Page 33

epilogue 1

BLUE

T his day had come way too slow.

But we were finally here. And like I’d promised myself all those years ago, I’d gone all Beyoncé and put a ring on it. Last summer it had been an engagement ring. Three hours and twenty-two minutes ago it was a gold band. Gazing down into the eyes of my wife, I was confident I’d just made the smartest decision of my life.

“Do you hear that?” Anna cupped a hand to her ear, exuberant. “There are thirty-seven football players and nine NCAA coaches here and I have not heard a word about football today. Not one.”

That’s because I’d threatened them within an inch of their lives. Anyone caught talking sports, would immediately become part of the clean up crew. Anna deserved a day free of men overtaking every conversion with their opinions on how the SEC was overrated, if the Cowboys would ever be relevant again, or who they thought would win the Super Bowl this year.

“Happy Birthday, Mrs. Bishop,” I whispered in Anna’s ear. A loose tendril from her updo tickled my cheek. I spun the band on my ringer finger.

“Happy wedding day, Mr. Bishop,” she whispered back as I swayed her in my arms.

My suit coat came off the minute Ashton was done declaring us husband and wife. It was too hot in the middle of July to keep it on. My tie came off about an hour ago. The cake was cut and eaten. Pictures were done. Our first dance as a couple completed. Tally had caught the bouquet after Brooklyn shoved her toward it.

But Anna and I were still on the makeshift dance floor her Granny had built. The stars twinkled in the sky above the tent, the lights glistened around us, and the fireflies darted in and out of the hayfield off to our right. Ford’s band was still going strong, though, situated on a huge trailer at the front of the tent. He’d promised to play until we told him we were done.

I spun Anna, making her dress flare at the bottom. I’d done it a couple of times tonight and each time, it made her laugh, just like she did now.

“You know,” I pulled her back into my arms. “You’re old enough for a glass of champagne now, if you want.”

She ran her hands up my chest. “I’m good.” Her gaze smoldered. “I want to be fully cognizant for what’s coming. Soon.”

“Soon?” I played it cool but my knees were shaking. I’d waited so long for this and we were finally here.

She bit her bottom lip and looked up at me through her lashes. “Yes. Like now.”

“Right now?” I clarified.

“Right. Now .”

In a flash I had her by the hand, pulling her behind me.

“Wait.” She laughed as she stumbled to keep up. “We need to say goodbye to everyone.”

“You said now. ” My voice cracked. “Now means now.” The yearning in my tone was embarrassing.

“You’re right.” She laughed. “But we’re going to need an invisibility cloak to sneak past Silas or your mom.”

We ducked down, weaving in and out of the crowd. Past Christy and Holden and their kids, Jenny and Bo, and a bunch of our high school friends. We were almost to the edge of the tent when Silas stepped in our way.

I groaned.

“Told you.” Anna laughed.

His brow was raised, his voice stern. “Where do you two think you’re going?”

“Nope. Not this time, Pops.” I smirked at my duncle-in-law and flicked my brows up in a dare. I might wrestle him on this. “Mr. and Mrs. Bishop have things to do. Post haste.”

“Okay, Randy.” Silas put his hands on his hips like I should be afraid of him. The hormones surging through me were making me brave I guess because I puffed my chest and put my hands on my own hips, facing off.

“Stand down, both of you.” Anna smiled but then she gave me a pleading look. “Just…one second.”

Silas tried to be tough but his eyes gave everything away. He was forlorn, almost lost, struggling to let his girl go.

I sighed. “All right. Go on.”

She stepped away from me and pushed up on her tiptoes, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you. For everything.” She squeezed him in a hug. He said nothing, just leaned his head against the top of hers, closing his eyes for a moment. “I’ll see you after the honeymoon,” she said as she stepped away. “Where’s Lemon? I want to tell her goodbye.” She glanced at me. “And your mom.”

I held in another groan.

