Page 114 of Mr. Hotshot CEO

Epilogue

Courtney

Eight months later...

“Are you sure you don’t need any help?” I ask Julian.

“You’re the birthday girl,” he says, giving me a peck on the cheek before opening the fridge. “You’re not supposed to do any work.”

I head to the living room and wait for our guests to arrive.

There’s a birthday party for me tonight at Julian’s penthouse. Well,ourpenthouse, I guess, since I recently moved in. Julian is cooking—I don’t know what, though I keep asking questions—and our families will be here at six. Yes, both of our families. This will be the first time our parents meet.

The last eight months haven’t been perfect, but they were better than the previous three times I was depressed. I think it’s over now—it was shorter than the other episodes. Julian and I went for a long walk yesterday. We passed by a garden, and when I saw the tulips, I just wanted to smile and enjoy their beauty. I no longer feel like I’m moving through molasses and seeing things through a thick fog. Now, everything seems bright and colorful andalive.

I didn’t have to take leave from work, so that was an improvement. There were several rough days at the lab, but I made it through, and I’ve started being interested in my research again. I had some therapy sessions with a few different psychologists and finally found one I like. I think that may have helped me improve faster than the other times. Being in love and having a better support network were helpful, too.

Love can’t cure my depression, but my relationship with Julian has enriched my life and made it easier to deal with the difficult times.

I look at the promise ring and smile.

Naomi and Will are the first to arrive. My sister and I had a good trip to New York City back in October. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have if I hadn’t been depressed, but it was helpful for me to have a break from my regular life. Naomi’s financial situation is better now, and she moved in with Will a few months ago.

Jeremy, Lydia, and Heather are next. Heather is ten months old. She recently started crawling and likes to get into all sorts of trouble. Today, she’s wearing a sailor dress.

“Look at you!” I say, taking her from Jeremy’s arms. “Aren’t you cute?”

She smiles at me. She’s got a few teeth now.

One day, I will have this, too. I never thought it would be possible, but it is. And, yes, Julian and I have talked about it, and he is on board with the plan.

Julian’s parents and grandmother arrive a few minutes later.

His grandmother looks at the baby in my arms. “You must have a baby of your own soon. I’m ninety now. Might not have much time.” She pats my shoulder, then fingers the sleeve of my floral-print dress. “Very nice. You have big seduction plans after everyone leaves?”

“Ma!” exclaims Julian’s mother.