Hotshot and Hospitality by Nora Everly
Epilogue
Garrett
The sky had long since turned dark as our wedding day rolled on into the wee hours of the night. Twinkle lights, lanterns, and white flowers of all kinds decorated the grounds of the inn as our families and friends celebrated with us. The best day of my life was coming to an end, but the future that was finally mine was just beginning.
I was dizzy. Leo was a good dancer but his go-to move aside from the two-step seemed to be a spinout. Letting him lead had been a huge mistake. “Get a new move, man,” I complained with a laugh as I lost my balance and stepped on his foot. He released my hand and we walked to the edge of the wooden dance floor together to sit with a smiling Landon and watch Molly dance with my father.
Her beaded white dress swirled in a circle around the wooden dance floor covering the ground in front of the treehouse as he twirled her around. Every time the lights caught her, she sparkled just like the stars. The new Mrs. Monroe squealed with delight as he dipped her over his knee and her brown curls swept over the floor as he pulled her back up.
“Is it your turn with Molly now? You were a pretty crappy dance partner, Garrett. All you could focus on was her.” Leo laughed and waved a hand in front of my face.
“Sorry about that.” I grinned and tore my eyes from Molly to pay attention to him.
“We wouldn’t have it any other way. She deserves the best and now she’s got it.” Landon sipped his champagne and grinned at me.
“Go get your girl,” Leo said with a laugh. “It’s been, what? Ten minutes since you last danced with her?”
I stood up and stopped at the edge of the floor. Molly caught my eye and smiled. It was the same gorgeous grin that had graced my life for as long as I could remember—but now it was mine to have forever.
Earlier tonight, I had vowed to keep that smile on her face, and I intended to do whatever it took to make sure I saw it every day, just like she did for me. A while back, I realized I had forgotten how to be happy without her in my life, but now that she was mine, my smile was back for good. She lit up my heart and I would never let her get away again.
“I’m happy for y’all.” Barrett, glass of champagne in hand, slapped me on the shoulder with a grin. “I told you she’d come around.”
“You were right about everything. Maybe you should ask Sadie to dance,” I suggested when I saw her checking him out from across the dance floor where she sat at a table with Everett, the rest of the Hill girls, and Ruby and Weston.
He eyed me and handed me his glass with a determined smile. “I think I will.”
“Everything is back on track with the family.” My mother took Barrett’s drink from my hand and sipped it gracefully as her gaze drifted over to Molly and Dad. Her smiling eyes landed on mine over the rim of the glass. “Send your daddy over here. Go dance with your wife, sweetheart.”
“You got it, Ma.” I kissed her cheek, then darted off to reclaim my wife.
Dad placed her hand in mine with a smile. “I’m happy for you, son.”
“Not as happy as I am.” I squeezed her hand and led her to the edge of the dance floor.
“Having a good night, Mr. Monroe?” She giggled as she reached high to wrap her arms around my neck.
“The best.” I grinned down at her. “And you, Mrs. Monroe?”
“Dreams do come true,” she murmured, her eyes suddenly wet with unshed tears.
I bent low to place a kiss on her gorgeous Cupid’s bow lips. “I love you, my Molly Monroe. To the moon and the stars and right back home again.”