EPILOGUE

GARVEY

“So, what do you think?”

Pop leaned forward and cupped a flower in his hand, and I saw that there was a bee sitting on it, basking in the pollen before he flew back to one of the hives that Zoey had arranged around the property. The hives were the newest addition to The Flower Patch, and two of the women who were living here now had taken on the task of caring for them and harvesting all of their hard work to sell inside the store.

A few other women had become interested in using some of the flowers along with the honey that was harvested and making it into natural skin care products, tinctures, and medicines and were also selling their wares inside the store.

My woman, my fiancée , had turned her dream into quite a profitable endeavor for everyone, but it wasn’t just the money that was making it worthwhile, it was the lives she was changing in the process.

“This makes the compound in Tenillo seem like a shithole,” Pop said with a grin. “You and your girl did well, son. I’m proud of you.”

“It was all her doing, I’ve just been along for the ride.”

“I have a feeling that you’ve propped her up some through all of this,” Pop said as he looked at the field of sunflowers and other gorgeous growth and then turned toward the group of small houses nearby. “This looks like a place that anyone would love to live, but I bet the women here appreciate it more than most.”

“We’ve had a few who didn’t appreciate it quite as much as the rest, but we weeded through them just like we’ll weed through more as they come along. For the most part, we’ve had success in helping out everyone that’s come through, but a few have been misfires.”

“That’s going to happen no matter how hard you work, and sometimes, no matter how hard they work too. I’ve had my share of failures, and they upset me, but not as much as the ones that move on and have good lives make me happy.”

“We’re feeling the same way, just on a smaller scale.”

“And you’re settled here now?”

“Yessir. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” Pop said before he put his hand on my shoulder. “You’re a good man, Garvey, and I’m glad to know you.”

“The only reason I’m in this position is because of you.”

“Bullshit. You just needed a little nudge in the right direction. The rest is all because of your hard work and tenacity.” Pop smiled when he saw my brother walking our way with my sister. “I have a feeling that the family around you just added to that.”

“Yes, it did. It’s good to be home with the people I love and who love me.”

“I’m glad you were finally able to find your peace. That’s all I want for the ones that come through the compound - for them to find a life they can be proud of after a past that might make that hard to do.” Pop smiled sadly before he said, “That’s what I wanted for my son.”

“In a way, it’s happened for him, too, because each of us that were helped by you took a little piece of the love you feel for him and turned it into a good life.”

“I like that. It’s a good way to look at it.”

“Are the two of you ready to go?” Corey asked as he adjusted his tie.

Marley fidgeted for a second and adjusted the neckline of her dress before she said, “You look handsome, Gravy.”

“You look pretty good yourself.”

“She’s stunning, son. You just can’t see it because she’s your sister,” Pop said as he walked toward them. “I, however, am not a relative, so I can tell you that I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman. What are you doing later, sweetheart?”

Marley giggled at the attention of the old man and then turned so that she could hook her arm in his. “Well, I have to go to a wedding, but I’ll be available for a dance or two afterward.”

“I look forward to it,” Pop said as he walked with Marley toward the path that would lead them to where everyone was waiting.

I glanced over at Corey when he asked, “Are you ready?”

“I’ve been ready for this since we were kids.”

“Nah. You weren’t ready then, but I think you are now.”

“Have you talked to any of the girls?”

“I got a text earlier bitching about what a pain in the ass it is to walk in heels when you’re exhausted and just want a nap.”

“Imagine that.”

“In the interest of keeping the peace, I think we should get on the road so you’re not late to your own wedding.”

“She’d hunt me down and kill me if I was.”

“And I’d help her because she’s the best thing that ever happened to you, and everyone knows it.”

“She is, and I’m the luckiest man alive to have her by my side.”

◆◆◆

ZOEY

Bella glanced at her watch and then slipped it into the top of her dress rather than put it back on her wrist before she looked up at me and said, “They’re ready. Are you?”

“I am.”

“No urge to run away?” Lark asked as she handed me my bouquet.

“None at all. I’ve been waiting for this day forever.”

