SEPTEMBER
Epilogue
Carlos skirted around the far end of the building, avoiding the table where the four women sat. Staying well out of sight of the birthday girls, Carlos made his way to a booth hidden in the shadows. He slid inside and smiled nervously at the person already waiting there for him.
“You’re on time,” he said to his friend.
“And you’re late.” Everett looked pointedly at the large time display on his phone.
“I had to pick something up.”
Everett grinned. “I know. You ready for this?”
“Of course I am.” It was the truth. But despite how solid he was on this decision, it didn’t mean his heart wasn’t about to hammer all the way out of his chest.
“You say it like it’s not a surprise. C-man, believe me when I say this. It’s a surprise. I mean, it didn’t work out for you so hot the first time.”
Heat rose in his cheeks. He hadn’t realized he would be embarrassed. First, it wasn’t like him. Second, there was nothing about this that was embarrassing, unless of course she said no.
“This is so different,” Carlos told his friend.
“Yeah. It is,” Everett agreed quietly.
Carlos knew they weren’t talking about the same thing anymore. “The real surprise is you. Here. Tonight. What’s up with that?”
Everett shrugged. “I guess I’m just full of surprises.”
Laughter floated through the bar and wafted over to their table. Carlos leaned to the side so he could see across the room. The women were in full celebration mode now. They’d blown out the candles on their birthday cupcakes and were clinking glasses in a noisy toast.
“I think it’s time.” Carlos slid out of the booth.
Everett downed the rest of the drink that had been sitting in front of him and slid out as well. “After you,” he said, his voice a little shaky.
Carlos strolled, full of confidence, swagger, and sheer joy, across the room. He made a beeline for the love of his life. Amy looked up as he approached and her eyes went wide, her mouth forming an O.
“What are you doing here?” She stumbled off the barstool and launched herself into his arms.
“Hey, baby,” he said, pulling her close.
Amy’s eyes flashed across him, as if to ensure herself he was all right and hadn’t shown up here because he’d been involved in a surprise lion attack or something. Then she looked behind him at Everett who stood like a good wingman at his shoulder. “What’s going on?”
“Happy birthday,” he told her for the third time that day.
She smiled. “Thanks, sweetheart.”
“I didn’t mean to interrupt the birthday bash.” He turned to the other three women, all of whom were in on his surprise. They smiled at him sweetly. His gaze flicked back to Amy. “But I need to ask you something.”
Amy’s whole body stiffened in his arms. “Ask me?”
For a split second he doubted himself. Maybe she’d actually say no. But he pushed through. Letting go of her, Carlos knelt down onto the rough, peanut-strewn floor and took her hands in his.
“Oh wow,” Amy breathed.
A few tiny squeals were emitted from her friends nearby. Everett’s heavy, nervous breaths echoed behind Carlos. He ignored it all and looked right into Amy’s face.
“Baby. Can you help me?”
“Help you?” she asked, breathless.
“Yes. Help me. Help me by being my partner in everyway, everyday for the rest of our lives. Help me be as happy as any man can possibly be. Help me. Because I need you, Amy. I need you to be my wife.”
Amy stared into his eyes, her gaze intense and sure. She looked determined. She looked certain. She looked incredibly happy. “Absolutely, I will.”
Carlos stood and kissed her with abandon, pouring all of his emotions into that kiss. Then he turned around, his arms still firmly around Amy and looked at his best friend. “Your turn, Everett.”
Everett looked down at his feet and bit his bottom lip. He shoved one hand deep into his pocket and let out a soft groan. Amy buried her face in Carlos’ neck and giggled. Everett might be about to pass out on the floor in front him, but Carlos felt full, happy, and alive.
THE END
Thank you for reading “Amy’s Wish.” If you liked it, please consider leaving a review. Authors depend on reviews to help others find our books. There will be three more books in this series. Keep your eyes open for “Maya’s Wish” next.