Page 64 of Wicked Love

EPILOGUE

GRACE

“To you, baby,” Joe said, pouring champagne into two glasses and offering me one. “You did it. You officially graduated with a degree in fashion design. I’m so proud of you. I’m still amazed by your talent and the fact your version of the jacket-gown has won you the Designer of the Year award. It was long overdue.” He leaned in and kissed me, his tongue pushing into my mouth and stealing my breath away.

From the night we met until today, my boyfriend always found ways to sweep me off my feet. Over the years, he’d always been my idol. His dedication, his commitment, his sense of humor, and his love that knew no boundaries. I adored every single thing about Joe Crawford. Whatever he did, I was his biggest supporter and would forever be.

“My mother would die if she knew it was the project I presented for the final fashion show.”

Our relationship had improved over the years. After Philip persuaded her that letting me move to New York with Joe after the accident was a good idea, she had cut all ties with me. I had learned later she went to therapy during that time. For eating disorders and other mental health issues. Mom had been raped when she was a teenager by a famous fashion photographer, and it impacted the rest of her life and the image of herself. I hadn’t forgiven her for all the pressures she had put on me throughout my short existence, but we could at least spend time together nowadays without wanting to kill each other. She was only allowed to compliment me. I didn’t know whether it was her husband’s idea or her therapist’s. No matter what, I had Philip to thank for. If he hadn’t stuck by her side and been there to assure me when I needed him to, no doubt our relationship would have burned to ashes at the same time the gingerbread house did. He had become the parental figure I always dreamed of.

We still weren’t a happily-ever-after family, but there was hope for all of us.

“I love you,” I said against my boyfriend’s mouth.

His lips curled up. “That’s perfect because I have a surprise for you. A graduation present. It’s for us, but I thought I’d make it official once you had your diploma in hand.”

“What is it?”

He stared at me, seriousness taking over his face. “First, I think we should go back to Mistletoe Creek.”

As if the mention of the little town summoned him and he knew I’d need his comfort, DH butted my leg and licked my fingers when I picked him up.

“Why? Are you sure? Last time we were there…let’s just say it’s filled with memories I’d rather never revisit.” I took Joe’s hand between mine, tracing the scars the burn left on his skin with the tip of my finger. The scars that would forever remind us of that night. “You could have died that day or lost the ability to play piano. And I could have been burned alive. Not sure going back is such a good idea.”

He stepped closer to me and enveloped me in his embrace. “Too bad because I think it’s a wonderful idea.” I said nothing, waiting for him to continue. “It was the place I came to the realization that no matter how much I tried to resist you, I was fucked because I loved you too much to risk losing you if I didn’t stop being afraid. Where I decided the risk of loving you was worth much more than the one of never taking a chance on us. It’s time we make new memories there. You said to me once you wish you could live there full-time.” He fished a set of keys from his pocket and placed them on my palm.

“What are those for?”

“The keys to our future. We’d still have to travel back and forth for now, but one day soon, it will be our forever home.”

“You bought a house there?” I blinked, not sure I heard him right.

“No, I bought us a home. The cabin we stayed in.”

“What about the fire damage? They were extensive. The last time I talked to Lea, she said they never fixed the place. It had been sitting empty for years.”

Joe kissed my forehead. “It turns out I know a guy who knows a guy…”

I slapped his chest. “Oh gosh, now you’re talking like a real small-town guy.”

“Anyway, now that Andy is friends with Carter Hills, the country music superstar, I have connections in the area. And long story short, his brother-in-law, or some relation like that, owns a construction business in Green Mountain. I met with him a few times—nice guy—and he agreed to renovate it for us. He added a back door, a porch, and a balcony on the second floor, accessible through the master bedroom. It’s brand new. And it’s ours.”

“Are you serious?”

He nodded. “Yes. Nashville is an upcoming fashion destination and a music city. We could both work there if we decide to. It’s not even a three-hour drive. We’d live close to Andy and Abby, and we could keep the cabin as a weekend retreat and get an apartment in town. Lots of possibilities. Atlanta is close by too. And New York and LA are just a short flight away.” He tucked my hair behind my ears, studying my reaction. “What do you think?”

My heart pounded in my chest.

Deep down, I was still in love with Mistletoe Creek, and I had kept contact with some of the people we met there that winter.

“Wow. It’s…wow. I’m speechless.”

“Is that a yes?” Joe watched me, waiting for my approval. “We can keep it as a vacation home too. I just thought it would be fun to go back there. It will always play an important part in our love story.”

I bobbed my head multiple times. “I want it. I want everything with you. Now and forever. I love you, Joe Crawford.” I jumped into his arms, my legs locking around his back as I kissed him senseless. “You’re the best man I’ve ever met and my best friend. Who would have thought we’d go back to Mistletoe Creek one day and own a piece of property there?”

He shook his head, kissing me back. “Nah. I think you meant the real question is, who would have thought the girl I met in a bar that night would turn out to be my forever girl?”

Time stopped as we lost ourselves in each other, not giving a thought about the world still spinning around us.

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