Epilogue

Indy — Six months later

I thrummed my fingers against the front counter, eyeing Patty as she strolled down the aisle. She grabbed a bundle of carnations, and I perked up, only to deflate when she set them back down. She did this several times, as though none of the bouquets and potted plants were up to par. Biting my lip, I glanced at the clock on the register. I didn’t have time for this.

Just when I was ready to tell Patty that, she was in front of the counter. She scooted a vase of yellow roses across it, and I gave her a tight smile as I rang her up. “You know,” Patty started, eyeing the white cat, Ollie, sprawled across the counter. “If I were a new business owner, I’d be grateful for every customer. I wouldn’t run them out the door.”

My eye twitched. “I wasn’t trying to run you out the door.” I waved a hand toward the sign on the front window, reminding everyone I’d be closing a few hours early today. “But I closed twenty minutes ago.”

She pushed her wide-framed glasses up her nose. “Do you have somewhere to be or something?”

I sputtered a laugh. “Yes. And based on the RSVP you sent me, I’m assuming you do too.”

She sighed and grabbed the roses off the counter, making her way to the front door. “I hope whatever you have going on was worth losing a customer.” I shook my head, smiling as Patty opened the door and stepped outside. She was so full of it. Since I’d opened Everything Under The Sun a month ago, Patty had proven to be one of my loyal customers. But she still loved to be a thorn in my side.

I walked to the front door and locked it, then let my gaze sweep over the flower shop. It was bright and open. The walls were white shiplap, and a mason jar chandelier hung in the center of the room. There were two aisles, a mixture of flowers and plants, and in the far corner was a glass fridge, displaying flower arrangements I’d made. Save for the wood flooring, there was no sign of the bar once here.

I’d spent many mornings and nights here, working hard to transform the bar into a flower shop. I’d bleached every inch in hopes of washing away the stench of beer, and I’d never forget the look on Brooks’s face when he’d walked in on Shay and me taking a sledgehammer to the bar counter. Thankfully, I was friendly with a local woodworker, and he’d built me a new counter. He hadn’t even complained when I’d asked for floating shelves, as well as the large U-shaped table I’d envisioned for the former game room, now turned classroom.

When I’d bought Ye Olde Trusty Tavern, I didn’t know what to do with it. I was overwhelmed by the possibilities, and I struggled to commit. I’d been the same way growing up. I wanted to try it all. I loved flowers and the idea of bringing more color to Wallowpine, so I’d decided on a flower shop, but I didn’t want to limit myself to one thing.

I crossed the shop and stepped into the classroom, making sure I’d cleaned up from my previous class. Because I loved trying new things, I’d committed to hosting a class once a month at Everything Under The Sun, a chance for anyone to attend and learn a new hobby. I already had requests for a sourdough class, and a vendor was coming down next month for us to make charm bracelets. Since it was the beginning of spring, we’d painted flowerpots today. Thirty people had shown up, and I’d had so much fun, I would’ve let the class go on longer if I didn’t have something a little more exciting happening this evening.

Aware I was on a time crunch, and that the sound of bickering coming from my office was growing, I hurried to finish closing up. After switching off the lights, I scooped Ollie off the counter, and he let out a little meow as I carried him into my office.

Mom and Auburn were gathered around the table, arranging baby’s breath into vases, and Shay sat on the floor, cutting ribbon. “I told you we should’ve finished the centerpieces last night,” Mom muttered, and my sister rolled her eyes. “There’s no way we’re going to be ready in time.”

“I don’t know why you’re getting fussy with me.” Auburn flicked one of the rollers in Mom’s hair, and I smiled at the sight of four gowns hanging safely against the wall, trunks of makeup and hair tools on the floor. I guess to save time, Mom had decided we were getting ready here. “I’m not the one who insisted she had to work on her wedding day.”

Shay snorted and I said, “I didn’t want to cancel my first class.” Something soft brushed my ankles and I looked down, smiling at Genny. I set Ollie down, not surprised as they scurried around the room together. I’d worried how Genny would react to another cat, but they’d been fast friends since we’d brought Ollie home from the animal shelter three months ago. “Besides, don’t act like you’re better than me. I’m not the one who married a marine over the phone.”

Mom laughed, and Shay gasped in surprise, likely never having heard how my sister and Leo’s relationship began. “That’s not even the best part,” I revealed, filling my sister-in-law in. “She moved to Texas for a different marine. Except he turned out to be a real asshole. And then—”

Auburn slapped her hand over my mouth, smothering my words. “Nope. Today is not about me!”

I scrambled out of her hold, eager to continue my story, but then the back door swung open. A ray of light beamed through the doorway, and Nolan stumbled inside. He was panting, his eyes were wild, and when they settled on me, I felt the same butterflies I always did. “Peaches.”

