Epilogue

JONES

THE FOLLOWING SPRING

S tanding in front of the full-length mirror, Mia moves in front of me to adjust my tie. The sight of her, along with her presence calms my anxious heart.

"I think this is the most beautiful I've ever seen you look, Peaches," I say, skimming my hands over the silky fabric covering her ass.

"Jones," she says, swatting my hands away, but the amused smile on her face tells me she loves it. "You say that practically every day."

"Well, it's true every day." I spin her around so I can admire both of our reflections in the full-length mirror, bringing her against my chest.

"Ha!" she barks out a sarcastic laugh as she peers at us. "I'm huge." She rubs her round belly.

"No, your belly is huge. And it's sexy as hell. You're flawless."

We make eye contact in the mirror and hers is glassy and soft. It's the look of desire. The one she gives me when I know she's turned on.

"Think we have time?" I waggle my brows and slide my hand up her dress.

"Down, boy," she answers teasingly, pulling away from me.

"C'mon," I whine. "I'll be fast."

She snorts. "Fast is not something you should be striving for."

"Shit. Like you need all night. I know how to get you off in seconds," I husk.

Her cheeks blush. "Today is a big day."

"Not for me," I argue, tugging her back to me.

"Liar. It is too. And it's almost time." She goes up on tiptoe and presses a kiss to my cheek. "Have I told you how proud I am of you?" she rasps in my ear.

"How about you show me," I try again.

"Tonight," she promises.

"Fine," I answer with a grunt.

She sashays toward the door and calls over her shoulder, "Save me a dance."

"You know I save all my dances for you."

"Okay, all but one. Rosie deserves a dance with you."

She's probably right. Okay, not probably, she's always right.

I nod and my throat thickens.

"See you soon," she says as she slips out the door.

Rosie and I stand in the living room of the cabin alone. Anxiety zips through me. I don't know why I'm nervous, I'm not the one getting married.

But what's weirder is Rosie looks nervous. It's out of character for her. For as long as I've known her, I've never seen her as rattled as this.

She paces the floor, fiddling with the waist of her long, white gown.

"I swear, if you don't stop your pacing, I'm going to lose my damn mind."

"Well, what's the hold-up. Let's get on with this thing."

"This thing ?" I question. "You mean, your wedding?"

She stomps to the window and pulls up the curtain to peer out. "Yeah, I'm ready. What are they waiting for out there?"

"I don't know, but just get over here so we're ready."

Sighing, she rolls her eyes but moves to stand beside me near the cabin's front door. I bend my elbow and hold it out to her. She glances down at it and back up at me, before reluctantly linking her arm with mine.

"Jonesy?" she mutters. "Do you think this is a good idea?"

"What?" I bark, my eyes bulging. "Marrying Nico?"

She nods. If she didn't look so vulnerable, I'd laugh at her ridiculous question. But she does.

"Nico is one of the best guys I know. And he loves you. Like really loves you. I may not understand it, but he does."

Glaring, she says, "Don't think I can't beat your ass while I'm dressed in this wedding gown. But you're right, he does love me."

"We're all thrilled for you."

She smiles.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I slip it out.

Cammie: Ready!

"It's time," I announce.

I shove my phone back in my pocket and yank Rosie along while I open the door of the cabin and we step outside.

"Ya know," I whisper while I lean over. "Gigi would be thrilled too."

She glances up at me with watery eyes.

"And your mom and dad."

"Thanks," she chokes out. "And thanks for agreeing to walk me down the aisle."

I smile and clear my throat as unexpected emotions claw their way up. "I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be. Now, in Nico's words, let's go get you two hitched."

Rosie snorts a laugh and I escort her toward her groom.

"Thanks, man. This meant a lot to Rosie. Even if she didn't say it out loud."

"Yeah, I know. Meant a lot to me too. It was an honor to walk her down the aisle. You're a good guy, Nico,"

"Thanks."

Designated Dean approaches, "Hey, Nico, buddy. I just met your sister. Sweet girl."

We all search the dance floor until we spot her. She's wearing a light blue dress and cowboy boots. The girl is more Texan than Nico will ever be.

"Hey, is she single?"

Nico's eyes flash with anger.

"Teasing duh, I'm with Sabrina."

"Good. Because she's only twenty."

"Easy, I can take a hint." He holds his hands up in surrender and backs away.

"Can you believe that guy?" Nico grumbles.

My gaze finds Amelia again, dancing with Nico's best friend, Hayden. They're too close and the way they're looking at one another causes my gut to tighten. It's too familiar.

"How well do Amelia and Hayden know each other?"

Nico shrugs. "Hayden's known Amelia her whole life practically. She's tagged along with us for as long as I remember. Why?" He gives me an expression that's laced with concern.

Mia saunters toward me and she's so freakin sexy I lose my train of thought. "Congrats again, Nico. But now I'm stealing Jones away for the rest of the day. He promised to be my dance partner."

"Always, Peaches."

"And with any luck, maybe I'll dance myself into labor." She laughs.

"If not, I've got a better idea." I waggle my brows and her cheeks blush an adorable deep shade of pink.

She shuffles away and distracts me with her butt.

"Hey, Jones, what were you going to say?"

"It's nothing. Just…keep an eye on those two." I nod my chin in Amelia and Hayden's direction.

"What? Hayden and Amelia? Nah."

"I know she's your little sister and there's a big age gap, and you don't want to hear this. But take it from me, your sister is hot. So you better keep an eye on that so-called best friend of yours."

My gaze searches until it lands on Cammie and Maverick. "Trust me, I know from experience."