Epilogue

Mason

As I dropped into the halfpipe, a gust of air whipped against my face, carrying the scent of the salt marsh. My skateboard's wheels screeched as they skidded against the smooth concrete, echoing through the backyard.

I was in utter disbelief that Kenna had allowed me to build a halfpipe in her immaculate backyard—hell, she had even encouraged it. The lush green grass and perfectly trimmed hedges seemed almost too perfect for my reckless antics. But I loved skating at home with Kenna's emerald eyes watching me.

Kenna was sprawled on her stomach in the nearby grass, and our three-month-old puppy, Pepper, was nipping at her nose. Pepper's ebony fur was a striking contrast to Kenna's bright blonde hair. Their contrast was a comical sight, and I could only imagine what I looked like standing next to Kenna.

A thunderstorm next to a ray of sunshine.

As if sensing my gaze, Kenna turned and flashed me a broad smile, enthusiastically waving her hand to beckon me over. My heart fluttered with excitement as I strolled over to her and lowered myself onto my knees. I eagerly pressed my lips against hers in a tender kiss.

"Hi," she said, her eyes heavy.

I knew that look.

"Someone's horny," I laughed.

A warm flush spread across her cheeks, transforming them into a delicate shade of pink. It was a familiar sight, one that never failed to make my heart skip a beat.

"Can I take you on a date tonight?" I asked.

Her eyes lit up, and she nodded. "When?"

"Can you be ready in an hour?" I asked.

"Hmmm, I can be ready in an hour and a half," she negotiated with a giggle.

Kenna rose, and Pepper sprang up eagerly, never straying too far from Kenna's side. Although we had adopted the lovable pup only a month earlier, she had already attached herself to Kenna like a loyal shadow.

"Okay, six o'clock it is," I said, giving her a light smack on the ass.

She stood on her tiptoes and quickly pressed her lips to mine before she rushed off to shower.

I returned to the halfpipe, my feet planted firmly on the worn-out grip tape of my board. But the anticipation of what was to come weighed heavily on my mind, making it hard to focus on the smooth concrete below me.

With my stomach in knots, I ventured inside early to shower.

∞∞∞

I propped my head up with my arms folded behind it, taking in the sight of Kenna getting ready from the comfort of our bed. It was mesmerizing to watch her put on her mascara. Her lips parted in concentration, her eyebrows lifting as she carefully coated her lashes. The soft light from the vanity mirror illuminated her features, enhancing the delicate curve of her lips and the subtle blush on her cheeks.

Her eyes met mine as she finished her application, and a small smile crept onto her pink lips.

"This is my favorite part," I said.

"Favorite part of what?" she asked.

"Of living with you," I told her.

She turned towards me, her mascara wand still clutched in her hand. "The first time you saw me apply mascara, you thought I was going to stab myself."

I laughed, "I now know, you are a pro."

She fluttered her long eyelashes at me as she stepped into a sleek, form-fitting dress. I groaned in frustration when my view of her bare breasts was obscured.

"Oh, hush," she giggled. "Are you ready?"

I nodded, "You're ten minutes early."

"Do I get a cookie?" she asked.

"You're going to get more than a cookie," I growled.

"Don't mess up my hair!" she warned, waving her finger at me. "Not until after dinner."

"I wouldn't dream of it," I promised her before we kissed Pepper on the head and walked out the front door.

My mind was in a dense fog as I navigated the streets on our way downtown. I could barely focus while Kenna recounted her day. My nerves were getting the best of me.

My hands gripped the steering wheel as I scanned the streets for an open parking spot, but each parallel space was occupied by a car or a delivery truck. Frustration mounted with each loop around the block until we finally pulled into a crowded parking garage, the only option left for us.

The familiar streets of downtown Charleston blurred together as we walked to the quaint restaurant where I had managed to snag reservations. The weight of anticipation hung heavy in the air, making time stretch.

"Are you okay?" Kenna asked.

Fuck.

The last thing I wanted was for her to sense that something was off.

"Yeah," I told her. "I'm good."

When the host seated us, I took Kenna's hands in mine.

"What's going on, Mason?"

"Kenna, I can't wait another second," I said as I dropped to my left knee. "When I think about what makes me happy—absolutely, maddeningly delighted—it's you. It's been you since the moment I met you. You've brought an undeniable joy into my life, and if you'll have me, it would be an honor to be yours forever. Will you marry me?"

Kenna's emerald eyes swelled with tears as she digested my words. "Yes," she whispered before a second, more enthusiastic, "Yes!"

She pulled me up to my feet and kissed me like it was our last kiss, but it was only the beginning.

"To love is to be consumed," I said into her neck. "It's to be changed irrevocably."

The sound of clapping and cheering came from the neighboring tables, a symphony of celebration. Wecouldn't help but flash grins in their direction, our eyes radiating pure joy. The idea of a public engagement had always seemed daunting, but with Kenna by my side, a grand gesture felt natural and effortless.

"I love you, Mason Drury," she said.

"I love you, Kenna Porter. You hold the flawed pieces of me with such gentle hands," I whispered into her hair. "You make me forget I was ever broken. You make me feel like I am enough. Like I'm more than enough. You look at me like I hung the moon for you."

"Didn't you, though?" she cocked her head. "You love me for me. That's the greatest gift you could have ever given me."

As I looked into her eyes, their glittering depths seemed to hold all the universe's secrets. At that moment, I knew she was the most incredible gift life could have given me. My heart swelled with an overwhelming mix of joy, love, and gratitude as I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers.

"You've stolen my heart," I told her. "Every beat belongs to you."

"And I'm never giving it back," she said with a mischievous grin.

"Good," I said, "it's yours to keep."