“She had to run back to Granny and Gramps’s house for a minute,” he said but there was a hitch in his voice like he was telling a fib. “I’ll tell her goodbye for you.” Then he looked past her to me. “You take care of her, Blue.”

“Of course. Always.”

He cuffed me on the shoulder. “You take care of each other.”

“We will,” we said together.

He stepped out of our way, letting us go. But Brooklyn took his place, swishing her pale pink bridesmaid dress. She looked at us both, wearing her typical emotionless expression. “How has today been? Are you two doing okay?” The girl was completely oblivious to our escape attempt. It was so Brooklyn.

“We’re great,” I said. “Heading out.”

I heard someone snicker off to my left. Colt.

“You look a little wild-eyed,” he chuckled. The kid was finally as tall as me. Okay, taller. But I wouldn’t admit it. “Everything okay?”

I glared at him, which made him laugh more.

“Are you guys leaving already?” Tally slid in behind Colt, hands in the air, still jamming out to Ford’s song. “I need goodbye hugs.”

Brion stepped up next to her. “Did someone say free hugs?” Tyson and DeShawn were next.

I threw my head back and groaned. Which made Anna belly-laugh. I glared at her playfully. “Did you do this? You planned this ahead of time?” I pulled her against me, my nose pressed into her cheek. “You dangled the carrot and told everyone to line up and bat it away.” I hissed.

She turned her face so that her nose was in my dimple. “Trust me, I want the carrot too. I had nothing to do with this.”

A line was forming behind DeShawn. News had apparently spread that we were leaving and everyone wanted to say goodbye. Every Dupree, including all of Anna’s cousins; Mr. Llewellyn, the lawyer that had formalized the custody agreement for Lemon, Silas and Anna, along with his wife. Next was Mrs. Ross, my tenth-grade English teacher. Behind her were all my Knoxville and Virginia Tech coaches and teammates. Oh, and the pastor at the Duprees’ church, who was still irritated that we’d let Ashton perform the ceremony instead of him. Ash had married Lemon and Silas after getting ordained online. Then he’d married Holden and Christy. Who were we to break tradition? The only people of importance not there were Lemon and Mom.

Every hormone in my body was thrumming from want and every one of those people was standing in my way. I dropped Anna’s hand, turned and bolted back for Ford. When I made it to the massive trailer, I saw him winking at Lemon’s friend Peyton, former Miss Seddledowne. She rolled her eyes and spun away from the stage, in the arms of her husband.

With a leap, I hurdled over the lip of the stage, walked right up to Ford, and held out my hand for his mic. He kept singing, his eyes trained on Peyton.

“Seriously, man? I saw that.” I shook my head. “She’s married.”

He leaned the microphone away from his lips. “Hush. You saw nothing. And I’ve had a crush on that woman since I was in elementary school.”

“She’s married ,” I repeated.

He cocked a brow. “I think you forget who you’re talking to.”

I huffed out a chuckle. Did he think I cared that he was famous? I’d seen him first thing in the morning before a cup of coffee. It was not a pretty sight.

He popped me in the back of the head. “I’m your uncle now, so don’t be smarting off. I wink at women. It’s what I do.” He gave me a sly grin.

“I’m glad you’re related to my wife.” Then I opened and closed my fingers in a gimme motion. “I need the mic for a sec.”

“A little respect please. We’re in the middle of the song. There wouldn’t be a wedding if it weren’t for me.”

“It’s my wedding.” I threw my hands up. “I made you the best man.” Along with Colt and Madden. I couldn’t choose. “Now gimme the mic.”

He pursed his lips and reluctantly handed it over. Then he motioned for his band to quiet their instruments and voices.

I turned to face our friends and family. My gorgeous wife was standing at the edge of the stage grinning up at me. I winked at her and she blew me a kiss. “Can I have everyone’s attention please?” I waited for the crowd to quiet down. “It’s been six years, forty eight weeks, and two days since the first time I laid eyes on the love of my life.”

In unison, half the women there said, “Awwwww.”

