Page 83 of Sunset

Married life is amazing, but Lin was right, changing my name on everything has been a huge pain in the ass. Jasper went with me to help as much as he could, but even he was shocked at how much there was to do.

Construction on the villas is chugging along, and we’re set to open this spring and already have a waiting list of people who want that first booking, as soon as they’re ready. I think that’s more thanks to Kade’s name than anything.

Today, Jasper and I are cuddled on Lin and Kade’s couch, watching the reality TV show my chef ditched me for that kicked all this off. As pissed as I was at him, I do owe him for pushing Jasper and me together.

The show is on week two, and George made it past the first elimination, and the guy they let go of was horrible, so we agreed with that decision.

Today, as we watch, George sets part of his food on fire and almost falls, running around the kitchen, getting what he needs, and I take small joy in that. Petty, I know.

I’m pretty sure he’s going to make it to the next round, until it’s his turn in front of the judges. They don’t have anything good to say about his food, but then, one judge chimes in.

“We heard that you left your last job high and dry to come on this show. That you didn’t even give them time to get a replacement, after a big storm hit the area. Is that true?” The judge asks.

“Oh my, God. Who told them?” I ask.

“Kade, it was you, wasn’t it?” Lin smacks his arm.

“Well, I wasn’t taking any chances. I made the call, before everything worked out with Jasper.” He says with a smile.

After a few more remarks, George is cut from the show on round two, and we all cheer.

“I wonder what he’s doing now for work,” I say more to myself than anything.

“I wondered too, so I used some contacts and found out he’s a line chef at a Las Vegas buffet and not a classy one either,” Jasper says, and we all laugh.

Yep, life is working out just like it should.

Epilogue 2

Jasper

5 Years Later

Just like Brynn’s parents used to do, we’re taking July 4th off and spending it with our kids. Kade and Lin are over at our house, along with my mom and Kade’s parents. My mom has taken on the grandmother role to both our kids, and Kade and Lin’s, too.

“Think this is going to backfire on us?” Kade says, as he nods towards where Lin and Brynn are teaching our kids how to use water guns, while we man the grill.

“Oh, it will. I bet by tomorrow they’ll have even tried to fire them off in the house.” I laugh, and Kade groans.

“Your mom knew what she was doing buying those for them.” He says.

“Oh yes, she did.” I smile.

Brynn looks up at me from across the yard and smiles. Life couldn’t be any better than this.

The girls got the large family they wanted, and if the fact that Lin is skipping the margaritas my mom is making is any hint, it’s about to be expanding, too.

We may be the only locals not out on the water today, but after my hospital stay, Kade and I both made a promise to the girls, no more boats. After that scare, it wasn’t a hardship to give them that. I’m perfectly content to fish off the new fishing pier the town put in. The lighthouse is being reconstructed on the old one, so they have stopped people from fishing there.

After we eat, my mom comes up to me. “Kade’s parents and I are taking the kids down for the Main Street parade to give Mom and Dad some alone time.” She winks at me.

It’s become a tradition after lunch, the parade is grandparents only. As soon as they leave with the kid’s, Lin smiles at Brynn.

“See you in a few hours.” She says over her shoulder, and Kade hauls her next door to their house, and I pull Brynn inside.

“I think this is my favorite part of July 4th,” I mumble, as my lips crash into hers.

“Couch.” She says around my kiss.

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