EPILOGUE
Ali Kat
Looking around the barn, and the number of people that came out to celebrate the opening of my family’s new interactive bed and breakfast and country store. I couldn’t feel more blessed.
And it’s not just locals. People have come from across the United States, eager to meet my family. The demand is so high, Pa’s looking to build to accommodate more tenants.
Garrett now works full-time on the farm, joining my Instagram stories and helping with the work. Viewers were confused when he came on the scene, but when he and Alistair did a few segments together, it became clear that there was no animosity, and that Alistair was merely a friend.
Many local farms came together to provide the food for the grand opening on account that Garrett and Jake have touched so many lives, whether it be putting out a fire or pulling someone from a car. When you’re in a small town, the local volunteer firefighters are heavily depended upon, and they become community heroes.
Hollywood’s reaction to my family’s success has been over-the-top. Without being asked, stars ranging from Oscar winners to old-Hollywood legends have been liking my content, having viewing parties of my stories, and wearing my family’s merchandise, which Ted was quick to get to market. A handful of household names are even at the opening, vying for the attention of my father.
Needless to say, a reality television show is in the works, and instead of resisting, Pa has decided to ‘lean in’ to Hollywood.
Might Be Meghan has asked if I’d be interested in doing some sit-downs with her, and even wants me to join a few panels with the women she works with. I didn’t understand why she’d want me on a panel with Remi Icor—literal genius, but she thinks that my story and personality would resonate with many, especially since I’ve experienced estrangement and betrayal. We’re shooting a segment this week, and Mom sure is tickled that several rich and powerful men of the world, like Gabriel Icor, Zevran Heartshire, and Cassius Lavinius—global juggernauts—are staying a few days on the family farm.
Because of Jenna, we also had Maxwell Stryder and his wife Nadine come to the farm, so she could read one of her upcoming books to a group of children.
Prim’s screenplays are being looked at by several production companies. Ted has been a godsend, setting her up with the best people in the industry to help develop her talent—which apparently, there is an abundance of. She’s also gotten over her girlhood crush on Garrett, only to start fixating on Alistair.
Thankfully, he’s not a creep.
When she turns eighteen, she plans on moving to Hollywood to pursue her passion. She’ll be staying at my old place, initially, until she can carve a life out for herself. She has our parents’ full support as they’ve grown to regret how they had treated me, and I have a feeling that her bubbly personality will help her land easy connections.
“Wow, can you believe that line?” Irene says.
Pa’s signing autographs and taking pictures. The line to get to him is at least fifty people deep.
“I’m beginning to think it wasn’t fear that had him angry when I went off to Hollywood. It was jealousy.”
Irene breaks out into laughter, then looks over at Jake who’s taking a group of kids out on a hay wagon.
“So, you should know, you’re going to be an aunt.”
My eyes light in glee. “Oh my God—you’re pregnant!”
“No, but Jake’s asked me to marry him, and Lori’s part of the package.”
My enthusiasm doesn’t diminish. “The more, the merrier.”
We decided not to pursue litigation against Chatter Entertainment or Eva, on account that it would be long, drawn-out, and hard to prove. In the end, we really didn’t need to. My demand has surged, and after the on-air debacle, most celebrities will no longer interview with Chatter, and all of Might Be Meghan’s considerable connections have flat out blacklisted them, giving stories and pictures freely to their competitors.
Needless to say, their stock has tanked, they are downsizing their print runs, and their ‘breaking news’ is usually about low-tier reality celebrities.
I tend to guests, eat too much food, and literally put out a small fire. When I finally have a moment to rest, I feel a tap on my shoulder.
“Hey, pretty lady.”
I look over to see Garrett offering me his hand.
“Care to dance?”
I look over to the stage where a local band is playing country music. About a dozen couples are on the dance floor, their energy filling the place with laughter and love.
I take Garrett’s hand, and he leads me towards the stage.
“Having you is some kind of high, must be if I’m so addicted,” Garrett says as he breathes deeply into my hair.