Rain appeared in the doorway holding her cousin’s hand, and she smiled down at her before she asked, “Isn’t Aunt Zozo beautiful?”

“She is,” Lyric said quietly as she walked closer to me. “Your dress is almost as pretty as mine.”

“You’re going to make a wonderful flower girl, sweetie.”

“Do I have to walk with the boys, or can I leave them in my dust?” Lyric asked.

“This one time, it’s not about who gets to the finish line first, honey,” Lark reminded her sternly. “You’re going to walk between the guys and mind your manners, aren’t you?”

Lyric sighed and then nodded before she whispered, “I guess I have to.”

“You do, but it won’t last long. I promise,” I assured her.

“They’re waiting,” Bella reminded us.

“You look gorgeous, Zozo,” Cydney said before she lifted a stray curl over my shoulder. “This has been a long time coming, and I, for one, am thankful to be a part of it.”

“If you don’t hurry up and get your ass down the aisle, I’m going to take back the cake I made and save it all for myself.”

I glared at Janis and said, “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Bet me.”

“I saw an ant hill over in the north field. Wanna go check it out with me?” I asked with a grin.

“Fuck you, almost Forester.”

“Ladies, it’s time to go,” Lyric said primly before she opened the door to walk outside.

“Are you ready for this?” Rain asked.

“Let’s do it.”

I filed out of the room with my friends, and watched Holly Hamilton and Bella organize them in the right order before Holly squatted down beside Lyric and gave her more encouragement and probably offered a bribe or two.

“There’s my girl,” Dad said as he came around the corner. He stopped in his tracks and took in the sight of me, and I felt tears fill my eyes when he whispered, “My beautiful baby.”

“You look handsome too.”

“You remind me of your mother, Zozo. You’re just as beautiful today as she was on the day I married her.”

“Aww. That’s sweet, Dad.”

“Are you ready to spend the rest of your life with that man? If you’re not, we can jump on my bike and . . .”

“Nope. I’m ready to get married.”

“They can barely contain him down there,” Dad said with a grin. “I think he’s afraid you’ll run.”

“The only way I’m running away is if he’s with me.”

“That’s what he said when I offered him a wad of cash and the keys to my truck.”

“You didn’t!”

“Sure as hell did. He looked at me like I was crazy and said you’d just chase his ass down and drag him back.”

“He may be right.”

“Let’s go!” Holly ordered as she walked to the exit.

“Lyric, remember what I said!” Rain ordered as she took her place in line, watching her cousin walk back toward me to wait for her cue.

“I know, I know. I can’t kill them with this many witnesses.”

There was laughter all around, and my dad chuckled before he leaned down and whispered, “Are you sure you want to marry one of those crazy Forresters?”

“They are crazy, aren’t they?”

“Without a doubt. I’ve known them my entire life just like you have, and I can honestly say that there’s no other family I’d ever want my little girl to join.”

“Good because by the next time I see you, I’m going to be one of them.”

“You’ll always be a Duke, Zozo, no matter what your last name is on paper.”

“You’re right, and I’ll always be your Zozo, no matter where I am or who I’m with.”

“Exactly.”

◆◆◆

“And now, by the power vested in me by the great state of Texas, I pronounce you husband and wife. Garvey, you may kiss your bride.”

Garvey tugged on my hand and pulled me closer to him as the crowd went wild. In typical biker fashion, even our bridesmaids and groomsmen joined in, hooting and hollering between loud whistles as Garvey tilted me back over his arm for a long kiss.

By the time he pulled away, we were breathless. Neither of us could stop smiling as he stared down at me, giving me a few seconds to steady myself after the dizziness that kissing me like this always caused.

“Hello, wife.”

“Hello, husband.”

“Are you ready for this?”

“I’ve been ready for this day since the first time you pulled me into your arms for a kiss.”

“If that’s the case, then I think I should give you another one.”

“I’ll never get enough.”

“Neither will I, so I guess it’s a good thing we’ve got the rest of our lives.”

“And I’m ready to spend every minute of it with you. Have I told you lately that I’m glad you finally came home?”

“You’re my home, Zo. You always have been.”

“And I will be your home forever. I promise.”

THE END