I smiled, and before I could ask why he looked like he’d been running, Mom was standing between us and herding him toward the door. “Oh, no you don’t. You know the rules.” Brooks and Levi rushed through the doorway, and I’d guess by their ragged breaths, they’d been chasing Nolan. “Really?” Mom turned her attention to them. “I gave you two one job, and you let him get away?”

Brooks and Levi shared a look, and I wasn’t sure who looked more afraid. “It’s not my fault,” Brooks tried, cowering. “He jumped out of my truck—”

“Because I wanted to see Indy!” Nolan cut in. “I just wanted to hear how her class went.”

Mom was firmly planted in front of the door, hands on her hips. “Sorry. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. Now, out you go.”

“It’s a vow renewal.” Nolan gave me a wide-eyed look, likely waiting for me to intervene. It was a silly rule, but I was enjoying the sight of Mom shoving the Graham brothers out the door too much to tell her that. “C’mon, Lila. She’s already my wife. We literally woke up in the same bed this morn—”

Mom closed and locked the door, Nolan’s words muffled behind it. She leaned against it, and after a few moments of stunned silenced, she admitted, “I think I might’ve gotten a little carried away.”

Auburn, Shay, and I shared a look, lasting two seconds before we busted out into laughter. “Oh my gosh! I’ve never seen Brooks so terrified,” Shay cried, and Auburn taunted, “Wow, Mom. You’re a total hard-ass. Poor guy just wanted to hear about his wife’s day.”

“I’m sorry.” Mom gave me a sheepish look, pulling on the sleeves of her sweater. “I just want today to be perfect for you. But I was way out of line. Let me go get him—”

“No. It’s okay.” I put my hand over hers, stopping her before she could open the door. Mom’s gaze met mine, and I could tell she was trying to discern if I meant that or not. Of course, I would’ve been happy to see Nolan and tell him about my day, but I wasn’t angry at her. Because she was here, supporting me. “Thank you for wanting me to have the perfect day.”

She smiled, and I wrapped my arms around her, giving her a hug. Our relationship still had its struggles, but it had grown. We’d accepted we’d never see quite eye to eye, and that was a beautiful thing. When Nolan and I had announced we were renewing our vows, and I’d asked her to help me plan the wedding, she’d cried. Told me how happy it made her to see me happy. And as Mom held me tight, there was no describing it as anything but home.

Nolan

“How do your feet feel?”

“Toasty.” I played with the boutonniere above my left shoulder, ensuring it was pinned correctly to my tan suit jacket. Tucking my hands in the pockets of my matching slacks, I looked over my shoulder at Jake. There was a wooden arch above him, adorned with white flowers. He wore a black suit and a deep green tie similar to mine. His beard was trimmed, and what little hair he had was combed to the side. “Why? You got a bunion or something?”

“Just making sure you’re not thinking about running away. Cause I’ll cut ya feet off if you are.”

I scowled. Before I could tell him where to shove that thought, he nudged my shoulder, and a soft melody began to play. I turned around, taking in the sight. We stood in a meadow at the edge of the tree line. There was an aisle before me, the forest floor carefully lined with tea lights and candles. It was dusk, the fairy lights strung above me beginning to glow. A mixture of my and Indy’s family and friends sat on both sides of the aisle, watching as the wedding party walked between them.

Brooks wore a suit, and Shay, clad in a green dress, hooked her arm through his. Levi walked behind them, and Layne, his childhood friend, was beside him. Auburn and Leo brought up the tail end, tears already streaming down the former’s cheeks. Having made their way down the aisle, the men stood beside me, with the women on the other side.

Laughter filtered through the air as Winnie and my nephews strolled toward me, haphazardly tossing flowers. My heart pounded, anticipation and nerves building with every passing breath. I’d been waiting for this moment my entire life. It didn’t matter if Indy had been my wife for nearly a decade; today I’d finally marry her right.

The crowd quieted, and they eagerly turned in their chairs in preparation for Indy. My hands shook at my side; I’d never been more excited and nervous in my life. And in the mix of those emotions, I heard Brooks ask in a low murmur, “Do you think he’s here?”

A breeze stirred through the trees, and I knew without asking who Brooks was talking about. Dad. I glanced to my left, and as I took in my brothers, I thought of the last time I’d stood in this very meadow with them years ago. It was when we’d finally gathered the courage to spread Dad’s ashes and share one final goodbye.

But it hadn’t been goodbye.

Because as I stared at Brooks and Levi, I saw glimpses of him in their eyes, heard him in their laughs. When I peered deep within me, I felt him there too. Dad still existed. Lived on in each of us. “Yeah. He’s here.”

The music changed, and I cleared my throat before facing the aisle once more. Time seemed to slow, and so did my pulse, everything in me coming to a pause at the sight of my wife. Indy’s hair was down, red curls vibrant and smooth. She wore an ivory gown, colorful embroidered wildflowers cascading down past her breasts. The neckline was deep cut and clinging to her frame, flaring slightly at her waist. She was barefoot, the ends of her skirt brushing against the forest floor, and her parents walked beside her, beaming.

