Epilogue Carter

Never in my wildest dreams have I thought that I'd fall for a gorgeous rock star, or that he'd fall for me. Growing up, I was taught to never make waves, to never jump into the spotlight, because it has this way of sneaking up and blinding you. All those romances in the movies? It felt like something unattainable.

Then I met Zayden—my best friend, my whole world. It's as if fate brought us together all those years ago, giving us the time we needed to fully heal while we got to know each other. To learn how to trust again. To learn how to love.

Waking up next to this charming, funny, and brilliant man every day is unlike anything I've ever experienced with someone. There are some mornings I find myself just admiring the curve of his plush lips or the sweep of his lashes against his skin. He looks so innocent while he's asleep, but I know how brilliant his mind is when he's awake.

I love the way he constantly carries a little notebook in his back pocket, ready to jot down lyrics whenever or wherever the inspiration strikes. Zayden and Olly have gotten together several times a year to write songs together, and their acoustic pieces have gained just as much attention as their more aggressive music.

"Do you think everyone is here already?" Zayden asks as we walk through the front door of Silk, our favorite restaurant here in Olivia Cove. My hand presses at the small of his back as I lead him toward the hostess stand.

This restaurant holds so many happy memories for us, and tonight I hope I can make it even more special by adding another memory here.

Tonight I plan on proposing to the love of my life. Honestly, I'm surprised he hasn't figured it out yet.

I grin at Zayden. "I got a text from Olly. He says we're the last to arrive." Only, Zayden doesn't realize when we said everyone, I meant everyone we love.

Seth, the owner of Silk, greets us at the front, before guiding us toward the private room. As soon as we step inside, we both gasp. The room is even more beautiful than I imagined it would be, with its floor-to-ceiling windows giving us a stunning view of the sparkling ocean beyond.

The timing turned out exactly as planned; the sun is setting, causing the ocean to glitter like thousands of diamonds. Taking advantage of the sunset, I drop to one knee in front of Zayden.

His hand flies to his mouth in shock. "What are you doing?" He whispers, with a huge grin on his face. Happy tears spring to his eyes when I pull out a velvet box.

"Zayden, my love, my best friend. My beautiful Zee. I've dreamt of this moment for years. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say, which words would make this perfect. I wanted this moment to be one that both of us remember for the rest of our lives. But then I realized I can't write beautiful lyrics like you do, I don't know how to play any instruments, or how to sing a perfect tune. What I do know is that you are my world. My everything. We've spent years forming the perfect messages, words that I will cherish for the rest of my life. But now, I'm ready to not just make words with you. I want to make memories with you. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"

"Yes! Yes! Of course. There's only one problem." He grins.

"What's that?" You'll have to fight me for the title of happiest man in the world."

I laugh, tickling his sides. "You're on, sweetheart."