.

"I couldn't have walked?" She laughs.

Shrugging, I smile. "Yeah, you definitely could have. But that's not nearly as fun."

"Mmhmm, I bet."

Sliding her down my body, I lower her to the ground. "Turn around and close your eyes."

"Why?" she protests, her stubbornness getting the better of her.

I can't contain this secret a second longer. Wrapping my hand around her face, I cover her eyes and open the door in front of us before guiding her inside.

God , I did a damn good job, designing this.

Kicking the door shut, I take a deep breath and kiss the top of her head. "Happy birthday, beautiful."

As I slide my hand away from her face, her gasps fill the space, bouncing up the forty-foot-tall walls of her brand-new library and circling the dainty crystals dangling from the giant chandelier before falling back to our ears.

The circular tower room is covered with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with windows scattered along the far wall amid the shelves, filling the room with natural light. I took the pleasure of stocking a few of them with some of her favorite books, including a few I also picked out for her. I left the others empty because I wanted her to fill it with what she wanted.

When I glance at her, my heart constricts. Her smile takes over her face, and her eyes are filled with tears as she takes everything in.

In the smack-dab center of the room is an oversize white wooden desk with a vase full of two dozen long-stemmed red roses. I've already scheduled with the campus floral shop to have fresh ones delivered every week and a half so they never seem to die and the petals never fall.

"Griffin …" she breathes out. "Y-you did this?"

Stepping behind her, I pull her against my chest, forming my body around hers—a perfect fit.

"Did I physically do this? No."

She playfully slaps my hand. "Stop undermining yourself." She spins in my grasp and holds my stare. Her voice is soft and airy. "This is for me?"

Brushing her hair out of her face, I bite down on my lip and nod.

"You're amazing." She snakes her arms around my neck and pulls me down, crashing her lips into mine.

Her tongue plunges into my mouth, and I groan into hers. She slides one of her hands into my hair, digging her fingernails into my skin with the other, and the slight bite sends jolts of pleasure straight to my dick.

Slowly, I ease back from her, not wanting to ruin the sweet moment. But she has other plans. She pulls me forward, sealing our kiss again.

Fucking hell.

Gliding my hands down and over her ass, I lift her up and set her down on her new desk. She draws away, only long enough to outline my jaw with her tongue before trailing her lips down my neck.

"Blair," I pant out.

She smirks. "Yes?"

"What are you doing?" I beg.

She holds my stare as she sassily murmurs, "Is this not part of my present?"

Tilting my head back, I try to find an ounce of restraint, but I'm a goner the second she leans forward and grabs me through my sweats.

It's her birthday after all, and she should get what she wants.

I grab her jaw and kiss her, plunging my tongue into her mouth and reveling in the taste of her. We become a tangle of desperate desire and need, fighting for control with each caress.

"Fuck me," she whimpers into my mouth, and my eyes disappear into the back of my head. "Right now."

Nodding, I shove my tongue back into her mouth while grabbing the bottom of her shirt and ripping it off of her, quickly followed by a sexy red bra.

Dropping to my knees, I scoot to the edge of the desk and suck her nipple into my mouth, tugging at it gently with my teeth. She cries out, and I do it again before worshipping her other one.

Digging my fingers in the waistband of her leggings, I order her to, "Lift your hips."

She listens, and I slide them down her legs, dropping them on top of her bra and shirt on the floor beside me. I bury my face in her pussy, breathing her in before running my tongue across her matching panties. As I grab the thin material, she lifts her ass, and I yank them off of her smooth legs.

"Fuck, you're so goddamn perfect," I growl, grabbing her face and licking her lips. "I'll never get enough of you."

She smirks, and a devilish gleam shimmers in her eyes. " Good ."

I pull my shirt over my head and drop my sweats, letting my rock-hard erection spring free. "Turn around and put your hands on the desk."

She gulps and hops off of the white wood as she flushes red. Turning around and reaching her arms forward, she holds herself up on the desk.

"Holy fuck. I wish you could see how good you look right now." I fist my cock, pumping myself from base to tip.

She wiggles her hips from side to side. I slap my dick against her ass, and her back arches, exposing that perfect, dripping cunt. Flipping her hair over to one side, she looks back at me nervously.

"Let's see how wet you are," I murmur, sliding my hand between her legs. "Soaking wet already?"

She nods and bites down on her lip.

Using my foot, I spread her legs apart and thrust my cock through her wetness, coating myself in her arousal.

"Are you ready?" I ask her, not wanting to push her to take my length without our usual foreplay.

I would drag this out, but we don't have time. This isn't the only surprise of the day.

She moans, "Yes, please , I'm begging you."

Gripping her hip, I pull back enough to line myself up with her entrance before pushing the tip inside. She clenches around me, and I run my fingers up and down her back, not moving until I feel her relax around me.

