Epilogue

Jace couldn’t believe that Hailey was finally his wife. After a gorgeous two-week vacation, they had returned home. He had a healthy tan, and poor Hailey had been sunburned twice.

A few people from their building waved as they headed toward the front door, towing their luggage behind them. They had sold every unit in the condo building, except for the top floor, which he had decided to hold onto for a while longer until he and Hailey could find a home they both loved.

The doorman opened the glazed entry door before Jace could.

“Jace and Hailey,” the older man greeted them with a wide smile. “Congrats on your wedding! I hope it was wonderful.”

Jace said hello, then looked back at his wife and smiled. Her sunburn had by now faded to a pale pink, and her red hair was twisted into a bun at the top of her head, her bangs brushed to the side.

As usual, she looked sexier than hell, and he couldn’t wait to get her back in their bedroom for a welcome home round of lovemaking.

“Don’t forget to grab the mail,” Hailey said as she pulled her bag through.

Right. The mail. Hailey loved to check it, especially now that they were getting wedding cards. She looked forward to reading friends’ and families’ good wishes. He rarely got anything, especially since he went paperless for his bills and notices.

He headed to the small box while the doorman went to press the elevator button.

The small box held a few cards and some fliers, and, crammed in the very back, was a large ivory envelope. He grabbed the stack with his free hand and followed Hailey to the elevator.

“What’s that?” Hailey asked as they rode up, indicating the envelope with a jerk of her chin.

Jace shook his head. “Beats me.”

The heavy envelope was addressed to him, and had a return address in Montana.

“Do you know anyone in Montana? Maybe it’s an oversize wedding card.”

He pressed his lips together as he thought. “No one.”

“Weird. Who sends mail like this anymore? Especially for no reason?”

He shrugged. “It’s probably a catalog or something.” He received catalogs for home furnishings and fixtures all the time. Judging by the envelop, it was a pretty fancy catalog.

They stepped off the elevator, and Hailey unlocked the door with her phone.

“Home at last.” Hailey sighed and dropped her bags at the front door.

It felt good to be home. He dropped the cards in a neat stack next to the couch. Taking the large envelope, he flicked at the corner of the flap that was sealed solidly in place.

“Mr. Hartman?” Bracing herself against his shoulder, Hailey went up on her tiptoes and nuzzled that spot between his jaw and his ear that drove him up the wall.

Growling low in his throat, he tossed the envelope on top of the cards.

“I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into,” he said, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her in front of him so he could show her exactly what she was getting herself into.

“Let’s say we head to the bedroom and celebrate our first day being home as a married couple.” Hailey’s voice was soft, breathy. “I want to see all your tan lines.”

He smiled as she reached up and nibbled his lip. “I say that’s a perfect idea. Our first day of the first year of the rest of our lives.”

“Our amazing lives,” Hailey agreed as he swept her up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom. “And I love that I’m sharing it with you.”

The End

About the Author

Jamie Dallas has been creating stories in her head for as long as she can remember. When not writing, she can be found either buried in a book, dreaming about storylines while out on walks, or baking yet again to avoid housework and chores. She lives with her husband and two demanding cats.