I chuckled at Anna’s pink cheeks. “That’s a very long time to wait for someone.” I put a hand on my hip. “We’ve had the best day of our lives, thanks to you all. Truly. But we’re ready to have the best night of our lives, ifyouknowhatimean.”

Peyton scowled and covered her son’s ears. A couple of my former and current teammates hooted at that. Brion’s catcalling drowned them out.

Now Anna’s cheeks were red. I’d make it up to her shortly. “Please forgive us for jetting out of here without saying goodbye to each of you. This is your goodbye.” I waved at them. Anna turned and waved. “So if you could make a path for us we would greatly appreciate your cooperation.”

“You want a path?” Lemon who had appeared out of thin air, cupped her hands around her mouth like a megaphone. “Give us thirty seconds. Stay right there.” Mom standing next to her, jammed two fingers in her mouth, letting out an ear-splitting whistle. As if it was some kind of signal, the crowd scattered. Moms rounded up kids. Men pounded each other on the back as they moved out into the night. Even Ford and his band took off, leaving us completely alone in the tent.

“What is happening?” I stepped down from the stage and slid my arm around Anna’s back. “Thirty seconds for what?”

“They’re making a path, I guess.” She gripped my shirt in her fists and looked up into my eyes. “I know how we can spend the next thirty seconds.” Then she kissed me. Hard. I slid my arms around her waist and returned the sentiment. It was the first time we’d been alone as husband and wife. This kiss felt different. Anna wasn’t holding back. At all. Her fingers untucked my shirt and trailed across my stomach, shooting goosebumps across my chest. Oh, I was so here for it.

Probably three minutes later, Brion hollered, “Yo, Blue! Y’all are good to go.”

My eyes fluttered open as Anna stepped back.

She reached for my hand. “You ready?”

“I’ve been ready.”

Together, we turned to see an alleyway of sparklers waiting for us. Not gonna lie, it was pretty magical. All our friends and family were there, wishing us well as we walked through the thoroughfare of silver, flickering sparks. I looked over at Anna whose eyes glittered in the shimmering lights.

Mom stepped out of the crowd and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Congrats son. Go exchange that sweatshirt.”

“Oh, it’s not a sweatshirt anymore.” Anna laughed. “We’ve upgraded to a whole sweatsuit.”

Mom patted us both on our cheeks. “Go exchange that sweatsuit.”

“Oh, we will. A bunch of times,” I said. Mom rolled her eyes and laughed.

I turned to see Lemon hugging Anna. Then she squeezed me in a tight embrace. When she stepped away, her eyes were dancing, “Enjoy your evening, you two.”

“We will,” I said and guided Anna away.

When we reached the end of the sparkler trail, a loud pop rang out, making me jump. It sounded like a gunshot. But two seconds later a brocade of maroon and orange fireworks lit up the sky.

“Ashton,” Anna and I said at the same time. We glanced over to see his dark silhouette off in the grass, saluting us. It was fitting. Over the last two years, Anna and I had become Hokies through and through. The people in southwest Virginia and the town of Blacksburg had wormed their way into our hearts. I finally got Ash’s fixation.

Once the fireworks were done raining down, the crowd dispersed behind us.

I grabbed Anna’s hand again, overeager and not the least bit ashamed of it. Right on cue, Madden pulled up in my wedding present for Anna.

“Stella?” Anna’s jaw dropped. Anna’s car had given up the ghost a few months ago. It had been a whole emotional thing for her since it was her mom’s. Almost like letting a beloved pet cross the rainbow bridge. She didn’t know that I’d bought Stella back from the junkyard, fixed the transmission and engine, had her reupholstered, repainted and fully detailed. Along with a new radio, new steering wheel, and new carpet. Stella should be good to go for another couple hundred thousand.

“Of course,” I said. “I had to resurrect her. I’m forever in her debt. She drove you back to me.” I popped the passenger side door open for my beautiful wife.

Madden gave me a fist bump before walking away.

