SABRINA: WHAT????
BEN: That’s wonderful, but you were incredibly drunk with us not four months ago. Is Rory the father?
TABI: Maybe. Hey, Rory, did you abandon two boys who need a foster home in Oakland, California? They’re kind of little assholes. The resemblance is uncanny.
JONATHAN: Noble.
TABI: Actually, they’re sassy, savvy, and perfect, and got the raw end of parents. We can’t seem to get our junk working right to get pregnant, so we had some time on our hands.
SABRINA: And love to give.
JONATHAN: Ever the cheerleader. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go have sex for the rest of the day.
TABI: Congrats on your non-nuptials! {Wedding Bell Emoji; Flames Emoji}
JONATHAN: Congrats on your kids, not from your junk. And, Tab, thanks for making the phone call.
TABI: The world would be a better place if people just got right with the idea that I’m always right.
BEN: You’re going to be a fabulous mother.
TABI: Who knew I had the instinct?
RORY: I did.
TABI: Rory! You take that kindness back!
RORY: Fine. You’re going to be shite at it.
TABI: Thank you. That’s better.
I put my phone away and wrap my arms around Jules.
“Where to, my runaway groom?”
“I have this brand-new fantasy.”
“The new ones are the best.”
I pull her closer on my lap. “See, you have the most perfect tits...” I reach up and grab them, and she gasps.
“Go on.”
“And I have a hell of a lot of frosting that’s going to go unused. And in this fantasy, they may or may not be covered in wedding cake frosting.”
“I know just the place. Hang on.” She makes a sharp left, and I suck in a sudden breath. She tosses her head back and gives me a kiss.
“You steal my breath every freaking time, Jules. No one else will ever be as beautiful as you are. I like you right here.” I pull her closer and rest my chin on her shoulder.
Once again, tears fill my eyes, and light fills my damn soul.
She says, “I have nowhere to be. I mean, where would I go when I belong right here?”
EPILOGUE
September 23
Eleven and a half weeks later
