Page 124 of That First Moment

“It’s been a lot longer for me.”

“You keep saying that.” She narrowed her eyes and pushed my shoulder, plopping my back on the mattress as she climbed on top of me. I held her waist, my fingers pressing into her skin.

“Marry me,” I said again.

She shook her head. “Ask me again in . . .” she closed her eyes and scrunched her nose. Damn she was cute. I’d ask her every day for the rest of our lives, and she could keep saying no, but I knew she was mine. “Twenty-four months.”

I used my elbows and propped myself up. “Two years!”

“Two years, and I promise you I’ll say yes.” She placed her hands on the back of my neck, giving me the most sexy smile as she looked down at me.

I sighed, slumping my shoulders in defeat. “Okay, in two years you better be ready. I’m starting a countdown on my phone. I’m buying the ring. I’m planning a huge ass wedding.”

“Elliot!” She laughed. “We have so much to focus on, we can’t be thinking about that now. Let’s just . . . be together.”

“Together?” I asked. She gave me a small hum and a nod for an answer. “Okay,” I said, “move in with me then.”

She smiled, a blush rose in her cheeks and her eyes sparkled.

I loved this woman.

“I can do that,” she finally replied. “I can do that now.”

“Perfect.” I kissed her. “Together.”

“Forever.”

Epilogue

-Jamie-

Eighteen Months Later

The Piano Bar. Back where it all started.

It’s only fitting they do their last performance of the tour here.

The last year and half had been crazy busy, but somehow, we had managed to make the most of it. I had two paintings in Park City—my second set. My first had sold quicker than we had planned, and I was commissioned for another two. We went to Park City with my family again in February where I had another piece in the festival. This year they begged me to come back for the Spring Festival, but I, yet again, declined. I had other plans.

Elliot and Bennett had been back and forth between Oregon and California, making sure their debut album was one hundred percent perfect. Not to mention, during that time Elliot was busy selling his company . . . to my dad. My dad had flown out not longafter we got home and took a tour of the building, instantly offering Elliot what it was worth, plus more. My dad agreed to keep the entire staff—plus Clay—on, and assured Elliot the company was in good hands. Once that was off the table, Elliot was able to focus more on his music.

Savaged Whittakers was the opening act for a big label band on their tour. Elliot even being invited on stage to sing with them. And when the label saw how much SW Merch was being sold at the events, and how people were excited to see them, they began to plan a solo tour on the east coast. The only deal breaker they had was the final show had to take place at The Piano Bar.

The instruments were set, and the crowd was beginning to gather in. I had a table on the side, reserved for the show, for the five people that mattered most to Elliot. They hadn’t arrived yet, but I was shocked to see Jacob and his wife, Sydney following them.

“You came!” I shouted, giving Jacob and Sydney both a hug.

“We wouldn’t miss it.” Jacob smiled. “Where are they?”

“In the back . . . well, upstairs. They start at nine and it’s only eight, they have time.”

“Yeah, but doesn’t he normally mingle?”

“Jake,” Sydney looked at her brother, “He’s a big name now, he can’t mingle anymore.”

“I’ll let him know you’re here, I go back before every show. Your table’s here, but can you keep an eye out for Madeline? They said they were coming but I need to get up to Elliot.” I turned to look at the table with the reserved sign on it and Jacob gave me a quick smile, Sydney moving back to their seat.

“Yeah, I’ll look out for them, go get him.” Jacob patted my shoulder and I left, making my way towards the stairs that led up to the dressing rooms.

---