Ten years later…
Evangeline
"Can't I just wear my flip flops?"
I glance into the mirror and am met by my best friend's pouting expression.
"No, Annaleigh, you can't just wear your flip flops," I reply, "You're the mayor's wife. You have to look dignified tonight." I clasp the diamond necklace around her throat and admire the way it drapes over her black form-fitting dress.
She scowls. She still hates dressing up. Some things never change.
"But there's glitter on them!" she insists, still trying to get away with wearing those damn flip flops.
I smack her playfully on the butt. "Look how hot you are," I tell her reflection. "All eyes will be on you tonight."
I smile at the group of snobby older women over by the Barbadian seashell bracelets. They give me disapproving glares in return. People say that the customer is always right? Well in my shop, no customer has the right to have a stick up her ass. Unless it's made of neon-colored silicone and comes with three speeds. I'm the boss. I get to joke around with my friend if I want to.
Besides, my shop has a reputation for having some of the most beautiful, exclusive pieces in the country. Wealthy clients come from all around to shop here. I've done well for myself. I'm far from the lost and confused girl who offered herself up on the auction block ten years ago.
Annaleigh, however, is still a slobby pain in the butt. "Being the first lady of Reyfield is a drag." She lowers her voice and grumbles. "I probably wouldn't have voted for him if I knew that winning the election would lead to all this trouble."
"Oh, shush...Admit it! You love being the mayor's wife."
Our eyes lock in the mirror and my best friend squeezes my hand. "I'm so proud of him."
I'm proud of him, too. Prescott Brooks, the two-term mayor of Reyfield, my big brother. I was surprised, as everyone else, when he gave up the practice of law to enter politics but while pursuing the Shinewell vs. Town of Reyfield case all those years ago, he saw the blatant corruption in local politics. That's when he decided to jump in and clean things up. It's a decision that he's happy with to this day.
The door to my shop swings open and three little blond heads storm in. "Hi mom!" the triplets shout in unison as they barrel my way and tangle around my legs.
"Hi!" I squawk, tottering on my heels as I crouch down to gather them into a bear hug.
"Hey guys!" Annaleigh greets them. "You guys ready for Tanzania?"
"Yah!!!" They shout, prancing around.
Raphael strides through the front door, looking way too dapper for a man who spent the morning herding a trio of nine-year-olds from school to the doctor's office to Walmart. My old man is a DILF, for sure.
"Hey Kitten."
"Hey."
He slips an arm around my waist and kisses my lips. With tongue.
"Eww!" the kids cry out. I laugh despite the weakness in my knees.
My relationship is going stronger than ever. Marrying my silver fox is the smartest move I've ever made. We're incredibly happy with our three kids, four dogs and one goldfish. Life couldn't be better.
To celebrate our ten-year anniversary, we're killing three birds with one stone, a two-week trip to Tanzania where I will be concluding a deal with a local jewelry maker, Raph will be negotiating a fair trade partnership with a precious gems dealer and we'll all enjoy some time at the beach.
Raph chitchats with Annaleigh as I run off to my office and grab my purse and the documents I'll be reviewing on the plane if these kids give me a second. I kick off my high heels under the desk and slide into my running shoes.
"Okay, Annie. We're off," I say to my friend as I shove my family toward the door. "Be good tonight."
"I'll try she groans.
"Hold down the fort, Bella," I call out to my employee as I hurry out.
"Will do, boss. Have fun!"
I smile. With this herd of boys, fun is guaranteed.