Epilogue
Dustin
A year and a few months later
“Hello,Wife.”
“Hello, Husband.” Violet sings-songs as I tug her into me for a long overdue kiss. We had to sneak away for this time alone, because everyone was outside celebrating the Fourth of July and our wedding reception. I needed a few minutes of time with her. Without prying eyes.
Violet and I eloped a few months ago at a small courthouse. We were too eager to be married and didn’t want to have a wedding. We spent the weekend at the Thornwood Cabins to have some time alone. Our quickhoneymoonwas spent rollingin the sheets, hiking trails, and having movie marathons. It was all I could have ever hoped for and more. Our real honeymoon is planned in a few months. We’re going to Alaska to sight see and fish. It was something that Violet always wanted to do, and I couldn’t think of anywhere else that I would rather be than with her. I can’t wait to get away from everything and enjoy her company.
My family wasn’t so happy with me when they found out we were already married without a wedding. After a few weeks of begging, we agreed to have some sort of celebration. So of course, Olive wanted to plan today for Violet, being the best friend/bridesmaid and all. I gladly agreed with the prospect, wanting nothing to do with party planning.
“Where are the lovebirds?” The buzz of conversation filters within the open door. Olive and Mason’s voices echo into the open kitchen door.
“Coming!” Violet yells. Everything was set up between my grandpa's house and my A-frame. Blue and white bouquets of flowers that Vivi made are on each table. Four large tables dedicated to food line the side. Pepperoni rolls courtesy of The String Cheese, pastries from The Olive Bean, and a cookie table from Annie’s Diner. Mason also brought drinks from Roosters Bar. Everything is perfect; I couldn’t have asked for better friends to share this moment with.
The whole town was invited. Henry and Darcy sit together, smiling with loving glances at each other now that the whole town knows they are an item. My parents, sister, and Nolan are here. Even Chelsea, Violet's new friend, came with her mother; they seemed to have made up after Violet talked to her.
Constance begins to walk up to us, and I grab Violet’s hand. “Congrats on getting married. I'm so happy for you both.” She adjusts her glasses to sit on her nose. “I would have thought by now you would have thanked me.”
“What for?” I ask, having no clue what in the hell she’s talking about.
“Oh, you know—” No, I don’t know. Please enlighten me. “For rigging the name pulling at Rooster’s Bar so that you and Vivi could be teamed together.”
“You did what?” Vivi scowls, words clipped.
“You didn’t think that was just a coincidence, did you? Oops.” She shrugs as if it’s no big deal. “It all worked out in the end. The gossip mill is behind everything, honey.” She pats me on the back. She looks around her to make sure no one can hear her. “We’re alreadycookingup something to get Olive and Mason together. Be prepared and keep it on the down low.” Then she struts off.
“Did you know she rigged it?” Violet asks me.
“Nope. I had no idea.” I had a feeling, but I’m not going to admit that now. Everything worked out the way I would have wanted it to.
“What’s Helga doing here?” Violet asks, looking back and forth from me to her.
“I asked Mason to bring her; she’s the main reason we’re together. She deserved to munch on all of the scraps from the party.”
“You’re too much.” She guffaws, pulling me into a hug.
“What the hell is that thing on my roof?” My grandpa's voice shouts above everyone else. There’s a palpable tension in his tone. He stands up and points straight at the antenna I installed. The gaggles of people grow deadly quiet.
Shit. Shit. Shit. I am in deep shit.
Violet and I look at each other and burst out laughing. There will never be a dull moment around here. I don’t know how I’m going to explain myself out of this one. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” I whisper under my breath.
“Yes. Run!”
THE END
