I can’t believe it either.
The whole night is a blur. I'm wearing a pretty, simple white dress. Cooper has a pair of slacks and a dress shirt.
I watch as my family and friends walk around, chattering excitedly as Cooper and I make our way into the center of the dance floor.
This time is different.
Cooper takes my hand, leading the way, then places it gently on my hip. Brushing my hair out of my face with his other hand, he bends down to kiss me gently.
Coop’s coach threatened the show, and they pushed ourfinal ceremony back until after the Super Bowl with the promise that they could film during it, as long as the league signed off.
Somehow, they made it happen. None of us will ever understand how. The guy is persuasive.
But it paid off, because the boys went all the way, and there was nothing but pride inside of me as they hoisted that trophy above their heads.
The whole city had a parade, alight with happiness once again. It’s been a few long years.
Yeah. I guess you could say I’ve been coming around to football.
Spinning me, I watch as Mila talks to one of the men in the back, but I can’t quite make out who. She’s been a little secretive lately, but she’s officially moving from her tiny shoebox of an apartment into my old one.
Cooper had all my things moved the other week.
The only thing we still need to do for his place is buy blinds, because I’m tired of Leo texting us “Get a room, you heathens,” as if he’s notspyingon us.
But after a little conversation with Briar, I’m pretty sure Leo won’t be finding his binoculars anytime soon, and I doubt he’s proactive enough to buy a new pair.
Suddenly, the bar goes dark.
Cooper and I look around, and when the doors open, my heart stops.
“Holy hell.” My jaw hangs open as she sings the first few words.
Iris May stands behind her mom. My idol. The woman I’ve been listening to my whole life. Her back is against the wall, beaming as she watches her mother perform my favorite song.
Cooper swings me around, and it occurs to me that I don’t think I’ve ever felt happiness like this.
I feel at peace.
And I feel comfort in knowing that no matter what, when I’m with Cooper, I’m home.
The boy in front of me grins, his mouth lowering to my ear. “What do you say we get out of here a little early?” he whispers.
“I’d love nothing more.”
EPILOGUE
AMARA
The Summer After
The water crashes against the beach as I dip the roller back into the bright lavender paint.
“It looks good,” Cooper says with a smile, coming up behind me. He places his hands on my hips, pulling me back to kiss my head. I lean back into him, savoring the feeling.
And we step back.
The beach house is coming along, and with this fresh coat of heavy-duty paint on the exterior, it’ll be complete for our friends to get here tonight.
