“There’s no way I’m ever forgetting that night.” He smiles and kisses my nose. “You just have to promise me if you’re going to get naked and go swimming, you bring me with you.”
“I promise,” I say, closing my eyes as I lean against his forehead, “as long asyouswear, you’re never leaving.”
He growls and pulls me in closer to his chest. “You’re mine now… forever. I thought you knew that.”
“I do,” I smile. “I just like hearing it.”
Epilogue
Alex
Six Months Later
Beth and Susan stand at the entrance to the Blue Moon Counseling Center. It’s the first of its kind in Rugged Mountain. It’s our first day of business and we already have a full schedule. Turns out, the people in town have been desperate to get loads of things off their shoulders. All of which I know nothing about, nor will Beth share out of patient confidentiality, but my heart is full, regardless.
“I better get started on these appointments,” Beth says to Susan who’s getting ready to head back to Massachusetts. “I’ll call you later?”
“You better!” she says playfully. “I want minute by minute updates of this baby situation. Do you hear me? I’m not sure if I’m going to have all my stuff moved out here by the time she’s born, and I don’t want to miss a thing!”
“You’ll be back in plenty of time to meet baby Clara. Don’t you worry. Until then, I’ll send you pictures every hour, on the hour. You’ll be able to make a flip book of belly pics.” Beth smiles. “Your dream come true.”
Susan laughs and kisses Beth’s stomach before turning toward me. “Take care of her, plow man. I’ll be back in two months.”
“You got it,” I say, waving toward Susan as she heads toward her SUV. It only took our wedding to change Susan’s mind about living out here. Turns out, nuptials under the early autumn stars are romantic and serene. She’s excited to start her law office here with Gary.
“Looks like the town is developing without the developer,” Henry says, coming in from outdoors.
“Hey, man. What are you doing here?” I turn back and throw my arm around his shoulder. “You look happy as hell. Things still going well with Cami?”
He sighs. “Great. I’ve never felt better. I can’t wait to tell you the whole damn story, but I just stopped by quick to give your girl here a little gift from the tattoo shop.” Henry hands Beth a basket with fresh baked muffins from the bakery downtown. “It’s customary here in Rugged Mountain to start your business off fresh with a basket of baked goods. I hope you like blueberry.” He laughs. “They’re fresh picked right on this mountain.”
Beth smiles and leans into Henry for a hug. “I love blueberry. Thank you. You’ve all been so welcoming to me here.”
“We’re glad to have you… and we’re glad this guy is finally growing up.” Henry glances toward me. “No moreforever young, cousin. Are you fairing okay, or do you feel like you’re betraying Rod Stewart and all his glory?”
I look toward Beth, my heart warm and full as I run my hand over her expanding stomach. “I’ll always beforever young. Now, I just have aReason to Believe.”