Soon, she was across the aisle, and her parents were in front of me. I didn’t take it lightly as Seth and Lila hugged me, silently giving me their blessing before taking their seats in the front. Folks around town had said it was pointless when they’d heard Indy and I were having another wedding. Didn’t understand why we’d waste our money when we were already legally married. That was okay. They didn’t need to understand.

Today—and the rest of our lives—was for no one else but us.

I grasped Indy’s hand in mine, and as I took in the quiet joy on her beautiful face, I struggled to listen as Jake welcomed everyone to our wedding. He spoke a few words, expressed the pride he felt to see us together, and then invited Indy to share her vows.

She let out a shaky breath, and as she began to speak, it felt like I was taken back in time. When we’d stood in a courthouse, eighteen and fearless. I’d been in love with her then, but there was no denying it was different than what I felt now. Our love had been tried and tested. Reforged. We’d fought for it. It was a part of me, embedded beneath my bones and woven into my soul. And as Indy finished her vows, promised to love me beyond this life, I knew she felt as strongly.

“Indy.” My palms were sweaty, my heart wild as I thought of the vows I wanted to share. Indy had suggested I write them down, but I didn’t need to. They lived freely in my mind. “Our story began beneath a tree. It was dark and raining, and you tell me often it’s where you started to fall in love with me. But for me, it was much sooner.” I swallowed thickly. “For me, it began in kindergarten. You strolled in with your shoes on the wrong feet, which I pointed out. You told me I was wrong, and somehow convinced me to swap my own pair. Should’ve known then I’d do anything you wanted.” Indy smiled, her bold brown eyes gleaming. “It continued throughout the years. When I’d see you running through the meadow. Catch you dancing in a dusty corner of the library or sneaking out of class. When you’d wear dandelions in your hair or walk by my baseball practices with your nose in a book. And well, we both know I was a goner the moment you threatened to break my hand.” Our guests laughed, and so did Indy, tears rolling down her cheeks. “The point is, it may have taken me a while to get your attention, but you always had mine. From the moment I met you, you were all I ever saw. And while we could argue about where our story truly began, I know where our story will end. And that’s always together.”

The words barely touched the air before Indy’s mouth was on mine. Her arms circled my neck, my fingers curled in her hair. Her lips were soft and warm, and I’d never tire of the rush it gave me to know she was mine. In a whirlwind, Jake congratulated us, and then we were walking down the aisle. Family and friends hugged us, wishing us the best.

The night continued in a rush. Dinner was served, toasts were given. Bouquets and garters were tossed. We cut our cake, and despite my brothers egging me on, I kept my promise to Indy and didn’t shove it into her face—despite her smearing it against mine. Everything was happening so quick, and though it was our wedding, I’d felt like we hadn’t spent much time together. After Indy danced with her dad, and I her mom, it was time for our first dance, and I’d never been so grateful for a moment alone.

It was dark, the air warm. Lights were strung throughout the trees, and lanterns were spread across the forest floor, stark against the ominous forest surrounding us. The sound of crickets and whispers seeped through the night as Indy and I met in the small space we’d designated for dancing.

She smiled, slipping her hand into mine. Her skin was flushed, and her curls had gotten more unruly as the night had gone on. She was beautiful. I set my hand on the small of her back and pulled her against me, her frame settling perfectly against mine. Dropping my hand, she looped her arms around my neck, playing with the ends of my hair. “In Your Love” by Tyler Childers began to play, and with a glimmer in her eye, Indy whispered, “Did you want to go fast or slow, Nolan?”

My lips twitched, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to dance fast and hard. These past six months, Indy and I had done plenty of dancing, and there was no denying how good we’d gotten. She’d let me toss and turn her in every direction. We had no problem keeping up with one another. But as I stared at my wife, felt her steady heartbeat against mine, I didn’t want to rush this.

There was a time we tried to race from one moment to the next. We’d been set on the life we wanted, and we wanted to get there as fast as we could. There was so much I desired to do with Indy, so much we had left to figure out. I still hadn’t carved anything from the wood of our aspen tree. We’d tossed around a few ideas, such as a swing or even a sign for her flower shop. We’d even discussed using the wood to build a crib. At least once a week, we visited the pine tree we’d planted in honor of the baby we’d lost. We still felt the pain of that loss, but we’d learned love and grief went hand in hand. When my mind felt heavy and we’d disappear to the lake for a weekend, Indy and I would share hopes of starting a family. But then we’d admit we loved the idea of it just being us. Neither of us were in a hurry to decide. There were plenty of paths our life together could take. I only knew one thing for certain.

I wanted to savor this life with Indy, in the good and hard times.

Leaning in, I brushed my lips against hers. “Slow, baby. Let’s go nice and slow.”