Epilogue

LUCY

ONE YEAR LATER…

It’s as if I escaped reality and found myself as the main character starring in one of Henry’s romantic movies. Romantic comedy with all the twists and turns we’ve endured in the last year.

Here I stand, admiring my home in this small English town while snow falls in light flurries around me. Henry swears I brought the snow with me last year because that was the first time he had so much snow since buying this place. I’ll gladly be its source and I hope it returns every winter.

We practically moved in together right after the New Year celebration. While he was working on the movie, he stayed at my place in London for an easier commute, and whenever he had extended time off, we stayed here.

For Valentine’s Day, Henry had the spare room that was once originally planned for my stay, but I never slept in, converted into a home office for me. More thankful than ever for my remote teaching position—it never prevents me from traveling with him. Although, after a year on the movie set, I am considering another career change.

I’ve suggested getting rid of the London apartment, but Henry insists on keeping it for the memories and a permanent place to stay while we are visiting everyone in the city.

Even the townhouse will be switching tenants soon. Oliver and Hannah are shopping for their own place, still deciding if they want to live in the city or not. Mia has decided to move in with Finn, neither wanting to leave the city anytime soon.

Now that filming has ended for Henry’s adaptation of Pride & Prejudice and is in the middle of post-production, we are spending more and more time away from the city. We did get to fly back to New York a couple of times during the year for Henry to meet my mom. They got along so well. I think he may be more competitive now that he’s trying to fit into our family.

Ellie switched teams at the beginning of the year and we got to see her in action at a couple of their games. She certainly has her hands full with a player that’s benched with an injury or something. Although, I teased her the entire time that he’s secretly in love with her. Payback.

The backdoor of the kitchen creaks as Henry emerges in his sexy winter outfit. Only he can make a tracksuit, puffer vest, and ski cap look just as sexy as a three-piece suit. His salt-and-pepper facial hair accents perfectly with the all-black outfit.

I shiver, thinking about how much I love it when that beard glides over my bare skin. I’d stay out here all day just to gawk at this man.

My leading man.

“With your love for the snow, I’m surprised you moved to England, darling. I’m sure there are other locations that get more snow.” He stands behind me, leaning forward to place his chin on my shoulder. “But I’m not complaining.”

“Yes, but the rare snow here makes it all the more special when it arrives,” I share.

“Very special, indeed.” His nose snuggles against my ear. “Dinner is just about finished. Do you care to join me?”

“Of course.” Holding his hand, we trudge through the snow back to our home. Henry kept tonight’s dinner a secret.

As soon as we walk into the kitchen, the smell of garlic fills my nose. I look around and notice he is preparing Max’s chicken Alfredo recipe, one of my favorites.

I remember when Max offered to make it for me himself when I was visiting the set and Henry became adorably jealous. I politely declined.

“Well, It’s just about the anniversary since the last time I made it for you, so I thought it could become a tradition of ours after Christmas when we have the house to ourselves.” I’m still adjusting to the quiet since everyone left this morning to visit their relatives.

With that being said, I welcome the privacy and having him all to myself. Henry will never cease to amaze me with his unlimited supply of romantic ideas.

That reminds me. “Should I run and put that dress on again? I do believe many firsts happened that magical night a year ago,” I tease.

“No need for the dress, I think tomorrow will be our formal date night in the evening. I have a new recipe I want to try.” He looks up from his pan. “Less garlic than this one.”

With a laugh, I reply. “Well, I’m very much looking forward to the abundance of garlic in this meal.” I peek over his shoulder to see the sauce before gathering the place settings for us.

The first bite of fettuccine melts in my mouth as I devour the endless flavor. “You are an exceptional cook,” I praise him.

“If it weren’t for Max’s recipes, I wouldn’t know where to start, but he’s a good teacher.” Henry smiles at the mention of his friend.

“Good dancer too…and perhaps he’s finally found the perfect dance partner.” I play coy.

“Did you plan that all along?”

“Two people meet…at work, you could say. And that job requires them to…spend a lot of time together. I really don’t have control over that. I think the universe is to thank for it.” I shrug but silently bask in the match I helped create.

“I don’t think either of them would describe it so smoothly. If Max had his hair, he certainly would have pulled it out after those first couple weeks working with Luna.” Henry shakes his head.

“I’m sure the same can be said about our rocky start, sweetheart,” I point out.

“Yes, I suppose you are right about that.” He puts his fork down to ponder. “Maybe the best relationships are those with a difficult start.”

“Difficult start…very conservative way to describe it.”

“Either way, they seem very happy now.” He returns to his meal.

“They do,” I agree.

After dinner, we move to the loveseat with glasses of wine in front of the fireplace. I’m bundled up with a blanket.

Last January, I found a large bag of throw blankets in one of the linen closets.

“Henry, why do you have so many throw blankets hiding in this closet?”

He comes behind me, “Oh, I forgot about those. I ordered them when you agreed to stay with me for the holidays. I noticed you have them covering your entire apartment.”

My heart melts at this thoughtfulness. “Why are they all in the closet?”

“I think in the rush of everything, I forgot about them.”

They aren’t as prevalent here as they are at the London apartment, but I do have them strategically placed throughout the house.

“I know it’s months away, but you’ll need to start thinking about what you want to wear to the movie premieres,” Henry reminds me. “I’m going to insist we go custom.” I hate to think of the cost of a custom dress, but he’s pretty set on this.

“Are you getting a custom tux?” I ask.

“Of course.”

“How silly of me to ask.” I roll my eyes.

“Yes, I’ll also need to know if you plan to invite anyone. Perhaps your mom or Ellie might want to attend the American premiere?”

“I can definitely ask Mom, but I don’t know if she’ll be up to all of the chaos. We’ll have to check if Ellie can get the time off—summer is prime baseball season time.”

“Oh, yes. I was also thinking we can host a mini-premiere here.”

“Really?” I’d love to have my family join us here with Henry’s.

“Yes, we can make popcorn, I’m sure Mia can think of some themed drinks, and you can require a book quote to be admitted inside.”

I can’t imagine what Henry would say when I met him last fall if I suggested such a thing. But that is not the man that sits beside me now.

This man has let his walls crumble and helped me to tear down mine. He’s so much more than a romantic partner, he’s truly become my partner in life. Anything that comes our way, we face together.

Henry has turned into the very fictional leading man he mocked so much when we met.

No, even better than those fictional men.

Henry is very real and all mine.