Chapter 69

Evie

Barbie, Mo, Caroline Sam, and I clink glasses. Today we celebrate Caroline's fiftieth birthday. It goes without saying that we are all sworn to secrecy that she's hit the milestone. Most importantly, she looks happy and healthy, basking in the attention, her leg fully healed.

"How shall we celebrate?" I ask, thrilled to be back with my friends in Le Marais.

Several weeks ago, Roger sent me a text, saying he was sorry he wasn't in closer touch but met someone else. He hoped I wasn't "too hurt" and invited me and my "gal pals" to come back to his restaurant.

Eyeing what remains of the masterpiece that was my appetizer, I'm still pinching myself how it all worked out.

I've missed this place and my sweet friends. I feel bad to have skipped two of the last five club meetings. I've been busy.

Barbie flips her jet-black tresses behind her shoulder. "How about trekking up Kilimanjaro?"

Caroline and Monique groan in unison and the rest of us laugh.

Sam says, "Not unless one of you rich ladies first pays off my mortgage."

I smile at her outspoken jest, even as she's looking from Caroline . . . to me. Over recent months Sam has slowly come out of her shell. I note she's wearing a touch of lipstick. Maybe New York City is working its magic on her.

"Why look at me? I ask.

The ladies exchange glances.

"What?"

When no one answers me, I say to Sam, "Caroline's got you covered. Don't you, Caroline?"

"Sure, Sam, send me the paperwork."

We all chuckle, and take long sips of our mojitos, each of us relaxed and in terrific moods.

"How long are you in town for this time?" Mo asks me. I've been going back and forth to Yosemite to spend time with Adam and start my new job. I'm deeply in love with both the man and the work. My sons have come out twice to visit, the four of us hiking and playing pool. The guys get along better than I could have ever wished for.

"I'm not sure. Adam has some business to tend to in California. Jeffrey is graduating next month and I want to host the party."

Jeffrey received a job offer in Los Angeles. He's moving after graduation. It will be a combination graduation and bon voyage party.

If Daniel ever relocates out there, I'd have all my peeps on the West Coast.

All, except for these magnificent ladies. I make a mental note to attend these get-togethers even if it means traveling to be here.

Barbie asks Caroline, "How's Dr. Handsome? He still making house calls?" She makes air quotes over the last two words.

"As a matter of fact, Calvin has asked to come by once or twice. I'm starting to wonder if he thinks there's more between us than a doctor-patient relationship. Crazy, right?"

While she lifts her hand to get the waiter's attention, the rest of us shake our heads in disbelief. Caroline is clueless. Or in denial. She's been through an awful time losing her husband. I'm not sure she's finished grieving.

I sense someone coming up behind me and wait for Caroline to order another round of mojitos.

Instead, Barbie, Mo, and Sam who are sitting across from me have their mouths ajar. People at the next table have paused their conversations. Everyone is looking past me and Caroline.

Caroline turns around and says, "Oh."

Now it's my turn. I shift my body and peer behind me.

There is Adam.

He's wearing a suit and tie, holding a bouquet of red roses. I'm frozen to my seat.

Until all four women offer a loud whisper. "Get up, Evie," they say in unison.

Some force helps me move to a stand. "Adam, honey. I thought you were in California, working."

His stance tells me to stay back, like he has something he needs to get off his chest.

"I was, but something suddenly came up here in New York."

"Oh? Is everything okay?"

He takes a deep breath, beads of sweat lining his forehead. "No, not really. Not until I say what I came here for."

A fleeting bout of nerves runs through me. I force it away. No man shows up with roses and bad news.

"Evie." He clears his throat. "You're a strong, brilliant, resilient, fun, independent, and sexy woman. And an amazing mom to two incredible sons. You captured my heart."

I'm beyond touched at this grand gesture. He's managed to surprise me by showing up in New York, not once but twice.

I wait for him to hand me the flowers. Instead, he drops to one knee, setting the bouquet aside. Someone gasps.

That someone would be me.

"We live on opposite ends of the country. But I've given it a great deal of thought and if you're on board with it, we'll keep both homes, here and in Yosemite. I've already begun treatment for my fear of flying. And ta-da, it's working." There's pride all over his face. "I flew here without meds or breaking anyone's hand."

My eyes brim with tears, the words of love caught in my throat, fighting to come out. But Adam's not done.

"I know our timeline is . . . unusual," he says, looking up at me. "But I can't wait another minute."

He pulls a small velvet box from his pocket. I'm speechless, breathless.

"Make me the happiest man in the world and be my hiking partner for life."

Adam opens the box, revealing a ring that catches the overhead light, glistening like a beacon.

"Evie Lawson, will you marry me?"

The room is at a standstill, holding its breath.

I nod, vigorously until the words emerge. "Yes, yes, of course I will."

The room erupts, diners clapping excitedly. Someone whistles loudly. Roger is in the kitchen doorway, giving me a thumbs up.

I hear Caroline say, "Dr. Handsome, huh?" as if trying the concept on for size.

And then Adam is slipping the ring on my finger. It's a beautiful, oval-shaped diamond ring with intricate filigree detailing. His grandmother's.

My cheeks are suddenly damp, my heart bursting with love for this amazing man.

I help him stand, my fingers trembling slightly as I take hold of his tie, pulling him closer until our lips meet in a tender, electrifying kiss.

His mouth is soft against mine, his touch gentle. It"s a kiss that speaks volumes, conveying love, respect, and shared dreams.

Surrounded by my friends' cheers and applause, I know I'm the luckiest woman alive. I found my soulmate in Adam.

As we hold each other close, the room fades away, leaving only the warmth of our embrace and the certainty that this moment is the beginning of a lifetime of happy adventures. Together.

Adam and Evie found their happily ever after. Want an invitation to their wedding?