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We shake hands, and then I leave and head straight for the women’s faculty bathroom. Tyler follows after me, and before I know what’s happening, he scoops me into his arms, letting me cry on his shoulder.
So there we are, standing in the middle of a bathroom, me crying into his shirt and him running his fingers through my hair.
I’m so sad about my job, but at the same time, I feel peace.
Jobs will come and go, but Tyler will be forever.
“Look at the bright side,” Tyler says. “We don’t have to kiss behind bushes anymore.”
I laugh into his shoulder. “That’s true.”
“But maybe I still want to make out behind a bush every once in a while. You know, just to spice things up.”
I pull back and look up at him. “Or maybe we could kiss in the women’s faculty bathroom to spice things up.”
He smiles. “I’m all for that.”
Then he leans in and kisses me.
EPILOGUE
MEG
It’s here.
I’ve been dreaming of this day my entire life.
Every Nicholas Sparks book that I’ve read, every romance movie that I’ve watched, has led me to this day—my wedding day.
It’s not exactly how I imagined it. I didn’t imagine that I would marry a widower with a son, or that my mom wouldn’t be here to share this day with me.
It’s bittersweet, but the sweetness outweighs the bitterness, and that’s because of Tyler.
He’s so amazing.
And I amsoin love with him.
“Congratulations,” Diane Carter says to me.
I turn around and greet her with a hug. “Thank you for coming today. I’m sure this is hard for you.”
Diane smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “It is hard, but in a lot of ways, I’m glad it’s you, Meg. I know you’ll take care of Krew.”
“I will take care of him.”
“Good.” She nods. “Now, I know it’s your wedding day, but is it okay if we also talk a little bit of business?”
“Who’s talking business?” Tyler asks, coming to my side.
“I am,” Diane says. “Since two months ago, when I terminated your contract, I have received nonstop phone calls and emails from parents demanding that I reinstate you. And this last week, a group of parents from your class signed a petition to hire you back.”
I look at Tyler. “That’s really nice of them.”
“It’s more than nice of them,” Diane says. “Their petition worked. I talked to the board this morning, and they want you to have your job back.”
“Are you serious?” I jump up a little—as much as you can in a wedding dress.
“Your class will be waiting for you when you get back from your honeymoon.”
