“In any case,” I continued. “If it wasn’t for your nudge, then I wouldn’t be here. So, thanks.”
“No problem,” Brandon said. “Just be sure to make me the best man at your wedding.”
“You were already the best man at my wedding.”
“Your second one,” he said. “When is the proposal anyway?”
“We’re not rushing into things,” I said.
“Says the guy who moved his entire life down there within
two weeks.”
“I’m not rushing, anymore,” I amended. “We’re happy the way things are.”
“Wow, a lot has changed with you,” Brandon said.
“Yes,” I said. “Yes, it has.”
Brandon caught me up with his life over the past few weeks. And while he spoke, I kept my gaze on Jess and Gina. My body filled with such pride as I watched the two loves of my life play carefree on the beach of our forever home.
Epilogue
Jess
After doing the final touches on Gina’s braid, I scooped her up into a hug then stood up and walked over to the mirror.
“You look adorable,” I said.
She looked into the mirror. “So beautiful.”
“How about we find a bow to match your dress?”
“Yes! Yes!”
Gina wriggled out of my arms and shot out of the bathroom. I checked my hair, tucking a stray strand back into place. Noah wanted Gina and me to get dressed up for dinner tonight. We continued their tradition of getting all dolled up before heading out to a fancy restaurant. On top of our regular weekly date nights, where Mom graciously took Gina for the evening, this was another night I highlighted in my calendar and couldn’t wait for each month. Since Noah didn’t need to wear a suit every day, the three of us tended to dress on the casual side most days.
It was nice to take our time to get dressed up for a night out. And including Gina made it that much more special.
My little black dress hung on the hook outside of my closet, waiting for me to slip it on. There was no shortage of sticky fingers from Gina, so I always got dressed last. Once she was in her dressy clothes, Gina had an air of a princess and didn’t do anything to mess up her “pretty clothes.”
I went into Gina’s bedroom to help her with her dress. She had several of them out on the floor and she was trying to get one over her head.
“My braid!” she cried, and I hurried over to her.
“One second, hold still,” I said.
“Did I mess it up?” she said then stuck out her lower lip.
“No, it’s fine,” I said. “I put enough hairspray in there to keep it in place.”
She sighed heavily.
I adjusted the navy blue dress with silver sequins over her shoulders. I zipped it up and then fluffed the tulle out around her legs.
She twirled in place and then ran off to her closet to get a pair of black patent leather shoes. “I want to wear these.”
“All right, take a seat, milady,” I said with a deep bow.