Page 73 of Waiting for Sunshine

“I pinky swear,” I hold out my pinky to him, and he takes it in his. Then we add another room to our list of ruin.

EPILOGUE

MAX

Nine Months Later…

CHRISTMAS DAY

Shane and I are closing down the bar together and the smile on her face has everyone in here feeling some sort of Christmas magic. I finally got my shit together nine months ago and went to San Francisco to drag her back home with me. I went with a coffee in hand and an art studio up my sleeve, hoping that I could prove to her just how much I love her and need her in my life. That I am willing to do anything to make her happy. The coffee gesture went over about as well as the first day we met, but if she’s not mad about it, I’m not either.

The painting I walked in and saw that day had me feeling like the wind had gotten knocked out of me. It was a depiction of her life through tragedy. It hurt like hell knowing that I had put her through so much pain, even if it was only for a short amount of time. I was going to spend the rest of my life trying to make that up to her. Because there was no way I was letting her go after I got her back.

With Shane helping run things around here this year the bar now has a Christmas tree set up in the corner by the pool tables. It is full of the most unique ornaments you could imagine. From military-related ones to biker ones, to Viking style ones that expand on that aspect of the bar. And of course every single alcohol-related one she could find. She sure has a way of making even the smallest things special. It’s one of the things I love most about her. Just as she’s locking the door her phone starts to ring. I look down to see Hugh’s name come across her phone.

“Any idea why Hugh is calling you on Christmas Day?” I ask curiously.

“Oh my gosh.” She says bringing her hand to her forehead before rushing behind the counter to answer. “Hello?” she answers anxiously, still not answering my question. “Merry Christmas to you too.” She smiles, running her hand from her forehead to her cheek. Tears began to well in her eyes and I already wanted to punch him for it. “Are you serious?” she asks, biting her lip and running her hand through her hair.What the fuck is happening?

“Hugh, that’s the best news. Thank you so much. Okay. Yes, we’ll talk soon. Bye.” She hangs up the phone and squeals before running into my arms. That’s more like it.

“What on earth was that about? Are you okay?” I ask, still curious as to why that phone call seemed to be so important.

“Um… Okay, I have something to show you.” She says, leading me toward my office. We head upstairs to her old art studio which has me a bit confused.

“You are aware you have an entire art studio about a block away from here, right?” I hike my thumb over my shoulder.

“Yes, I am aware. But I had to keep this hidden from you for a while so I decided to work here so you wouldn’t happen across it at the new place by accident.” She says, stopping just at the top of the stairs. “Close your eyes.” She says excitedly, making me raise a brow in question.

“You know, pushing me down the stairs would be the worst Christmas gift ever,” I tease. She rolls her eyes playfully and groans. “Close your eyes, Max. Please.” So of course, I do.

“Alright, Sunshine. They’re closed.” She guides me a little further into the old attic studio. When we finally stop, her hands drop from mine.

“Keep them closed. One more second.” She says as I hear her moving things around the space. “Okay. Open your eyes.” I open my eyes, blinking a few times to let them adjust. She stands a few feet away from me now with a nervous smile on her face, surrounded by some of the most detailed and amazing paintings I have ever seen.

“What do you think?” she asks, fidgeting with the oversized sleeves of her sweatshirt.

I take a moment to let each and every painting register in my mind. They are all military-based paintings. There are paintings of heroes with their service dogs, some carrying their dogs over their shoulders, some playing around at the base. There are men carrying their brothers over their shoulders, and some carrying their caskets.

There are dual versions of events where in one moment the guys are laughing and playing cards, then the next moment they’re in the middle of a battlefield. There’s a photo of a soldier back home with a folded flag next to him as he finishes a bottle of whiskey and his duty weapon on the table next to him. There is one painting that resonates with me so deeply that I almost hit my knees. Two soldiers, closely resembling Tucker and myself, at the national cemetery, pouring one out for a fallen brother. It’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen.

“Baby, what is this?” I ask, trying to swallow past the lump in my throat.

“It’s a service based art collection. Hugh wants to do an exhibit on it atThe Galleryto raise money and awareness for soldiers. People have no idea what you all go through, and I wanted to shine some light on it in any way I could. I wanted to show the soldiers that they are seen, that they aren’t alone, and also help others see that sometimes help is needed even when it will never be asked for. It’s a tribute to all the men and women who serve; to those who don’t make it home physically, and to those that never make it home mentally either.” She says, making me fall in love with her even more. Which I didn’t think was even possible.

“Do you like it?” she asks timidly.

“I fucking love it. I think you are the most talented artist I’ve ever encountered. You portrayed the message perfectly. You never stop amazing me, you know that?” I tell her, walking over to scoop her into my arms. I kiss her lips then peck kisses all along her cheek and down her neck.

“The fact that we actually get to do the exhibit is the best Christmas present I could have imagined.” She says, looking at the collection that will soon be displayed.

“Not so fast there, Sunshine. We still haven’t exchanged presents.” I wink at her.

“Oh my gosh, what time is it?” she gasps, her eyes going wide.

“Yeah, It’s almost seven we better get going,” I tell her, before setting her down. We head back to the bar, I lock up my office and shut off all the lights. “Come on Riles,” I call, making her hop down from her regular booth. Shane convinced me that we should host Christmas with all of our friends this year. I didn’t really fight the idea either, because thinking about having our favorite people with us on a day that was so hard for the both of us for so long, makes me happy. Shane grabs the food we prepared for tonight and we head out the back door.

The house is full of love and laughter as we all eat, drink and listen to Christmas music. I’m sitting on the couch, watching Shane talking with all of her girlfriends as they’re all gathered around the kitchen island. Ruby has become the newest member of their friend group and they are all laughing at something Taylor is going on about. No surprise there.

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