Even though she started as a one-night stand, she barreled me over with her careful playfulness. She let loose and allowed me to take care of her. And I couldn't be happier. Daniela and Jacob aren't the only ones I'm wishing many happy years for tonight.
Epilogue - One Year Later
Jasmin
I've been attending almost every festival with Parker since we've officially been together. For such a small town, they throw a lot of festivals. They have one for back to school, homecoming, Christmas, and I think there was another one in between there, but I can't remember what it was for.
Now we're back for the Spring Blooms festival. The night he says, he fell in love with me. It seems like a lifetime ago that we started all of this. But every day since the wedding has been worth it.
Not to say there weren't some bumpy patches. My mom was not happy to find out he was my fake boyfriend to avoid her setting me up with somebody. It took a few months for him to win her over again.
My dad acted completely unbothered by the situation. I think he realized how much Parker cared for me at that very first dinner he had at our house. He tried so hard to win my dad's approval. He somehow did it. I guess it was because my dad could see how happy he made me. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful he's not holding any grudges against Parker. I'm not sure what I would do if that were the case.
We, of course, have stopped at a ton of food trucks. I'm pretty sure I've eaten my weight in elotes, funnel cake, and cotton candy. At this point, he’ll have to roll me out of the festival.
Jacob and Daniela are also here with us. Which is a good thing, since they actually moved to Asheville not too long ago. She didn't even have to quit her job, either.
His mom decided she wanted to open up another boutique, and decided a small town was the perfect place for it. Now they run their own store. Daniela still opens super late because she likes her sleep, but she also stays open later than most boutiques to accommodate working shoppers.
She keeps trying to talk me into working for her. Not as a sales person or anything, but to keep their books. I’m not sure it’d be a fulltime position, so I’m still deciding. It would make the drive easier, though.
Parker and I are going back and forth to spend time together. It’s been this way for over a year. He even considered getting an apartment in Dallas to make it easier. I can’t ask him to do that when he has his own property here in Asheville. Waking up to see the sun rise over untouched land is something nobody should have to leave.
“What is going on in that head of yours?” Parker taps my temple. He knows my thinking face all too well.
“The position Daniela offered me.” I sigh and lean on his shoulder as we walk through the rides. I have a feeling I know where he’s taking us.
“Are you going to take it?”
“I’m not sure. It’s only part time. What am I supposed to do with the rest of the work day? I don’t do well being bored.”
“You could always find a hobby to take up. I’m not sure what else you could do.” He thinks for a moment and lifts his finger in the air. “You could always talk to Pierce about doing the bookkeeping for the winery. I’m sure that’s something he would gladly hand off.”
I’m sure he would. Most people hate doing books. Callie told me about the accounting firm she works at, but I want nothing to do with taxes. It’s my own personal nightmare.
“How are things with Pierce?”
“He’s still moody. But not as much of an asshole.” He pulls me into the line for the ferris wheel. “So, progress?”
“I think so.” I laugh. Parker glances behind us, but we’re next in line and I can’t see what he was looking at. What does this man have up his sleeve now?
“He told me yesterday he wants to host one of the game nights.”
“Wow. That’s shocking.” We climb into the chair and I’m less scared to be on this ride. Parker’s been helping me overcome it with every festival they have. “What made him suggest it?”
The attendant clicks the safety bar in place and takes a step back. Did he just wink at Parker? What is going on?
Parker shrugs. “He said he’s tired of sitting on the floor at Piper’s. I told him it’s because he’s an old man and can’t get back up.”
The ride starts and we slowly move forward and up. This part is always nerve-wracking for me. Mostly because there are so many starts and stops as they let more people on the ride.
“How did that not end in a fight?” I can imagine the two of them arguing back and forth about Pierce’s age. I’ve noticed it’s a sensitive subject for him. Maybe because he’s in his forties. I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about age like that. Parker’s taught me to live in the moment.
“I ran.”
Of course he did. Parker may talk a big game but when it comes down to it, he’s a lover not a fighter.
The higher we go on the ferris wheel the less chatter we hear from the people behind and below us. The music from the rides is muffled by the gently blowing wind. We’re at the very top. The same place we take in the view every time we get on this thing. It’s become my favorite part.
