Epilogue (Breslin)
I take a step back on the busy street that's bustling with people, appraising the small building from the outside.
My chest swells and my throat locks up as I take in the large glass windows that will be perfect for displaying art.
My art.
The slightest of breezes flows through the muggy summer air and I close my eyes and soak it in.
The past seven months have been a whirlwind.
Asher was officially drafted to New Orleans. And even though the current starting quarterback still has one more season left—which means Asher's on the sidelines for his first year—the coaches are practically bursting at the seams to get him out on that field.
And I know that when his time comes...he's going to take them all by storm.
I was petrified to move here, but now, I can't imagine living anywhere else. These streets are dripping with creativity and the only person who loves and appreciates it even more than I do...is Landon.
A few weeks after the school shooting, someone ended up uploading a video on YouTube of him performing Complicated Hearts at the Black Spoon.
It quickly ended up going viral, and people went nuts. So nuts, that not one but two major record labels approached him about signing with them.
He declined.
He said he was a musician, not an image or a package.
The meetings with those record labels prompted him to pursue music full time, though and he's quickly gaining traction and becoming extremely popular on the indie front. He performs once a week at a local venue nearby and every performance is so packed they had to start selling tickets and hire extra security.
There's no doubt in my mind that he's going to be performing in sold out venues around the world in the next year or so.
Watching Asher and Landon pursue their dreams made me want to pursue mine. Of course, I didn't just jump into it head first like they did. I actually managed to land a job as an architect after I graduated. And even though I hated every second of it, I kept at it. Until I just couldn't take it anymore. I needed to do what set my soul on fire.
Which is why I decided to open my own art gallery. It's costing me a fortune and I internally wince whenever I think about the loan I took out, but when you're no longer giving half of your paycheck to an addict father who uses you...things aren’t so bad.
I give the building one final glance before I turn around and my gaze snags on Asher and Landon walking out of the ice cream shop across the street.
Right when they're about to cross over, Asher pulls Landon back, sweeping his thumb over the drop of ice cream on his lip.
A second later, my heart does a little flutter when he leans in and kisses him softly.
An elderly lady on the street makes a face and I'm about to run over there and tell her off, but she walks away, shaking her head in disgust.
Her rude behavior doesn't deter Asher who goes back for another kiss as soon as the first one ends.
The smile on their faces as they walk over to me ignites my own.
“So, is this the one?” Landon questions, pointing to the building.
“I'm signing the paperwork tomorrow.”
He picks me up and twirls me around so fast my head spins. “I'm so proud of you.”
I open my mouth but then his lips capture mine, causing butterflies to swarm in my tummy as I wrap my legs around his waist and kiss him like he's my lifeline. I rest my palm on the scar over his heart before tracing the new tattoo under it. A tattoo consisting of music notes from the song he wrote about me and Asher.
“I love you,” I tell him when we break apart.
His hand slides to the nape of my neck and he holds my gaze, the heat in his eyes is so palpable my heart goes into a sprint. “I love you, too.”
Two fingers tip my chin until my head lolls back and I'm staring at the bluest eyes I've ever seen.
“You're really doing it,” Asher whispers, his fingers trailing over my neck, causing little shivers up my spine.
“I am,” I tell him, my voice cracking with emotion.
“I always knew you could, baby,” he says gruffly before he kisses me. His teeth tug on my bottom lip before he slips his tongue inside, tasting me. When I moan, the pads of his fingers dip ever so slightly inside my shirt, prickling my skin.
Thump, thump, thump.
I'm breathless when he draws back and gives me that cocky smile. “I fucking love that I can still do that.”
A blush creeps up my cheeks. “Me too.”
I squeal when Landon twirls me around again. “Hmm, should I carry the soon to be world-renowned artist home like this or make her walk?”
“Carry me,” I say at the same time Asher says, “Make her walk.”
I shoot Asher a dirty look and Landon kisses my temple. “Carry it is.”
“So, a funny thing happened when I was looking at the gallery today,” I tell them as we make our way down the street.
Landon and Asher exchange a glance.
“Oh?” Landon questions, his grip on my hips tightening.
“Turns out the gallery is already paid for.” I raise an eyebrow. “The broker mentioned two anonymous donors.”
“Wow,” Asher says, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Talk about some awesome luck.”
“Looks like you have two people who really believe in you,” Landon says.
I motion for Landon to put me down and I glare at them. “Guys, we talked about this. I told you I didn't want your money.”
Landon feigns offense. “I had nothing to do with it. It was donated.”
Asher grins. “Anonymously.”
I shake my head and those dimples of his deepen as we approach our house.
Although house is a bit of a downplay. Asher purchased a plantation for us to live in and it's so big it echoes.
“Close your eyes,” Asher says when we reach the front door.
“Why?”
“We may have gotten you a little surprise,” Landon says. “Just humor us and do it.”
“And hold out your arms,” Asher adds.
I do as they say and a moment later something furry and tiny is placed in my arms.
My eyes pop open and I stare down at the little golden puppy in awe. “You got me a puppy?”
Asher and Landon exchange another glance.
“We thought it was about time,” Landon says and my eyes fill with tears. Tears that the puppy quickly licks and I can't help but laugh.
Strong arms wrap around my waist from behind. “We're not going anywhere, Breslin,” Asher whispers. “Hold on to us.”
I shake my head because I can't hold on...I can only do the opposite.
The room becomes blurry and my heart races, pounding out a rhythm that makes it hard to breathe as I feel myself free-fall for the second time in my life.
Only this time...I know they'll both be right there to catch me.