Sweet as ever.
When our lips finally separate, she whispers, “Welcome home, dimples.”
“Does that mean we’re staying?”
She gives me a quick peck, big brown eyes dancing and enchanting me. “As long as you’re here, it’s absolutely perfect. I couldn’t love it more.”
“You stole the words right out of my mouth, cookie.”
Her grin turns fiery. “Are you accusing me of a crime, special agent?Again?”
“Where are my cuffs when I need them?”
“Hopefully in our bedroom.”
“If they aren’t, they will be by nightfall.”
Our playful banter floats off on a gentle breeze, and she presses her cheek to my chest. Her arms lock me in place, and I cradle her head in my splayed palm.
Peace, love, and wholeness surround us.
It’s heaven.
It’s the beginning of forever.
I couldn't have said it better myself, Reed.
Does that mean you’re finally leaving, Morgan Freeman?
I suppose so. If you ever get in a bind, I won’t be far away. And if I’m tied up with a bigger, better production, then your twin does a damn fine impression of me. Almost as good as the real thing.
“Of courseyou’dthink so,” I respond.
Using my voice. And words.
Lila jerks her head off my chest. “Of course I’d think what?”
A viable explanation doesn’t materialize. So I nonchalantly shrug and confess, “I was talking to my mental Morgan Freeman. He’s finally leaving now that my story is over.”
She assesses me for less than two seconds. “Please ask him to give my regards to mental Meryl Streep on his way out.”
Before shaking out of my hold, she winks and adds, “For the record, you’ll never top my nonsensical whimsy. I’m more bingo gonzo shaboozi than you’ll ever be. Now, where’s the umbrella remote? It’s tea time in Memphis.”
I love this fucking woman.
A life with Lila will never grow old. Even when we do.
Epilogue
Uh oh!
A formal epilogueis coming soon. I promise! It wasn’t fully edited by the cutoff time when I had to upload the ebook (which is several days before release day). Rather than rush and give you something that didn’t shine, I opted to wait. Once it’s polished, I’ll update the online version. This should happen within two or three days of the release date, hopefully less. If you see this little note, refresh your copy of the ebook and download the updated version. It’ll probably be there.
Yes,you’ll be getting that handcuff scene in all its glory.
And a bonus epiloguefor newsletter subscribers is also forthcoming.
