Chapter 74 Epilogue II:
Theo:
“Theo, my boy! Thank you for the pumpkin pie last night, my granddaughter and I enjoyed it!” My new neighbour, Rupert, calls out to me from his house. He has one of those kind smiles you see on grandpas these days.
I squint into the sun, waving back. “No problem, Rupert, anytime! I am always happy to bake for you and your grand-daughter.” I yell, he nods his head, giving me a creased smile before entering the house. I close the door and go join Daphne in the kitchen, where she’s nursing a cup of coffee on the stool.
“This place is so quiet. Are you sure you don’t miss the bustling of New York? Do you enjoy staying here all by yourself?” She asks, sighing.
I smile a bit, honestly leaving everything behind and coming to Boone, North Carolina has been the best decision I have ever made. I consider this as a fresh start, the locals are pretty friendly, including my neighbour, Rupert who lives next door with his granddaughter, Drea.
In the past few months, I have gathered all my family. Daphne’s mom who has always made me feel like her own son, my biological mother and her children are always welcoming when I visit, her husband is really glad that I am spending time with them. There’s the Duncans that have made it their duty to drop by twice in every month during which we catch up on everything, I even give them a tour around my farm.
My house overlooks the acre of farm I own; farming life really is the trend. I grow my own food; take care of the animals, and just last week. I got two horses.
“I love it here.” I tell Daphne and I mean it. “This past year has been a whirlwind, so I guess this peace of mind is what I need right now.”
“I know.” She smiles warmly, dropping her cup of steaming coffee on the counter, “This place gives out cozy vibes.”
“Really?” I open the freezer and bring out the Tupperware of cookies, placing them on the counter. “I also bake during my free time, but there’s this bakery downtown, she makes really amazing muffins. Maybe, we should drop by when you’re leaving.”
Daphne stares at me strangely. “You mentioned her yesterday when I arrived. I sense something here.”
Damn it, “There’s nothing.” The tip of my ears betrays me by going bright pink, of course, there’s nothing I can hide from her. “She’s pretty and really kind...I am thinking of asking her out on a date.”
“You absolutely should!” Daphne nearly screams, grinning. “You deserve to be happy, Theo.”
“I know.” I say, pouring myself a cup of coffee, I sit down beside her on the stool. The window of the kitchen overlooks the mountains. We sip our cup of coffee quietly while staring out the window, staying here and having regular visits by my family is enough for me. I still have no idea if I’ll move back to New York, but for now, I am just waiting to see what the future holds.
I am just glad to have all these people in my life and I know that is all I need.
\--
Arya:
The blanket is spread out on the grass under the shade, our shoes kicked aside. Devon. Vera has taken off running, her ponytail bouncing, her laughter echoing through the open field.
“She sure does love running.” Devon says to me, smiling.
“Of course, she’s just a few steps from going to nationals.” I joke, resting on Devon’s shoulder. This has become our typical Sunday evening tradition where we suspend all our work and come have a picnic in the open field. Life has been busy, but not busy enough to make time for my family. Vera has been adjusting in kindergarten, she has made some really nice friends whom she has play dates with. Devon and I want her to experience what it is like growing up with love.
Wanda’s and I’s business has taken off. I exhale, feeling the weight of it all- the long nights, the doubt, the fear. And now.....fulfilment, all of this wouldn’t have been possible without Devon, his encouragement, he never doubted me once. I owe it all to him.
“Our last collection sold out in hours.” I say, still not believing it. “We have orders from Paris, New York, Canada. And we just signed with a major boutique chain.” I shake my head, amazed. “Wanda almost cried when she saw the numbers. I just...I’m so grateful, Devon.”
Devon reaches over and brushes a strand of hair behind my ears. “You deserve it. Thank you for being my happy ever after.”
“It will always be you.” I look deep into his eyes, sealing it with a kiss.