Epilogue—Two Months Later
Rae
Iwas in the kitchenmixing the salad for the end of the summer bonfire night we’d decided to host. We had invited Jenny and Luke, our coworkers, our families, friends from in town, and even Cierra.
Caleb walked in after setting up the canopy and the table for the food. Duke followed close behind him. “Everything you guys made looks great. Thank you for doing all of this while I set up the bonfire.”
I smiled at him and kissed him as he passed by to wash his hands. “Of course, and I know I have said this before, but you were right about Sage. She’s amazing. I couldn’t have done all of that by myself.”
My boss had been here for most of the morning helping prepare food and only left to pick up her family to bring them back. She had insisted on helping the second we asked her to join us. Caleb had been right about me liking her, and I’d forever be grateful for this job and our friendship.
We had been preparing food all morning and I hadn’t gotten ready yet. “Caleb, I need to get cleaned up. Everyone will be arriving soon. Can you take over chopping the last of the salad mix-ins?” I asked as I reached for the bow on the apron. I’d tied it too tight and couldn’t get it undone.
Caleb stepped behind me and loosened the knot, helping me lift the apron over my head and kissing me in the process. “Of course, Sunshine. Unless you would like some help?” He winked at me as he picked up the tomato and knife, knowing we didn’t have time for what he was hinting at.
I giggled and blushed. “Maybe later. If I say yes now, we won’t make it to the bonfire by the time everyone gets there.” I playfully swatted his arm.
“True, so you better get in there fast before I decide I don’t care if we are late.”
I turned and walked to our room, laughing.
I pulled a towel from the linen closet and walked into the bathroom.
I quickly showered and dried off, then stepped up to the counter as I began to wrap the towel around myself. In the mirror, I caught a glimpse at the scar on my waist and my arm. They were both bright red now due to the warm shower, but that would fade to a pink tone soon, making them a bit less obvious. My scars reminded me of everything I’d gone through and how far I had come—how Caleb saved me.
I stared at the scars, thinking about the memories they brought, until I heard Caleb talking to someone out in the front room. I knew I had to hurry. I walked to the drawers, opened one, and pulled out fresh undergarments. After putting those on, I quickly walked to the closet to pull out my jeans and a T-shirt. I decided to pull out a flannel just in case it was cool later this evening. The weather had been tricking us and acting like fall was starting early so I figured a flannel would be a good idea. I decided to bring a flannel for Caleb as well, so I grabbed an extra one.
I set the flannels on the end of the bed so I could put my jeans on and heard a soft noise like something hit the footboard. Curious, I picked up the flannels again and set them on the bed again, hearing the same noise.
I picked up each flannel and inspected it, trying to figure out what would have made that noise.
Picking up the second one, I found a small box in the pocket. My hands stilled as I sat on the edge of the bed, eyes wide, staring at the box in my hands. I didn’t dare open it, but I couldn’t stop staring at it.
This is a ring box. This is a freaking ring box!Was Caleb going to propose at some point? My mind was going a million miles a minute.
“Hey, Rae, everyone is here and they took the food. You almost ready, Babe?” I blinked. The sound of Caleb’s voice pulled me back to the present, and I shoved the box under the flannel in case he peeked his head in the room.
“Yeah, I will be out in a minute!” I realized I was speaking so fast.Calm down, Rae.“I’m just finishing up getting dressed.”
“Okay, I’ll get the truck started and get Duke loaded up.” I heard him walk away from the door and let out the breath I had been holding for far too long.
I quickly stashed the box back in the flannel and hung the flannel back up, smiling as I did so.
Oh my gosh. A freaking ring! Oh my gosh he can't know that I know. Calm down, Rae.
I took a few deep breaths to calm myself as I continued to get dressed.
