Old me would’ve thought it was too fast. I’d need proper time to plan, maybe make a pro/con list first, but I’m not worried.
Because I know if I fall, he’ll already be on his knees, waiting to catch me.
EPILOGUE
Six monthslater
“Hurry up! They’re going to be here any minute,” I urge as Ellie scrambles to get her side of the banner I made up. She tapes it to the wall, and I stand back, surveying our work to make sure it’s even. Even though I’m the only one who would notice if it wasn’t. I want everything to be perfect.
“It’s perfect, Liv, sweetie,” Penn’s mom says, resting her hand on my shoulder.
“Shit, they’re coming!” Pacey squeals as she rushes to cut the lights.
We all scramble to hide.
It’s been four months since the guys came back from their summer tour, and to say it’s been crazy is an understatement. They’d already built a steady fan base, especially in this area, but after the tour and lots of social media press—thanks to Ellie—they blew up. Their Instagram page tripled in followers, and their latest YouTube video has a million views in less than five months.
They met with multiple labels when they came home, butdecided to wait for Tanner to finish his degree, which will be soon. Thanks to the internet, you no longer need to be mainstream to be successful. Their loyal fan base is proof of that.
The thing I’m most proud of and the reason for this celebration today is Penn. Several record executives reached out to him about buying his songs or partnering with him to create an original for their artists. At first, he didn’t want to. He felt like he was somehow selling a part of himself and betraying the guys. Eventually, we were all able to convince him to at least hear them out.
Today, one of his songs hit top ten on the Billboard Charts. It’s the second song he wrote for someone else. The first reached the top twenty-five two months after its release. This one is anticipated to reach number one, and it’s been out for less than a week.
My heart could explode with pride. Of course, he acts like it’s no big deal.
The key pushes through the lock on the door, and butterflies erupt in my stomach. He thinks Ellie and I are out shopping, but all the guys are in on this with me and kept him busy so I could set this up.
As soon as I heard the news, I rushed into action. I ran to the local printing shop, created a banner, and bought decorations. Ellie got pizzas, Pacey made a cake, and his mom was able to find someone to cover her shift so she could be here.
Once the guys step inside and the lights flick on, we jump out. “Congratulations!” we scream, raining confetti all over him.
“The hell?” He laughs, clearly taken by surprise.
I run and fling myself into his arms. He lifts me effortlessly, and I wrap my legs around him.
“I’m so proud of you.” I grab his face and pepper kisses all over.
He places me on my feet, looking around the room at the people who love him most. I know he probably wants to, but he can’t hold back the full-on smile that hits his face.
I move aside and let his mother and sister hug and congratulate him while Ellie helps me set out the food.
Long arms wrap around my waist from behind, pulling me to him, and lips hit my neck.
“I love you so fucking much. You know that?” Penn whispers in my ear, and chills break out all over my body.
“Do you?” I question playfully.
He grins against my skin. “Mhm, I do. I’ll show you how much later,” he says low enough for only me to hear.
I blush and step out of his hold, busying myself with cutting his cake. “Want some?”
He glances down at the white cake. There are music notes in each corner, and the whole thing is decorated to look like a piece of notebook paper with writing. At the bottom in black icing, it reads ‘Congratulations, Penn.’ Pacey did an amazing job. It’s beautiful and delicious.
“I’d rather have something else.” His blue eyes sparkle with mischief, causing my insides to light up.
I ignore the feeling and cut him a small piece anyway, holding it to his lips.
He opens for the bite. “Mm.”
