Page 100 of Save the Drama for your Mama
When we finally pulled back, I gave him a playful smile.
“So now what?” I asked.
“That’s easy . . .” Cooper grinned. “It’s time to go home.”
Epilogue
COOPER
Two Years Later . . .
White lights were strung up all around the backyard and Chinese lanterns hung under the treehouse where the food and drink tables were located. A small stage was set up in the corner where the DJ was already playing tunes that had some of our guests up and dancing.
It was Melody’s book release party and nobody was more excited than me. Especially since her debut historical romance novel,The Duke Made Me Do It, had shot up the sales charts and was sitting among the top one hundred books in the world.
Melody came up beside me, giving me a playful pat on the butt as she glanced around the yard at our friends and family. “This is amazing, but you didn’t have to go through all this trouble just for me.”
“Just trying to score points, so you get me a Harley for Christmas,” I said.
She laughed. “Dream on, mister.”
It had been two wonderful years since I had jumped out of a plane and proposed to Melody at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. So much had happened since then. Chip, Melody, and the crew had completely restored the house. Melody had started an online antique business. I had published my second book. Then there was the trio of destination weddings.
Chad and Marilyn were the first to tie the knot. Though the backdrop of the Bellagio fountains was spectacular, Chad’s nerves got the best of him. As he recited his vows, the papers slipped from his hands and fluttered into the water below. Thankfully, as best man, I had saved a backup copy on my phone, and the rest of their spectacular Las Vegas wedding went off without a hitch.
Two months later, we jetted off to Napa for Abigail and Brian’s wedding weekend. Melody embraced her maid of honor duties with gusto, helping Abigail stay calm amidst the whirlwind of activities. From the bachelorette spa day to the reception toast, Melody stood by her best friend’s side. Abigail and Brian were expecting their first baby any day now. Any minute, actually.
But the most magical wedding was, without a doubt, my own to Melody atJardin des Tuileriesin Paris. As she appeared and glided down the aisle in a simple but elegant gown, the rest of the world faded away. Then she made me the happiest man in the world. After the memorable ceremony, we dined with friends and family at Jules Verne, the world-famous restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.
Melody even suggested doing a book signing at Smith & Son, an English bookstore in Paris. It was a brilliant idea since my second bestselling book,Trouble in Montmartre, was set in France. The signing had been a tremendous success, but best of all, Melody had gotten her wish for a trip to Paris in the springtime.
Abigail waddled over. “I just took a selfie with Marilyn Monroe.”
I grinned. “You and everyone else.”
Marilyn’s reality show had become an immense success over the last year. In fact, it was one of the most popular programs on television, second only to the series based on my mom’s books.
Just then, my dad, James, wandered over with his wife, Elena.
“I’m so glad you both could make it,” I said, giving him a pat on the back.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” he said.
“This is wonderful,” Elena said, smiling and putting her arm around Melody.
The two of them really hit it off after Melody found out that Elena was passionate about antiques, and also owned a closet full of vintage clothes.
I glanced around at the other guests mingling and laughing—our close friends and family. Chad was by the drinks chatting up Alfredo, who was a riot at any social gathering. Romeo wandered through the crowd, greeting people and looking for dropped snacks. Even Chip and Dale were at the party, the two of them currently doing tequila shots and comparing their biceps.
The backyard was filled with the delicious aroma of Lucinda and Larissa’s home cooking, roasted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, three types of salads, warm bread drizzled with olive oil, and tiramisu for dessert.
Lucinda sidled up next to me and smiled. “Mmm, don’t you look handsome tonight.” She never missed a chance to flirt, but it was always harmless fun.
Larissa appeared on my other side, bumping me with her hip. “Handsome is an understatement.”
“He’s a married man now, ladies—back those drooling lips away from my main dish,” Melody said teasingly. “Or we might just feed your competitors some business and let Potato Heaven cater my next party.”
Lucinda gasped. “Settle down! There’s no need to go crazy on us.”
