Epilogue: One year later
“I can't believe this is finally happening.” Zoe said, as she straightened the books on the shelf for the fifteenth time.
“Stop fussing.” I said, coming up behind her and wrapping my arms around her waist. “Everything looks great.”
“I just want everything to be perfect.” She sighed, leaning back against me.
“It is. Trust me Babydoll.” I said spinning her around to face me. “I'm so proud of you.”
“Us.” She corrected, placing her hands on my chest. “We did this together, and now countless children are going to benifet from Harper's House.
We decided to name our youth center after Vanessa's sister, Harper. It seemed like a great way to honor her, and all that she had gone through in her young life. Our hope now, was that other kids in her situation would trust us enough to help. My warehouse had been completely transformed into something amazing. Zoe had a real vision for the place, and after fundraising for what seemed like an eternity, we were finally here.
The first floor was littered in couches, and plush chairs. Book shelves lined the walls with donated reading materials from magazines to the classics. We kept the hard wood floors, and bought bright colored rugs in all different shapes and sizes. We had a projection screen for movie nights, and even a popcorn maker. The second floor was the computer lab. We had thirty computers donated by Best Buy, as well as printers, and scanners. It was a homework haven, or youtube if you were me.
Zoe had made sure that every need was met. We even had a kitchen, and out back, a green house. She wanted to show the kids that they could grow their own food, be sustainable. She left her job at the school, and threw herself into Harper's House one hundred percent. There wasn't a decision made that hadn't gone through her first, and I couldn't have been happier. She was truly in her element, and I was in mine. I'd met so many kids with stories similar to mine, and it only cemented my decision to leave carpentry behind.
Cole had a major breakthrough. He got clean, and found his own place a few months ago. He started going to see Harper at the women's center she stayed at, and they'd formed a fast friendship. He seemed happy, and even started volunteering there. He also played a huge part in getting Harper's House up and running. Lugging boxes, painting walls, you name it. He was determined to make up for what he'd done.
As for Jake, he went back to Iraq. He was a different breed than the rest of us. He craved the action, and was more himself over there than he ever was here. He promised to be back for our wedding though, that is, if Zoe says yes. I've been carrying this ring around in my pocket all day, and it's been sitting in my dresser drawer for even longer. I wanted to wait for the right time, and I think today, is finally that time.
“I'm running upstairs to check the internet connection again. It seemed like it was lagging a bit.” She said, kissing my cheek, and pulling away from me.
“Wait.” I said, grabbing her hand, and turning her back towards me.
“Wes, we only have a few-”
Her words were cut off, as I dropped down to one knee, still holding her hand in mine. Her free hand went to her mouth, as her eyes widened in disbelief. “Zoe.” I started. “I never thought I would be here, especially with you. I didn't expect to fall in love with your smart mouth, and your beautiful soul. But I did. You made me question everything I knew about myself, and for that I will be forever grateful. You showed me that not only was I worth loving, but that I deserved to be loved. Would you do me the great honor, of becoming my wife?”
Tears streamed down her face, as she dropped down in front of me. Our gazes locking in a connection that only we shared. “Yes.” She whispered, and I released her hand, only long enough to place the ring on her finger. It was a white gold band with an aqua marine oval diamond. It was her favorite color, and reminded me of the water which she loved so much.
“I love you.” She said, wrapping her arms around my neck before pressing her lips to mine. I returned her kiss ten fold, grasping her ass, until I was laying flat on my back, and she was laughing on top of me.
“I love you too.” I mumbled against her, only enticing her laughter. I smacked her on the ass, cupping her cheek tightly, moaning into her mouth.
“Ahem” A voice rang out from somewhere behind us. I tipped my head back, to find an upside down Cole standing no more than five feet away from us with a grin on his face. “You know this place opens up in like twenty minutes, right? You really want your grand opening to start with a sex tape?” He asked, trying to keep the humor from his tone.
I sat then, bringing Zoe with me, righting her dress, making sure all the right places were covered before she stood. “She said yes.” I answered, as I stood beside her, and pulled her against me.
“Congrats guys.” He said, bringing Zoe in for a hug. “You sure you made the right choice? This guy's kind of an asshole.” He whispered, hiking his thumb in my direction.
“Fuck off!” I said in a teasing tone, pulling my fiance back into my side. “Did you bring what I asked?”
“Right outside.” He said, cocking his head for us to follow.
The Blue ribbon ran across the front of the entrance, and in the middle was a large bow. Heading to his truck, Cole returned with a pair of large scissors. Zoe laughed, and I smiled, as he lugged the monstrous things across the parking lot. “You couldn't just use a pair of fiskars?” He mock complained, passing the shears to me.
“What's a grand opening without a ribbon cutting?” I asked.
As if on cue, the television vans started to roll in, followed by benefactors, and a few kids. We stood watching, and waiting, as the parking lot filled to near capacity. I stole a glance at Zoe, who had tears in her eyes, and I gave her hand a little squeeze. She was beyond happy, and so was I. It was a feeling I never thought I'd truly experience, it was a feeling that felt like home.
When the time came for our doors to open, Zoe and I stood front and center behind our big blue ribbon. “Thank you all for be here today.” She said, with a smile so bright it could have lit the sky. “Harper's House has been a long time coming, and we are so excited to share it with all of you. I want to thank all of the generous donors who made this dream possible, and all the kids who will make Harper's House feel like a home.”
Stepping aside, I took her place, scissors in hand. “Without further ado!” I called out, slicing the ribbon in two. “Welcome to Harper's House!”
Watching the donor's happy faces, as they took in the large space instantly brought smiles to our faces, but it was the kids who had really won us over. The squeals of laughter, and the screams of excitement when they saw the computer lab were overwhelming. I never imagined my life would turn out like this, but I'm so glad it did.