"There you go," I whisper and inch deeper inside of her.

"God, you're so fucking big," she whimpers, and my dick twitches in response.

Reaching around her hip, I find her clit, and my fingers massage it in circles. Her head falls forward, and she fills the room with her cries for more, and I give it to her.

She rears back against me, filling herself up and riding me slowly, and it's fucking heaven.

"Take what you want, baby," I continue to rub her center as she stretches out around me, taking me deeper inside of her with each roll of her hips.

She speeds up, riding me faster and faster, and I can barely keep myself standing from the sensations rocking through my body.

"Oh fuck, that feels sooo good," I groan, readying to take control. I'm not going to last much longer at this rate, and I need to make sure she comes. "Now, it's my turn."

Grabbing onto both of her hips, I bottom out inside of her, feeling my balls slap against her, nearly sending me into a spiral.

"Oh! Griffin!" she screams out, and I reach around and cover her mouth with my hand, pulling her flush against me, wanting to feel the vibrations of her cries. "You're so deep right now!"

"And you're doing such a good fucking job taking it," I praise her as I rear back until just my tip remains and slam back inside of her, over and over, until her body gives out to my every desire.

Lowering my hand to her throat, I pull her against me, her back arching as I continue to pound into her pussy.

Holding her against my chest, I glide my other hand down her stomach and find that bundle of nerves that will send her over the edge. She looks up at me with hooded eyes and blown pupils, grunting and moaning incoherently.

I feel her clench around me, and I know she's close. So am I. My balls tighten as I wait for her to fall into oblivion first.

"Oh God, Griffin! I'm going to—oh fuck!" she cries out, her pussy clenching around me as her orgasm tears through her, and that's all it takes to send me over the fucking edge.

"Fuuuck," I pull her tighter against me as I empty every drop of my love into her.

Sliding out of her, I grab my shirt off of the floor and wipe between her thighs, cleaning her up before doing the same to myself and slipping my sweats back on. I know I'm running out of time, trying to keep her all to myself.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" she asks, looking up at me with downturned eyes.

Reassuring her, I rush over and rub my hands up and down her arms. "Because this was just the beginning of your birthday surprises I have planned."

She softens immediately, and in her eyes, I watch as she fights back the protest to tell me I don't need to do anything else. But at least she's learning that I'm going to spoil her cute little ass, no matter what, and telling me not to does little to dissuade me. Because the truth is, she's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, and I'm not going to let a day go by that I don't remind her just how remarkable she is. Whether it be by my words, actions, or gestures, I'll never let her forget how much she means to me.

If it wasn't for her, I would have never started processing my family's passing. I would have never opened myself up to Mrs. Potts and Chip like I have now, and I definitely wouldn't be lucky enough to say I love you to the girl who made it all possible.

I might be called The Beast, but she is the beauty that saved me.

My heart is racing a million miles a minute, my palms are sweating, and butterflies are dancing throughout every part of my body. Griffin has my knees weak and thighs quivering from what we just did in the library.

My library.

My cheeks flush. I still can't believe he built that for me. It's magical and perfect. I can't wait to fill the walls with more of my favorite books and ones I'm dying to read. It's my new playground, and I feel giddy, like a kid on Christmas, at the thought of spending every day holed up and surrounded by old and new stories.

Griffin grabs my hand as we step out of my new favorite room. My chest swells with the love I feel for Griffin.

He swings our hands between us. "I'm taking you out for dinner tonight. Paul and Lumi are joining us. We're going to a nice Italian restaurant in town."

I should tell him it's my birthday every day if this is what he plans out. I could get used to this.

"What time?" I ask, already imagining the outfit choices I can create and hating every idea so far.

"In about an hour and a half," he answers, and my eyes bulge out of my head.

He smirks and looks away. "Well, our added adventure wasn't on the itinerary."

I laugh, and my face burns as I remember the feel of his hand around my neck and the fire coursing through me. " Oops ."

He sneaks behind me, dropping my arm and tickling my sides. "Yeah, oops . Now, go get ready," he whispers. "I picked something out for you to wear."

Whipping my head around, I gasp as my heart flutters. "You did?"

"It's hanging in your room." He smiles from ear to ear. He gently shoves me up the stairs. "Now go, go, go, or we're going to be late!"

"Okay! I'm going!" I giggle and start running up the stairs to my room.

Lumi is sprawled out on my bed as I walk in. "Finally, I was worried you guys got lost down there."

I can't hide the warmth in my face. "Yeah, yeah …" I trail off as my eyes land on the golden-yellow satin hanging on my wardrobe .

