Epilogue
One Year Later
James
“All right. Dig in, everyone.”
The corners of my mouth curve up as I watch Phoenix proudly set down the tray of sausage and peppers that she cooked for today’s BBQ.
Wilbur sits at her feet, tail thumping hard against the deck as drool drips from his mouth.
“You did this to him, you know.” Phoenix points the serving spoon at Leo. “I know you’re the one who’s been sneaking him table food.”
Leo snatches the spoon out of her hand, feigning offense. “I have done no such thing.” He scoops a heaping spoonful of sausage and peppers onto his plate. “But you’re welcome, because he’s a big, bad pit bull now.”
I lean forward and smack the back of his head. “Guests get served first, idiot.”
He gapes at me. “This isn’t my house. Iama guest.”
Tyler peers into the tray of sausage before glancing up at his sister. “You cooked this, and you didn’t set the house on fire?”
My eyebrows shoot up as I turn my attention to Phoenix. “You told me you didn’t set fires in the kitchen.”
Phoenix’s eyes widen. “It was one time, and I was twelve years old.”
“Dad had to call the fire department.”
“He shouldn’t have let me cook on my own.”
Tyler’s shoulders shake as he laughs.
Phoenix snatches Jenna from his arms. “You’re the only one who has my back here, kid.”
Jenna babbles like she agrees with her aunt.
“You know I have your back.” I lean over and tickle Jenna’s tummy. “I just didn’t realize I needed to keep a fire extinguisher handy.”
“I was twelve!”
Jenna lets out a loud giggle, and everyone sitting around the table laughs.
“At least your man cooks.” Gabby pats Tyler’s hand. “Where can I get me one of those?”
Leo spreads out his arms wide on either side of his body, talking around a boulder of food in his cheek. “Right here, baby. I’m the younger version with more stamina and a bigger—”
“Mouth,” Dad finishes, cutting him off. “A much bigger mouth.”
Leo winks at Gabby. “You know what I’m talking about.”
Phoenix smiles wide, looking around at our friends and family, and my heart swells. I’ll never grow tired of seeing her happy.
Drew clears his throat from across the table and slides back his chair as he stands. “I’d like to raise a toast to Nix.”
We all lift our drinks.
“Not only are you the best friend, sister, and girlfriend we know, but as of last week, you’re officially the best author we know.”
Dad blows a whistle through his teeth, and Phoenix’s cheeks tinge with a pretty pink color.