Page 28

THREE YEARS LATER

Bane

“This is wild,” Jerryn says, peering through the drapes. “There’s a crowd of people on the sidewalk.”

“Lowen definitely didn’t expect this,” Indy says from his spot on the green velvet couch. “Guess he figured he was old news.”

“He underestimated the public’s interest,” Ridley says, smiling with Wren perched on his lap. “He hasn’t exactly stepped out of the limelight though.”

“Just the Parisian one,” Salem says. “He might be an even bigger deal here than he was there.”

“I think that’s true,” Stewart says. “He has a new write-up in the paper or a magazine every month.”

“It’s cool how his and Oakley’s work blew up,” Kit adds. “They deserve the recognition.”

“Yeah, they do,” I chime in. “And today is the payoff.”

“Isn’t it weird how calm Lowen has been through this whole thing?” Jerryn asks. “I think I expected some diva behavior.”

We all laugh at that, with Indy adding, “I think we all did.”

“That’s how you know it’s right,” Stewart says softly. “He’s not stressed about it because he knows he’s made the right choice this time.”

Kit lifts Stewart’s hand and kisses it. “Well said, Prof.”

Jerryn walks over to where I’m sitting, and I scoot over a little on the small loveseat to make room for him.

We’ve been in this room for almost an hour, waiting for the coordinator to come in and direct us to our spots.

We haven’t seen Lowen all day, but I know when we do, it’s going to be amazing.

The door opens and Oakley enters, looking dapper in a champagne gold tuxedo. He got a fresh haircut and beard trim for the big day, and there’s a serene smile on his face.

“Hey, guys,” he says. “Almost ready?”

“Are you?” Ridley asks. “It’s your event.”

“I’ve been ready.” He chuckles. “Almost since the day I met him.” He walks over to Indy and holds out his hand.

Indy, looking slightly confused, shakes the offered hand. “What’s this for?”

“I’m not sure I ever properly thanked you for having the idea that brought you all to Willow Bay. Without you, I never would have met Lowen.”

Indy chuckles. “You’re welcome, dude.”

“There are people outside,” Jerryn says. “Security has it under control, but it’s a big group.”

Oakley nods. “I saw.”

“Does Lowen know?” I ask.

“He does. He’s mildly perplexed but taking it in stride.”

We all exchange glances. Lowen taking something in stride? Wonders never cease.

Not surprisingly, he went from wanting a small, private ceremony to the grand event we’re having today, deciding it wasn’t fair to him and Oakley to downplay their incredible love story.

It’s been in the works for a little over a year, and while lots of NDAs were signed just in case, word still got out to the media, hence the fan club out front.

Who knew so many people were into design?

I rub Jerryn’s back and he smiles at me.

Our own wedding took place just six months after I proposed, attended by our families and our closest friends, in the backyard of the mansion.

It was sweet and absolutely perfect. The two weeks we spent in France were epic, thanks to Lowen calling in some favors on our behalf.

We had the best of everything at a fraction of what it would normally cost.

I watch Jerryn, simply admiring him. He catches me, and his cheeks turn pink, just like they always have.

“What?”

“Just looking at you, sweet thing. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am that you’re my husband.”

He smiles, reaching over to rub my thigh. “I feel the same way.”

“I know.”

“Can you believe what the last five years have been like?” Indy asks. “We’ve built quite a life together, haven’t we?”

Kit nods, glancing at Stewart. “An amazing life.”

“I’m so grateful,” Wren says. “I don’t even recognize my life now from where it was when I walked into Moby’s.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” Salem says, grinning at Indy.

“It’s been really cool,” Jerryn says. “Not just personally, obviously, but what’s happened with Moby’s. It’s way beyond what any of us expected.”

“Way beyond.” Indy chuckles.

“I couldn’t have seen any of this coming,” Oakley fiddles with his cuffs. “When I met Lowen, my whole life shifted into high gear.”

“You deserve it,” Jerryn says. “Lowen saw something in you. We all know if you didn’t meet his standards, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Oakley smiles. “Yeah, true.” He exhales slowly. “Thanks, guys. For all the support, and for…” His voice cracks as his words trail off. He clears his throat and continues. “For being good people.”

There’s a knock at the door and a second later the wedding coordinator walks in. Apparently, he’s the most popular wedding planner in the state, and jumped at the chance to do Lowen and Oakley’s wedding.

He’s got his ever-present tablet in his hand, running through the itinerary for about the tenth time in the last forty-eight hours. We’ve been through several rehearsals and planning meetings too. It’s fine though. Whatever it takes to make Lowen’s day perfect.

Standing, we line up in the order we’re going to walk down the aisle. After a discussion, we decided to choose by pulling names out of a hat. It worked out really well since we’ll be on both sides of the couple. Jerryn will be next to Stewart and opposite me.

As we wait for our cue, my mind replays all that’s happened since we returned to Willow Bay.

Moby’s is so popular that a year ago we bought the building next door and expanded our dining room, and the downtown area is thriving with new and revitalized businesses, largely due to our popularity attracting people to the area.

Wren continues to shine, and we’re all pretty sure we’ll lose him at some point to go open his own place, but we’re supportive. He deserves to have his name in lights.

Lowen has less of an active role at Moby’s due to the explosion of his design and renovation endeavors with Oakley. The two of them are constantly booked and have to block out time on the calendar just to have some down time.

Indy and Salem do most of the heavy lifting with the back end of the business.

Salem has learned well under Lowen and runs all of payroll, inventory, and accounting, while Indy manages the front of the house, supported by Kit, Jerryn, and me.

We have a lot more time off now too since we can afford to be staffed well.

We get a lot of students working part time during the school year, and some stay on through the summer, so we’re never short-staffed.

Twice a year, we still go hard—for Pride in June and for New Year’s Eve. Those are my favorite times because we’re all there, even Lowen and Oakley, and it’s so damn fun.

I glance over at my sweet husband. He’s grown in confidence so much in the past three years.

It’s been amazing to witness. He’s a lot more confident in the bedroom too, learning how he best responds to stimuli, and now that he feels secure in his relationship with me, he’s a lot more comfortable.

It’s been so awesome seeing him shed his past insecurities and truly embrace who he is.

I’m just the lucky guy who gets to be his man.

There’s not a single thing about my life I would change.

“Okay, gentlemen,” the coordinator says, standing at the door and tapping on his tablet. “Let’s line up in front of the ballroom doors.”

We walk out in order. Before we get too far from each other, Jerryn reaches over and squeezes my hand.

“I love you,” he whispers.

“I love you too, sweet thing.”

His smile grows. I’m really looking forward to the post-wedding activities.

It’s guaranteed to be an epic party, but even more exciting is spending the night at this posh hotel with my husband.

I’ve already got a fancy breakfast scheduled with room service, and a day of fun events since we’re in the city.

Oakley is standing behind us, looking dapper and a bit anxious. Little does he know Lowen’s outfit is going to blow his mind. It’s a custom piece that blends a traditional gown with a tuxedo in a way only Lowen could pull off. All of us are betting Oakley cries when he sees him.

“You ready for this, man?” Indy asks Oakley.

Oakley beams. “So ready.”

The doors open and the coordinator gives us the signal to start our walk. Today we celebrate two friends, but honestly, every day feels like a special occasion. This life, this family, my husband—it’s so much more than I ever imagined for myself.

All thanks to a bold idea and having the bravery to follow through on it.

Thank you for reading Bane and Jerryn’s book.