Page 52 of Winner Takes All

I think about how far we’ve come, our late nights, early mornings, and even the moments of doubt and frustration. Through all of this, we’ve experienced more joy than should be possible, pride in ourselves and those around us, and endless moments of accomplishment. It all began during the cooking competition, and it’s flourished into all of this. We’re truly partners.

Victor takes my hand in his and leads me outside to the patio. The fire pit is still glowing, the embers crackling softly. The strings of lights overhead sway in the gentle night breeze blowing in off a calm ocean, casting dancing shadows on the ground. We settle down on one of the cushioned benches and I lean my head against his chest as he wraps an arm around me. We’re on our feet so much, it’s heaven to cuddle like this with the sights, sounds, and smells of the Pacific Ocean in front of us.

“Remember when I was that cocky guy you thought was determined to beat you in the competition?”

I laugh as I smack his leg. “I’ve thought of that often. I wonder what would’ve happened had we not been partnered together.”

“We’d still be right here, right now,” he tells me with confidence.

“Why do you think that?” I ask.

“Because from the beginning of that competition, my goal was to win, not just the cooking contest, it was to win your heart. I figured out as soon as I was back in town that I wanted you. I didn’t know that I was in love with you yet at that point, but Idid know that I thought of you every single day and I was tired of fighting my feelings.”

My heart swells at these words. “I think it’s amazing that over a year later we’re still learning things about each other. I was so focused on winning, I couldn’t think of anything else. My friends could see it, though. They told me they could see how much I was into you, that they believed it was always that way from the beginning. I’m stubborn, though, and I refused to believe it. I’m glad I came to my senses.”

“I wouldn’t change any of what we went through, because it eventually brought us here. We’ve had a fun life, and we’ve become stronger because of it.”

“I agree,” I tell him as warmth spreads through me. “We’ve won the ultimate prize in each other.”

“Winning you is the ultimate prize. We could lose every material thing we own, and I’d still be okay as long as I have you. We’re smart, motivated, and strong. We can make it through anything,” he says.

“I’m so glad I came back home. I’m grateful I left because it gave me an appreciation for Seaville, a place I didn’t respect when I was young. But I’m so happy to be back, and so delighted to have you, a man who has the same values as I have.”

“It’s a beautiful thing how life works out.”

“It really is,” I agree.

We sit in a comfortable silence for a while, watching the fire crackle and spark as the ocean provides a perfect harmony in the background. Overhead the stars burn bright, always offering a deep sense of security.

Eventually we hear footsteps, and I turn to see Sia, Sasha, Courtney, and their husbands making their way over.

“What are you lovebirds doing sitting out here all alone?” Sia asks.

“Enjoying the quiet after the storm,” I tell her.

Sasha sits beside us, a mischievous look in her eyes. “We aren’t interrupting anything are we?”

I laugh. “You’d have zero remorse even if you were.”

“That’s very true,” she agrees.

“I brought hot dogs,” Courtney says as she holds out her cooler.

I look at her and laugh. “You brought hot dogs to a gourmet restaurant?”

“You have a fire all ready to go and I’m craving one,” she says.

“Me too,” Sasha says. “Give me a stick.”

Soon, hot dogs and sticks are passed out and we’re all laughing as we burn some pig skin over the fire. I look around at my friends and realize this is the best part of all. It’s not only the success of our restaurant, or having the love of my life at my side, but a whole package.

We’re surrounded by those we love who support us no matter what, and we have the best lives we could ever imagine. It really doesn’t get better than this. It isn’t luck, either, it’s dedication and commitment. We might get kicked down at times, but we always get back up. We’ve chosen friendships that build us up instead of tear us down. We choose to live in a place that feeds our souls. Anyone could have this if they choose.

I look over and catch Victor’s eyes and he smiles. I know he’s thinking the exact same thing. Right here and now we have absolutely everything we could ever want, maybe even more. The real prize for both of us from the beginning is ending up right here right now. I couldn’t possibly ask for anything more.

Epilogue Two

Nikki

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