“And you’re mine.” I reached up on my toes and kissed him. Kissed him as my hurt and fear melted away. I had found a way to love myself and let others love me. I had so much life I wanted to live and experience.
I wanted to plan and dream, to take on the world, and I wanted to do that with Scott at my side. “Maybe we could use those coupons and get a dog, for starters.”
He chuckled and held me tight. “I’ve missed you.” I felt him reach up and touch my hair.
“Alright, you two lovebirds,” Carol said over the mic. “Some other people here want to say hello.”
I laughed and let go of Scott. He shook his head no and grabbed my hand, pulling me close again. “Take me with you,” he whispered as he rubbed his thumb against my hand. I nearly exploded with happiness.
“Always.”
We walked around the room so I could say thank you to everyone who helped me pull this off. This was the life I wanted. One surrounded by love and the people I cared about. Scott’s mother, Emily, was one of the first in line. She hugged us as she wiped her tears.
I searched the crowd for Carol. She had always had my back and helped shape me into who I was. “Carol, I think we have some paperwork we need to work through. Do you know a lawyer that can help our business arrangement become official?”
Scott’s eyebrows pulled down. “Now, what are you doing?” The corner of his lips pulled up in a grin.
“Oh, you know, just getting a new business partner on a whim, wanna join?”
Scott threw his head back and laughed. “That’s my girl,” and he pulled me in and kissed me again.
Epilogue
FIVE MONTHS LATER
MARISSA
Nan glowed with happiness.She had so much love to give and a life to live. Nan never stopped fighting for her happiness.
She was my hero.
I finished putting the last little flower into her hair and leaned over her shoulder, giving her a hug.
“Nan, I’m so happy for you.”
“And I for you, Mar.” She glanced towards my ring finger. “Still no rock, eh? It’s coming soon, I’m sure of it.”
I laughed. “There is no rush.” Although I hoped it was someday soon. For now, we were moving Hillsdale Law into the B&B and going over business and marketing techniques. And kissing, lots of kissing.
Nan decided on a light purple dress for us bothin honor of my mom. I could almost feel her there in the room. Talking boys and causing trouble.
“Alright, well, we better not keep that man of mine waiting. Don’t want him to die before I say I do.” Nan chuckled at her joke as I helped her stand and grabbed her small bouquet of roses.
“Don’t let me trip,” Nan pleaded.
“I would never.” I wove her soft arm in mine and kissed her.
She reached up and patted my cheek. “I’m proud of how far you have come these last few months. You’ve come into your own and you’re finally seeing that you’re the amazing girl I've known all along. I love you.”
My eyes watered. Where would I be without this fierce, wonderful woman? “I love you. Thanks for all you have done for me.”
“No ma’am, no tears. If my mascara runs, it will get caught in one of my face craters and I’ll never get it cleaned out in time.” We walked out the front door of the B&B to a lawn full of tulips and lavender. “I love spring. Nothing like celebrating new beginnings.”
We rounded the corner, and I watched as Bert waited for Nan. His back was hunched, and his hands shook, but his eyes were filled with love and wonder. I handed Nan over to him, then went and sat next to Scott.
“That’s what I want,” he whispered in my ear.
“What?”
