Epilogue

Junie – (One Year Later)~

A year later, and we were all back at the cabin, minus Paul and Leslie, of course. We were keeping our tradition alive, and I was glad that we were. Still, while we were minus a couple of old faces, we had a couple of new ones to take their place, so it was all good.

“I love watching your interviews,” Roark teased as we all got comfortable in the sitting room to watch Ripley’s interview with Flip Trick Magazine. “You always look so damn uncomfortable.”

“Jerk,” Ripley said, flipping him off.

“I’m just glad you were kind enough not to rope me into it,” Phineas chimed in. I’d learned that Phin wasn’t the best person to interview. The man had no filter.

“Oh, oh, oh, here it is,” I announced happily. “Shhh, everyone.”

The show started with all the customary introductions, but before they went to ask Ripley any questions, the host started off by playing one of the first interviews that Ripley had done when he’d won his first championship. I’d watched it plenty of times with Roark when it had first aired, so I practically knew it by heart.

When the clip was over, the reporter-Richard-looked back over at Ripley. “Your first championship interview ever,” he said. “Do you still feel that same passion for snowboarding, all these years later, Ripley?”

“Absolutely,” Ripley answered.

“And how about the woman you were asked about?”

I was very aware that it was years ago, but no one wanted to hear about past interests when you were in love with someone. During Ripley’s first interview, the reporter had asked if there was a special someone in his life, and he’d said that he was working on it.

“While my passion for snowboarding has stayed the same, my love for that woman has grown so much that my love for her is immeasurable,” Ripley answered, and the gasp that echoed throughout the room was mine.

I turned to face him, and he had his hand out towards me, a black box placed perfectly in the center of his palm. “It’s true,” he said. “There are no words to describe what I feel for you, Junie.”

My eyes were a watery mess, and as I looked around the room, it was clear that I was the only one that hadn’t been in on this. Roark had even paused the live feed to the television, prepared and supporting his brother.

“Ripley…” I trailed off as so much emotion got stuck in my throat.

“I love you, Junie Becker,” he said. “I love you, and you’re going to marry me and give me a boatload of kids who are as loving, selfless, and beautiful as you are.”

The idea that Ripley really had been in love with me for years was so hard to grasp, but I was so thankful for it, nonetheless. This past year had been a whirlwind of firsts for us, and it’d been an easy decision to quit my job and move in with him. While I’d had my parents in McLaurin, Ripley and Roark had been in Sweeney.

“Yes,” I replied. “I want to marry you and give you babies.”

Ripley slipped the huge diamond on my finger, and everyone cheered as he took my face in his hands, then kissed me to seal the deal. Tears were streaming down my face, but neither of us cared. This moment was perfect, and the tears just added to the emotion that was being felt by all.

When we broke away from our kiss, Roark said, “Okay, there’s more.”

Wiping my face, I asked, “More?”

Roark pressed Play on the remote, and Ripley’s interview came back to life. His voice clear, a smile playing on his lips. “And because she feels the same way, she’s getting her winter wonderland wedding this year, in the snow, just like she’s always wanted.”

The reporter chuckled. “Are we invited?”

Ripley grinned at him. “Sorry, bud. Her request is that it be family only.”

I looked over at Ripley. “Are you serious?”

“I’m marrying you at the first sign of snowfall, Junie,” he replied. “Me, you, our parents, and everyone in this room. No one else.”

I threw my arms around him, holding on for dear life.

Junie Storm…it sounded flippin’ perfect.

The End.