And I’m pretty damn sure it is.
Epilogue
Celeste
A few months after that…
I drop my bag by the front door as I enter my and Apollo’s condo. It’s not far from campus, and I’m able to walk to it, which I do most of the time. Apollo taught me to drive over the summer, but it felt like more work finding a spot and parking than it is just to walk.
Pulling my hair down from my ponytail, I quickly try to change my clothes before the race. I leave a trail of clothes from the living room to our bedroom as I hurry. My last class ran long, and I thought I’d have more than enough time to change and make it over to the river before they start. Now I’m the one in a race because I can’t be late to Apollo’s first college rowing competition.
He’s bounced back like a pro from the accident. He was back on the water before spring had even hit. He’d graduated with honors, securing his scholarship and our future. While he might have known which direction his future was headed, I still have no freaking clue what I want. But everyone thought it was best I dip my toe into college and see what piqued my interest. So here I am at the same school as Apollo, taking basic classes while I figure it out.
Maybe I should feel a bit uneasy knowing I likely got in because of the Crews, but I don’t give a crap. This is Apollo’s dream, and I’ll do what I have to so that I’m by his side as he follows in his father’s footsteps.
I steal one of Apollo’s shirts from the closet and tie it up at the bottom so it doesn't look like a dress on me. Thankfully I'm able to change fast, but as I dash out the door, I run into my mom.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, surprised.
“Of course I’m here. It’s Apollo’s first race.” She pulls me in for a hug, kissing me on the cheek.
I wasn’t one bit shocked when Rory told us about this great investment deal he’d done for some building near our new college and that we should take one of the units in it. Oh, and he and Mom might have taken the one next door for when they venture off the island to come and see us.
“Where’s Dad?” I ask, expecting him to be following her out the door.
“He’s already there.”
“Right.” I laugh.
“Tell me how classes are going.” She takes my arm as I lead her out of the building and toward my SUV to make the short drive over to the river.
“Not much to tell really. I’m only in basic courses.” She gives me a knowing smile. “What?”
“Getting more education is never a bad thing, but it also doesn't have to be the place where you find what you’re looking for in life.” That’s Mom. Always full of wisdom.
“Let me guess. You know what I’m looking for?”
“Yes, that's why I took you to Craven Cove. You wanted roots and to have a family. Just because that’s not something I sought out in life doesn't mean it can’t be what you want, honey. Being a wife and mother is an honorable thing.”
“Oh.” I blink quickly, not wanting to let the sudden rush of tears escape. Has that been my heart's desire all along? I absolutely want to get married and have children with Apollo. “Yes,” I agree. “One day.”
“Yes, one day but not today. Enjoy each other for a while first.”
A weight I didn’t know I’d been holding releases off my chest. Every day it felt like I needed to find something of my own. One day maybe I will, but for now I’m going to enjoy being with Apollo. I’ll let everything else fall into place.
I spot Rory’s SUV and pull mine into the parking spot next to it. When I learned to drive, I didn’t fight him or Apollo on the SUV they picked out for me. I knew it wasn't a battle I was going to win. I choose arguments wisely when it comes to them. With everything that happened in the past, I’m sure this tank they picked out for me is top rated when it comes to safety.
“You look cute.” Mom winks at me when we get out.
I’m in jean shorts and sneakers with Apollo’s shirt on. I might have put on a touch of makeup. When it comes to other girls, nothing has changed there with Apollo. I can see the dancing hearts over their heads when they see him. You’d think them seeing how he is with me would deter them, but I think it makes it worse. Not that it really matters. Apollo doesn’t even notice them. Still, I want to look cute for my man.