I flash her an innocent smile, winking as I pull her closer to my side. I lean my head down and murmur low enough so only she can hear, “This is just the beginning. Our beginning.”
Epilogue
Beth
Theleavesarefalling,creating a crunch beneath my feet. The air is crisp, filled with the sweet aroma of hot cocoa. Autumn in Meadowbrook is magical.
“Matthew, I promise you’re going to love it,” I tell him over the phone.
“Of course I will, Beth. You could throw a party in a dumpster and I’d still have a good time.” His warm laughter dances through the line.
I giggle, shaking my head as I walk into Coffee Loft. “I’ll see you at 6pm sharp. Don’t be late.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. See you soon.”
I hang up, tucking my phone back into my pocket before scanning the room. Desi stands near the counter, speaking with Owen. I can see Cassie behind them, her hands full of fabric streamers and balloons. Emma and Ashley are putting centerpieces on the tables. A smile spreads across my face. I’ve known these people for years, and with their help, this evening is going to be unforgettable.
I’ve been planning this event for months, poring over every detail with Cassie, the event planner queen. Matthew completed his first Summit Pro Tour and was in the top forty-five. As a Summit Pro Tour rookie, that’s amazing!
“Oh, look who finally decided to show up,” Desi teases, a cheeky smile on her face as she spots me.
“Desi, be nice,” Owen chides her gently. His dark brown eyes seem to sparkle under the overhead lights.
I roll my eyes at them. “Owen, aren’t you supposed to be with Matthew to make sure he arrives on time?”
“I, uh, thought you girls might need some muscle,” Owen stammers, rubbing the back of his neck. “Nick’s with him anyway.”
Coffee Loft is already halfway decorated, with twinkling lights wrapped around the room and balloons tied around.
Emma comes up beside me and whispers, “More like he has an eye on your other bestie.”
I glance back at her, a playful smirk pulling at my lips. “Is that so?”
She blushes lightly as she nods. “Yeah, but don’t tell my brother I said that.”
My gaze flickers back to Owen, standing there with a slightly lovesick expression as he chats with Desi.
How did I not see that?
I chuckle. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
As we work together, finishing the last-minute details, everything is falling into place perfectly. The room is classy yet filled with warmth. Just the right atmosphere for Matthew’s celebration.
“Ready for the big night?” Cassie suddenly asks, startling me out of my thoughts.
“I’m more than ready,” I respond confidently, tying off the last balloon. “Matthew has worked so hard, and I want to make sure tonight is special for him.”
“It’s going to be the perfect night,” she says, squeezing my shoulder.
I take one last look around before I change into my dress and touch up my lipstick. When I come out of the bathroom, guests have started to arrive. I pick Maggie and Alison’s faces out from the growing crowd.
“Beth, you’ve outdone yourself. It looks wonderful,” Maggie says, her voice filled with admiration.
“Thank you. But really, it was a group effort. I couldn’t have done it by myself.”
Alison gives me a knowing look. “You’re always so humble.”
I shake my head, blushing at her compliment. “I’m so glad you’re here! I was nervous you wouldn’t be able to make it.”