Epilogue

 

Libby paced the floor of the New York art gallery, feeling like she was about to throw up. Her exhibit was opening in half an hour and she wasn’t ready.

Her husband’s arms pulled her back to his chest and his lips found her neck. “It’s going to be great, love,” he whispered in her ear. “Your exhibit is amazing.”

She laughed. “You’re just saying that because you’re in every single photo.”

He laughed with her. “Well, I’m sure having an amazing model helped.” He spun her around, looking down at her with so much love it sucked her breath away. “I’m so proud of you, Lib. You did it.”

“Only because of your encouragement.”

Garrett groaned. “Are you two newlyweds about to attack each other again? Because you have a room only a couple of miles away. Use it.”

“Like you’re one to talk,” Noah laughed, keeping his arm around her back and tugging her to his side. “I just saw you feeling up your wife a few minutes ago.”

To Libby’s surprise, Blair blushed.

“Okay, okay.” Josh squeezed Megan’s hand as they walked toward the group. “We’re all newlyweds and we can’t keep our hands off each other. May we always be this way.”

“Hear, hear,” Noah agreed and motioned toward the entrance to the room.

A waiter walked up to Noah, carrying a tray of champagne. “As you requested, sir.”

Noah winked at Libby and she felt herself blush as he started to hand out the flutes. “I think all six of us have something to celebrate, so Libby and I thought it would be good for all of us to say what we’re grateful for.” He held up his glass and looked into Libby’s eyes. “Libby. I wouldn’t be half the man I am without you. Thank you for standing by me while I tried to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up.”

He’d struggled with his decision to stay in the office, but Libby had encouraged him to try, assuring him he’d have her full support to quit if he felt pressured or overwhelmed by Josh. But Josh had stuck to his promise to stay out of Noah’s office. He’d flourished in his position over the last couple of months. Libby was so proud of him, some days she wasn’t sure she could contain her happiness.

They’d moved into his grandfather’s house, and he spent part of his time in the workshop, creating things out of wood. She’d confessed her fear that her palm had said she would marry someone creative, and he’d told her that if woodworking wasn’t creative enough, he had all sorts of creative ways to make love.

“I’m so proud of you, Libby.” His eyes glistened. “You did it, baby. Even though I tease you about your success being linked to your ridiculously handsome model, this was all you. And it’s just the beginning of many great things.”

She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him, smiling against his lips before she lowered back down.

“I never would have finished if not for you. Not just because you were my model,” she teased. “But because quitting was never an option. You fed me, gave me coffee, and encouraged me when I was sure I’d never make the deadline. Thank you.” Tears filled her eyes. “I never knew I could be so happy until you loved me.”

Garrett coughed and said under his breath, “Get a room.”

The group laughed and Noah kissed her anyway. When he lifted his head, he shot his friend a grin. “Okay, hot shot. Your turn.”

Blair lifted her eyebrow in expectation.

Garrett’s grin turned mischievous for a moment, like he was going to make some sort of joke, but then he said, “I’m grateful for second chances.” He turned to his wife and held up his glass. “Blair, these last few months have been a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I can’t believe you’re mine after everything that happened, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

He wrapped his free arm around Blair’s waist and pulled her in for a long kiss.

“Get a room.” Noah laughed.

The others joined him in laughter.

Blair blushed again, trying to regain composure. “I was going to say I was grateful for this ass—” Garrett leaned into her ear and whispered something that made her smile. “I’m grateful for my friends who tolerate my brisk behavior and love me anyway. And I’m also grateful for second chances. Both in love and in friendship.” Her gaze settled on Libby. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world, Libs.”

Libby smiled at her friend.

“My turn,” Josh said, glancing first at Noah and then at Megan. “I’m grateful that I sat down next to a drunk woman on a plane who told me her sad tale. And I’m so glad I took a chance and pretended to be her fiancé.” He smiled down at her. “I couldn’t imagine my life without you.”

She looked up at him with adoring eyes. “Neither can I.”

Everyone clicked their glasses together and took a sip, with the exception of Megan, who had an ornery grin on her face as she held her glass in place.

“Why aren’t you drinking?” Blair demanded, her question an accusation.

Megan’s grin grew wider.

“Oh, my God!” Libby shouted. “Are you pregnant?”

Megan cringed. “I wasn’t going to say anything until after your exhibit, Libs. It’s your night, but Noah figured it out yesterday so this was all his idea. I hope you’re not angry. I didn’t want to take the spotlight away from you.”

“Angry?” She shook her head. “I’m going to be an aunt. A real aunt since you’re my sister-in-law now, not pretend like before. This is perfect.”

“Sure,” Blair said drily. “Rub it in.”

Megan pulled both of her friends into a hug. “I love you both the same. I want you both to be godmothers.”

“You realize this is the end?” Blair asked. “No more date nights. No more cute outfits. Nothing but sleepless nights and spit-up.”

Megan’s eyes filled with fear, but Libby squeezed her arm. “Don’t listen to her, Megs. It’s not the end. It’s just the beginning of something wonderful.”

Then she gave Noah a knowing smile as she held the glass of champagne she’d pretended to sip. It was a new beginning for both McMillan families.

And Libby had never been happier.