EPILOGUE

Summer was in full swing; the tufts of cotton clouds were far and few between in a bold blue sky. The sun cast its warm rays against the white sandy beach creating a shimmering backdrop for the waves. Gulls called to each other as they skimmed the water; bikini clad bodies already dotted the beach, as did the dog owners running after their faithful hounds who tugged them along, eager to explore.

Stefan sipped the rich flavorful coffee, a Guatemalan blend. He had bought it with his first week’s wages and appreciated it more for that reason. He looked forward to a weekend at the beach, appreciating it more because had applied himself to his work the whole week.

The past week was a test for both him and Max, the photographer at FACE, to see if Max thought Stefan was good fit for job shadowing. Max barely spoke and when he did it was more akin to barking, but in one week Stefan had learned more about photography that he had thought possible. He had learned that when you apply yourself to something you feel passionate about, you don’t mind working hard and putting in the time.

“Here you are.” Sasha said stepping out onto the terrace wearing nothing but one of Stefan’s shirts. What had been cute when they had started dating, had become a habit for Sasha, and Stefan couldn’t imagine her looking better in anything else.

“I was wondering when you’d wake up.” Stefan said, taking in her slept-on hair and puffy eyes. She had never looked more beautiful. “I made you some tea.”

Sasha sat down next to him, pulling her legs up against her chest, giving him a glimpse of her smooth legs. “This is just what I needed.”

“You mean having me in your bed every night isn’t enough?”

Sasha pulled a face at Stefan and turned her gaze back to the sea. “I never thought I could be this in love, or this happy.” She said almost to herself.

“Well I wouldn’t go as far as being happy yet, your father did promise to continue his interrogation at dinner next week.”

Sasha smiled thinking about the dinner they had enjoyed with her parents. “Stefan, the fact that he only asked you three questions already counts in your favor.”

“Great, because I might just have a few for him as well.”

Sasha narrowed her eyes at Stefan knowing he was up to something.

“Come on sleepyhead, we need to get going.”

“Where to?”

“Breakfast with my friends.” Stefan said looking forward to introducing Sasha to his friends.

“Oh but I didn’t pack anything fancy, really I thought we were just going to hang around here for the weekend.”

Stefan laughed. “You don’t need anything fancy, but some pants might be good.”

A short while later, Stefan and Sasha climbed the steps from the beach to Cayden’s terrace where he could already hear voices laugh and argue.

“Got place for two more?” Stefan asked.

“Stefan!” Cole said surprised and spotted Sasha. “Stefan?” Cole’s voice turned into the concerned father. “We don’t want any trouble.”

Sasha and Stefan shared a glance before laughing. “Yes, I’ve got the senator’s daughter with me and at least seventy percent of his approval.”

Cayden, Cole and Garrett shared a concerned glance before Seth broke the silence. “I’m Seth and this bunch is just afraid of your dad, welcome.”

At that moment Skye, FAWN, Rose and Anna stepped onto the terrace with platters piled with breakfast burritos and little Duke crawled after them.

“Oh Stefan you brought a girl!” Skye said excitedly and gave Sasha a hug. “I’m Skye and I’m with Garret. The little monster you see dodging feet is Duke our son, he’s just turned ten months.”

Sasha laughed and glanced briefly at Stefan who was watching the introductions.

Skye tugged Sasha’s arm free from Stefan’s and continued, “That is Seth and he’s with FAWN, and yes, she is that FAWN, but around here even she has to do the dishes. That’s Anna and that’s Cayden, this is their house. That’s Cole…”

“Oh, I’ve met Cole. We went on a few very unsuccessful blind dates.” Sasha teased in Cole’s direction.

Rose stood up and held out hand smiling. “I’m Rose, and I’m grateful your dates were very unsuccessful.” Rose and Sasha laughed easily.

Cayden turned to Stefan. “So what’s the story? You two together now?”

Stefan shrugged. “Long story short? After begging her to see me she finally couldn’t resist me anymore, then we endured the wrath of JB Morris, but after being invited for dinner this week I think I’m the clear.”

“Yes, we’re together.” Sasha confirmed.

Cole slapped Stefan’s back. “You’re a lucky guy.” He leaned closer and said in a softer voice. “Don’t screw this up you might not get out with your life.”

Stefan laughed a tad tersely knowing Cole was probably right.

“I’ve got some news,” Stefan said to everyone as they sat down with their plates.

“Another wedding?” Rose asked hopefully.

“No, actually I resigned at the magazine. I’m going to become a photographer. I’m starting night lessons in the fall and for the summer I’m job shadowing the photographer at FACE. If it works out he might just offer me a job come fall.”

There were mumbles amongst his friends until Garret finally spoke. “That’s great Stefan; we knew you couldn’t go on like that forever.” Garret glanced at Sasha. “I have a feeling a certain someone might’ve pushed you in the right direction.”

Stefan smiled and pressed a kiss against Sasha’s temple. “She might’ve.”

Laughter flowed easily between friends, as the food dwindled and the baby gurgled. When everyone was settled with their traditional breakfast beer Garret stood up and held his beer up. “I know I don’t say much, but when I do it matters. This matters. Some time ago me and these guys lived for the next party and in certain cases the next girl.” All the guys coughed. “Stefan.”

Garret slapped Stefan on the back and continued. “Now here we are, all of us having found that one person who makes the world make sense who lets us have beer for breakfast on the weekend. So here’s to us, to love, friendship and summers in the Hamptons.”

As beers bumped each other and Skye and Anna clinked glasses of orange juice Stefan smiled at Sasha knowing Garret was right. He had just found that one person who makes the world make sense and he knew just what to do about it. Christmas was a few months away and by that time if JB Morris agreed Stefan had a certain gift in mind. The small box kind with the big price tag.

~THE END~