“Absolutely.” I loved how this group of people were in each other’s lives. I’d never had anything like this, but I was there for it.
“Do we need to go to another male revue in the name of research?” Kristine asked, a smirk on her face. “I’m happy to do so.”
“Me too,” Maeve said as Levi shook his head.
“I’m good with not going again,” I said to the boos of some of the ladies, some nods from others.
“I’m going to grab us a drink,” Noah said, but before he could get away, Drew and Kate walked up with another guy who seemed to fit right into the Highland Falls model—tall, scruffy, and gorgeous.
Drew spoke up. “Hey guys, do you remember James? He was here last year for a week or so and we worked together in the hotshots in Colorado. James, our crew.” He gestured at all of us. “Guys, James.”
I watched the table and noted that Kylie was giving me an expression. I tilted my head to ask what was up and she nodded at Kristine, who got up and stormed out. I watched her go, butthen Drew’s friend noted the same thing and took off after her. Kylie and I exchanged a glance, and I looked to Noah.
“I have no idea, kitten, but we’re staying out of it.”
“Noah, think of this as research…”
He laughed and pulled me to him. “I love you.”
“Love you too.” I kissed him. “Now I’ll take one of those rosé ciders if they have it.”
“On it.” He took off, and I looked around the space. So many people I cared about: my family, new friends, my boss, Addie, Noah. They knew who I was, no secrets, no changing to be like other people to fit in. They liked me for me and didn’t expect me to be anyone different. I’d found my own real-life romance story, and it was better than anything I could have written.
Was it love? It was feeling that way and even more. It was forever.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
Noah
I walked into my house to the noise of chaos, which I loved. My work for the foundation could often be done from home, though today I’d met with some colleagues at the Sanctuary Café where we brainstormed goals for the next year in terms of fundraising and the kinds of grants we wanted to branch out to. I felt like I was making a difference locally, and it was far more rewarding than I had ever anticipated.
In an added bonus, the money my parents left me was more than I could comprehend, but there was enough that I could give to many worthwhile organizations in big ways while still holding on to enough to make our lives comfortable. Addie was set, as was Lorelai because that was her sister. Any kids that Jules and I had would be too. And retirement would not be a concern, whenever that came about. It was the peace of mind I didn’t know I needed, that my parents certainly hadn’t had as a goal, but I appreciated it nonetheless.
And while I knew Jules hadn’t planned on it, with her upbringing I knew it gave her some solace as well. Not that it mattered—she was one of the hardest workers I knew. She had followed the suggestion of Lou and was working for Sue part-time while writing. She could easily write full-time, but she liked the variety that working for Sue brought to her life, and she said their clients gave her endless story inspiration. She also insisted on paying for her own insurance through Sue, though I’d be happy to do it. One monthly expense that had been eliminated, however, was her rent.
Jules had moved into my place three months ago. To her surprise, Kylie had fallen in love with Highland Falls and had come down to work for Sue as well. It was early in our relationship to live together some might say, but I’d have been happy to have her with me from day one. In fact, any nights we had been apart had been ones where I slept like shit. Just the mere presence of her in my bed brought me relaxation. It was like how I slept better when Addie was at our house. Not that Jake and Ivy weren’t perfectly safe and their place also her home, it was just that life felt “right” when she was here. Same for Jules. She was it for me and I was for her. We just knew.
“Hey, big guy,” I said to O’Malley, who was lounging on the couch. He’d somehow piled the pillows up in his version of a nest and was curled up in a ball. “They hanging out in the kitchen?”
The cat gave me a look that if he could speak would say “duh.” I ran my hand down his back anyway and was greeted with a loud purr. He was my first cat, and I had to say I didn’t know if there was another one like him out there. We’d talked about getting a puppy as well, Addie was campaigning hard, but for now O’Malley was enough.
Moving through the dining room, I paid attention to the sounds coming from the kitchen. Clearly Addie and Jules were making dinner. I heard music coming from the speakers we had in there. Addie had always been a big fan of Fleetwood Mac, though I missed when she’d mispronounce their name. Her new favorite came from their rerelease of an old album. “Crying in the Night” was one of her favorites, and as I stood just beyondthe door where she couldn’t see me, I worked to commit her sweet voice to memory as she sang about things that she couldn’t yet comprehend.
“When am I going to see your mama and daddy again, Jules?” she said.
I heard Jules at the oven, shutting the door. “Hmm, that’s a great question. I think they’re currently driving through the northeast part of the country to see the leaves turn colors in the fall, and then they plan on heading back this way. Do you want to look at the pictures they posted on their account on my iPad?”
“Maybe after dinner.” I had a feeling that Addie was twirling or something because her voice was a little breathless.
“Hey, Jules, why doesn’t O’Malley like a dance party?” she asked, making me smile. She strongly believed Chief, Jake and Ivy’s lab, did. I think Chief would beg to differ, though he sure did love her.
“O’Malley is a lazybones,” Jules said, and I could hear the smile in her voice. “He loves lounging with you when you’re reading though.”
“Hey, Jules?” Addie asked again. Bless her six-year-old heart. The girl had a lot of questions.
“Yeah, peanut,” Jules said, turning off the sink.