It's the most beautiful dress I've ever seen. Thin spaghetti straps hold it on the hanger, and thicker off-the-shoulder straps hang on the sides. The delicate fabric hangs elegantly, and I'm itching to get into it.

"Yeah, I know, right?" Lumi says, jumping off of the bed and admiring the dress with me. "It's going to look amazing on you."

After a quick touch-up on my curls, I style it half up with my black bow, knowing Griffin will love it. I do my makeup, opting for a faint smoky-brown eye and a soft red lip.

Lumi helps me step into my dress and zips me up. I've never felt more like a princess than I do right now, getting ready to descend the stairs to my prince.

As we exit the east wing, I get a whiff of vanilla, accompanied by the scent of fresh roses. The lights are dimmed, and I reach for the switch, but Lumi slaps my hand away.

"Just keep going," he whispers, escorting me to the top of the stairs.

Watching my feet intently, I make sure I don't trip as we descend to the landing.

Tingles dance over my body, and as I look up, my heart jumps into my throat, and flames ignite behind my eyes.

Griffin stands at the bottom of the staircase, wearing a deep blue suit, in his usual styling—no tie. His hair is brushed back, cascading in waves atop his head.

Behind him stands white-lit marquee letters that spell out Happy Birthday . And every countertop is decorated with flowers, endless candles, and gifts .

Paul waits behind the giant letters, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Malik, Asher, and Dean standing beside him.

I don't even realize that Lumi and I have continued down the stairs until Griffin approaches, and my eyes drop to his outstretched hand.

"I thought we might celebrate here tonight." His smooth voice sounds like music to my ears.

I slip my hand in his, and he glides me across the floor toward the little table positioned directly behind the letters. He grabs a glass off of it and hands it to me.

"Happy birthday, baby." He grabs a glass of his own and clinks it against mine.

Unable to contain the smile on my face and the swelling heart in my chest, I take a sip of the champagne.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Griffin sets his glass down and releases my hand. "One more thing."

"Seriously, Griffin, I don't want anything else. You've already done so much."

"Even if the last surprise is me?" The familiar raspy voice of my father sounds behind me, and I nearly drop the glass to the floor as I whip around to see if my imagination is getting the best of me or if he's really here.

"Dad!" I cry out as I lay eyes on my loving and caring father.

"Hey, peanut," he sobs.

I lunge forward and wrap my arms around him, still questioning whether this is real. As I inhale, I breathe in the scent of my childhood, of the man who sacrificed so I could pursue my dreams. I owe him everything, and I love him more than I can ever put into words.

"You look so beautiful. Happiness looks good on you, sweetie," he whispers into my ear, and the burning sensation spreads from my eyes to my throat.

Squeezing him firmly, I say, "I love you, Dad."

"I love you too," he answers, pulling away and wiping the wetness trailing down his cheeks.

I feel Griffin brush my side as he steps beside me. My dad opens his arms to him, and Griffin hesitates, his eyes glossing over. Reaching out, I touch his hand with mine, reminding him I'm right here.

It's all the assurance he needs to step forward into my dad's embrace. My dad pats his back, and I can watch as every muscle in Griffin's body unwinds, softening from their hug, and it brings tears back into my eyes. I hope that, over time, they can grow close together. Although it looks like they are already off to a great start.

As they pull away, Griffin looks over at Mrs. Potts, giving her some kind of signal, and she walks away. Moments later, music pours into the room around us.

"May I have this dance?" Griffin asks, brushing my hair from my face and offering me his hand.

"Of course." I swoon, intertwining my fingers with his.

He leads me to the open floor in front of the Happy Birthday sign.

Sliding his fingers onto my waist, he holds my other hand out at our sides, leading us across the floor as we spin and sway to the music.

Mrs. Potts and Asher join us, followed by Lumi and Paul. I burst out laughing as Malik and Dean start dancing together. The last to drift onto the floor is Chip and my dad, who are becoming fast friends. Rex runs across the floor and happily jumps up around Chip, seemingly dancing with them.

At the beginning of the year, I was fighting each day to stay afloat. I was desperate to hold on to my fantasies and the fairy tale I had manifested for years.

Whether it was fate or perhaps Lumi volunteering me to become Griffin's tutor, I'm forever thankful that we found one another.

Behind his bared teeth and menacing reputation, I discovered so much more than I ever could have dreamed. I might have accepted the challenge of saving The Beast, but in truth, he rescued himself; I simply freed his heart from the west wing, where he'd imprisoned it long ago.

As we rock back and forth, nestled in our embrace, I rest my cheek against Griffin's chest, and he kisses the top of my head.

There is no place I would rather be than right here, surrounded by my favorite people and in the arms of the man I love. I don't know what our future holds or what tribulations we might face, but I don't care. We'll take any challenges head-on, hand in hand, together.