When I got in, Anna was hugging the dash. “Thank you,” she whispered, her cheek resting against it and her hands wiping over it in dramatic fashion, as if Stella was a long-lost friend.

I chuckled and pressed the gas too fast, spraying gravel behind us, giving away my impatience.

“Slow down, turbo.” Anna laughed, peeling off her heels.

“Nope. Not a chance.”

She gazed out the window quietly, a smile teasing at the corners of her beautiful mouth. I was about to ask her specifically what she was smiling about when her arms flew out. “Wait!”

I slammed the brake, my heart in my throat. “What?” We’d only driven fifty feet.

She looked over at me with wide eyes. “There’s one more person I need to say goodbye to.”

I groaned for the tenth time. “Are you kidding me?”

She popped the door open and tipped her head. “Come with me?”

That’s when I realized we were right by Sophie’s grave.

“Of course.” I undid my seatbelt and turned off the ignition.

Hand in hand, we walked to the gate, Anna still barefoot. Once it was open, I lifted the train of her dress so it didn’t get grass stained. When we were at Sophie’s grave, I dropped it gently. Anna slid her arm around my waist and gazed at her mom’s headstone.

“Momma,” she said in a hush. “Meet my h-husband.” I felt her shake and pulled her into my arms.

“It’s okay,” I said, understanding. I may not have lost a parent to death, but I’d lost a parent. My dad and I hadn’t spoken in more than two years and he hadn’t been told about the wedding today. Even if he was a complete tool most of the time, the loss of that relationship still ached. But at least I had hope that maybe someday he and I could reconcile. I couldn’t imagine losing a good mom permanently. “You don’t have to say anything,” I whispered. “She knows.”

Anna lay her head on my shoulder and we swayed to Ford’s song in the distance. Sounded like the party started back up.

“I’m sorry she couldn’t be here,” I said as I traced along Anna’s shoulder blades.

“Me too,” she whispered. “And I’m sorry about your dad.”

“Let’s…” My breath caught in my throat. “Focus on the good stuff.”

“Yeah. Let’s do that.” She pushed up and kissed me again, another lustful kiss that felt like a continuation of a few minutes ago. Her fingers started undoing the buttons on my shirt.

I stilled her hands and pressed a kiss to her bare shoulder. As I made a trail with my lips across her collarbone I said, “Unless you want to do this right here in front of your mom…we need to go.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “Yeah. Ok. Bye, Mom!” She grabbed my hand and took off running—yes, running—for Stella.

Once the car was moving, she reached across my lap and pressed the power seat switch, pushing my seat as far back as possible. Then she climbed into my lap and unbuttoned my shirt the rest of the way. Her mouth was on my neck, her hands roving all over my chest.

My breathing was labored and I fought to keep an eye on the driveway. I made myself slow down even though I was dying to get there already. The last thing I wanted was to wreck on our wedding day.

We parked in front of her and her mom’s old house where we’d be staying for the night before taking off for the Caribbean first thing in the morning. She slid back into her seat. I dashed around the front of the car, my unbuttoned shirt flapping like a pair of wings. When I opened her door, she stepped out of the car, and peeled my shirt off the rest of the way. Then she tossed it in the passenger seat.

Anna was done with propriety, apparently. About freaking time. I scooped her up in my arms, carrying her bridal style. She pulled my lips down to hers. I kept one eye open as I walked. We didn’t have time for injuries tonight.

Once we were on the porch, I broke the kiss. “Hey babe, I’d really like to carry you over the threshold, but I’m gonna need your help to get inside.”

She wiped her mouth, giving me a teasing pfft for my lack of extra arms. Then she opened the door.

I stared at the inside of the house, in surprise. It was lit up with hundreds of twinkle lights and at least fifty glowing candles. Bouquets of pale pink flowers decorated every surface. Rose petals lay neatly on the wood floor, making a trail to the bedroom. Our bedroom . Anna looked up at me, silently asking if I’d done this. I shook my head.

