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EPILOGUE
One Week Later
Jessica rested her forearms on the railing of the porch that surrounded her future forever home. She smiled as she watched the sun set behind the trees in the distance. Two strong arms wrapped around her waist, and Ian’s clean pine and soap scent wafted through the air.
“You ready to tell them?”
She turned in his arms, threading her fingers through the hair at his temple. “I don’t know. Maybe we wait a few days. I want to enjoy our secret for a little while longer.” She pulled her hand away and let the light from the sunset catch on her engagement ring.
Ian rested his forehead against hers. “Whatever you want.” He kissed her, sending sparks of electricity through her body. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
There was no one she’d rather spend the rest of her life with. He made her feel like she could do anything and yet at the same time feel accepted for exactly who she was. He completed her in ways she never thought possible.
He deepened their kiss, and flames ignited in her chest. It was like she could never get enough of him. Every touch, every kiss set her whole body on fire.
“Ahem.”
Jessica and Ian broke apart, and heat rushed to her cheeks. She glanced toward a woman at the edge of the porch. The woman had wavy brown hair that rested just below her shoulders. Her brown eyes were a warm toffee color that could put caramel apples to shame.
She cocked her head to the side and grinned at them. “I’m looking for Cal. Is he around?”
Ian stepped to the side, his eyes narrowing. A smile flashed across his face. “Ruby? Is that you?”
Ruby nodded. “In the flesh.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I haven’t seen you since—”
“Three years at least.”
“That’s right. You went off to college out east, right?”
Her smile widened. “Good memory.” She glanced at Jessica. “I feel like I should know you.”
Jessica leaned against the rail again. “I’m Jessica. I used to work at Sal’s if that helps.”
Ruby pursed her lips. “Maybe that’s it.” Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, Ruby glanced up at the door before turning her eyes to Ian. “Anyway… will you tell me where I can find Cal?”
“Right.” Ian thumbed toward the house. “He should be home by now. You could check the kitchen.”
“Thanks, Ian.” She hurried up the steps.
“Do you need me to show you—”
She winked at him. “I think I remember.”
He chuckled. “Of course.”
“It was nice meeting you, Jessica. Good to see you too, Ian.” She entered the house and shut the door quietly behind her.
Jessica glanced at Ian. “Who’s Ruby?”
Ian chuckled. “She’s the little sister of Cal’s best friend.” He shook his head. “She had the biggest crush on Cal for the longest time. He’s gonna hate this.” Ian tugged her away from the rail and pulled her close again. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Laughing, Jessica tilted her head. “Why’s that?”
“Because she’s grown up.”
“Okay?”
