Epilogue

 

The sound of dishes clinking filled the dining room as Kenzie passed the mashed potatoes to Camden. Her father sat at the head of the table, her mother by his side. Tessa and Eric sat on the other side of the table, and Aunt Vita sat on the other end, beside Kenzie. The spread before them looked massive.

Helene cleared her throat. “I’m so glad you came to spend Thanksgiving with us, Camden. I don’t think we’d see McKenzie if you hadn’t urged her to come.”

Kenzie held in a retort. That was just how her mother was. She could grit her teeth and ignore it as long as Camden was by her side. He patted her shoulder. “Thank you for inviting us,” he said.

Vita patted Kenzie’s hand. “So nice to see you, dear.”

“Nice to see you, too, Vita.” Kenzie flashed a smile at her aunt before she cut into her turkey.

Helene made a face. “McKenzie, what did you do to your hair? I liked that wine color. The black takes the light out of your eyes.”

“I thought you didn’t like the other color,” Kenzie said under her breath.

Her father shot her mother a look. “I think it looks nice.”

“It might look nicer if you wore a little makeup,” Helene said.

Kenzie set her fork down on her plate, making a loud clinking noise. “Mom. Stop. I don’t want you nitpicking at me anymore.”

Helene put her hand on her chest. “Well. I’m just trying to help.”

Her father patted Helene’s hand. “You are negative sometimes. Give the girls a break.”

Tessa sat quietly, staring at her mother, her fork midway to her mouth. Helene blinked. “I didn’t mean to be. I just want what’s best for my girls.”

“I know,” Michael said.

Helene straightened her back. “I suppose I could try to be more supportive.”

“That’s all we want, Mom,” Tessa said.

“Never wear a bra that isn’t supportive,” Aunt Vita said, stabbing her turkey with her fork.

“Thanks, Vita.” Her father tried to hide a smile behind his napkin.

Tessa giggled, and soon the whole table was laughing. Kenzie was glad the attention was off her, and she joined in. Camden leaned over and whispered, “I’m proud of you.”

“So, Camden,” Eric said. “What’s been going on with you?”

“Our company landed a contract to build a new arena in Richmond.”

“It’s all he’s talked about,” Kenzie said, poking him in the side. “He likes it when there’s a local site, so he can go play in the mud.”

“Sounds like a good contract.”

“It will be. And the city needs it.”

The conversation waned as everyone enjoyed their turkey. After dinner, Camden took his fork and tapped his water glass. He stood. “I have an announcement.”

Kenzie stared up at him. What announcement? Her heart pounded. She didn’t know what he was going to say.

The room grew silent and Vita frowned and sat forward. “Never make an announcement at Thanksgiving dinner.”

Camden smiled at her. “Why not, Vita?”

She got a smug look on her face. “Proposals are much more appropriate.”

“Really? Well then.” Camden pushed his chair out and got down on one knee. Kenzie’s throat grew dry and she had trouble taking a breath. Tessa started bouncing in her chair, her smile wide.

Camden took a ring box out of his pocket. “Kenzie, meeting you was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. The craziest,” he said, and everyone laughed, “but the best. You have shown me that love and laughter go hand in hand. You brighten my days and give me a reason to live. And now, I want you to be my wife.”

He opened the ring box and she gasped. He’d commissioned someone to integrate pieces of sea glass into the ring’s design. It was the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. She threw her arms around his neck. “Of course I’ll marry you.”

Everyone clapped, and even her mother smiled. She kissed Camden and the world melted away. Part of her was aware of the catcalls and whoops around her, but the other part of her just wanted to stay in her happy place with Camden.

He stood and pulled her close. “Does this mean you’ll grow old with me?”

“I’ll be with you forever.”

“Good. Because I’m madly in love with you.”

More whoops and catcalls erupted when they kissed the second time. Vita stood. “Now that he’s finally proposed, let’s eat pie.”

Kenzie laughed. “Pie sounds good, Vita.”

 

The End

 

If you have enjoyed this book, please leave a review. As an indie author, word of mouth is so important. Tell your friends you liked this book!

 

Join Victorine’s mailing list and get a free Kindle book at .

 

Other books by Victorine:

 

Married Series:

Accidentally Married

Reluctantly Married

Mistakenly Married

Blissfully Married

Acting Married

 

Billionaire Series:

Her Big Fat Fake Billionaire Boyfriend

Her Best Friend the Billionaire – Coming Soon!

 

Romantic Suspense:

Not What She Seems

 

Paranormal Romance:

Falling for the Beast

 

Young Adult:

Isabella and the Slipper

 

Science Fiction:

The Overtaking