“Wow,” was all I could say. So this was where Lemon and Mom had snuck off to.

I carried her over the threshold and set her down on her feet. We looked around the room, awed. I pointed to a baby blue envelope, labeled Mr. and Mrs. Annaleise Dupree , propped against a crystal vase. Anna gasped and pressed a finger to her lips. Then she hurried over to the letter. I followed.

Her eyes skittered to mine, wide and wet. “It’s from my mom.”

As Anna opened the letter, I jammed my hands in my pockets feeling a little chagrined at being shirtless at this moment. But Anna didn’t seem to mind. Her hand slid around my waist as she read it aloud.

My dearest Annaleise and husband,

First of all, I’ll make this short. I know you have things to do. ;-) Secondly, congrats to the happy couple. And to Anna’s husband, welcome to the family. Being a Dupree is not for the fainthearted. I hope you know what you’re getting into, and if not, too late! I’m sure you’re a spectacular guy. Silas wouldn’t let you marry Anna otherwise. Or Holdie, Ashbucket, and Fo-shizzle.

I chuckled as Anna laughed.

It’s your wedding day, darling girl. I’m so sorry I’m not there. It kills me to miss it. Get it. Haha.

Anna shook her head but smiled. “Good grief, Mom.”

But I hope Lemon decorated for you like I asked.

I squeezed Anna’s arm. “Your mom did this for you.”

Anna looked around the room again, her eyes twinkling along with the glow of the candles. “Mom and Lemon. Back in the saddle again.” That made her voice shake. She blew out her breath and continued,

I wanted you to know that I may not be there in person, but I was there today in spirit. I can promise you that. Nothing could keep me from your big day. Not even death.

Anna smiled through her tears. “I know she was here.”

I rubbed her arm. “Yeah. I’m sure she was.”

Anna cleared her throat.

Son-in-law?

Her eyes flicked up to mine.

Treat my girl well. If you don’t, I have no qualms about haunting you and throwing all the bad karma your way.

I scoffed and chuckled.

You think I’m kidding?

I chuckled again, nervously. I’d heard about Sophie Dupree. I just never thought her ire would be aimed at me. I guess I’d underestimated the woman. Would things start magically flying around the room whenever Anna and I had a disagreement?

In all seriousness, please love my girl with all your heart.

I pulled Anna against me and rested my chin on the top of her head. “Yes, ma’am.”

I can’t wait to meet you in person.

“ Same.” I laughed. “Do you think she’ll like me?”

“She’s going to love you.”

“Would she really haunt me?”

“Without a doubt.”

I pressed a kiss to the top of Anna’s head, not the least bit worried about future occult encounters. Loving her was the easiest thing I’d ever done. “Good thing I’m going to treat you like a queen.”

She snuggled against my chest. “You already do.”

Sweet Anna, before I go, I didn’t want to miss another chance to tell you how much I love you. Maybe I never got to be a wife, but being your mom was the honor of my life.

Anna pressed a hand to her heart as she blinked back tears.

I have a feeling whoever your young man is, being your husband will be the honor of his.

“Facts.” I wrapped my arms around her waist.

Never doubt your worth, sweetheart. And never doubt my love. It is ever-present, everlasting, and spans eternity. Nothing could ever change that.

“I won’t,” she whispered. “Love you too.”

I’m sure you two are itching to get to it. While you’re at it, do me a favor and make Lemon and Silas grandparents as young as possible. Haha.

Anna shook with laughter.

And please tell your kiddos all about me. I know you will. I’ll be their guardian angel from here. And yours. I promise.

I sniffed at that. Man, I wished I could’ve known this woman.

All my love to you both, and heavenly wishes for a wonderful life together.

All to pieces,

Momma

“All to pieces,” we said at the same time.

Anna set the letter carefully down. Then she turned, her eyes wet. As I wiped her tears away, she wiped mine. I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

“Well,” she said, smiling up at me. “You heard the lady. Let’s get to it.”

It was all the permission I needed.