Page 23

EPILOGUE

Will

Six months later

Today was the day! Will leaped out of bed, excited for everything that was happening. He’d taken his last final exam of the semester yesterday, and today he’d be moving in with Tom.

His relationship with Tom had only gotten stronger in the past few months, and he couldn’t be happier. He practically flew down the stairs and kissed his mom, then poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Today’s the big day!” Emily exclaimed. “I’m so happy for you, Will.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Everything packed?”

“Just got one more shelf of books to box up, then I’m done,” Will said, slathering his toast with peanut butter. “Sure you’re gonna be all right here without me?”

“Of course, son,” Emily said sincerely. “I survived when your sister got her own apartment, and I knew it was only a matter of time before you left the nest too.”

“I know, but I still worry about you.”

“And I appreciate that, Will. Just promise me that you and Tom will come by for dinner sometimes.”

“Of course, we will.” Will finished his coffee and washed his dishes at the sink. “And on that note, I’m gonna go upstairs and finish packing.”

Tom was waiting for him in the small parking area behind the Cask and Larder.

“Hi,” Tom greeted him with a kiss.

They carried box after box from Will’s vehicle until everything was upstairs. On their last trip, Mitch stopped them in the small foyer. “When you’re done with that, come to the shop and pick something out for lunch. It’s my welcome gift to the two of you.”

“Thanks, Mitch. That’s so kind of you.”

“Hey, you’re both struggling students, setting off on your own. It’s the least I can do.”

They stood in the living room of their apartment and hugged. Tom kissed him. “Welcome home.”

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Will replied. “I sometimes think back to when you first came up to me and asked about studying calculus together. Even then, I thought you were so handsome, but I never thought we might end up together. It’s almost like a fairy tale.”

Tom smiled at him. “Once upon a …”

They kissed. Will knew he’d found his prince. “I’ve thought about saying this but wanted to wait until today. I love you, Tom.”

“I love you too.”

“So if this is a fairy tale, I guess that means we’ll live happily ever after.” Will grinned.

“I certainly hope so.”

THE END