Epilogue
Six months later...
The Welcome Home banner that greeted them when they walked through the door was bright and colorful, much like the kimono style shirt Kate was wearing with her jeans and a red tank top. She'd found it at a little store in New York during one of her and Deacon's stops. They hadn't planned on being gone so long, but they had been having such a great time together seeing the coast that their plans had practically extended themselves. With her hand in his, she looked up at him. When he dropped a kiss on her lips and smiled she felt the happiness that coursed through her veins daily ramp up.
“It's good to see you two,” Greyson said, giving each of them a hug when they walked into the living room that evening.
“It's good to be home,” Kate said, returning the sentiment. Beau and Marli quickly ran up to greet Aunt K and Deacon. “Would you guys stop growing,” Kate teased.
“I'm in third grade now,” Beau pointed out. “It's time for me to get a little taller.”
“He's the shortest one in the class,” Marli pointed out with a smirk. She'd picked up a little more sass since starting first grade. “There are girls taller than him.”
“Only two,” he pointed out as he glared at his sister.
“Don't worry, buddy,” Deacon assured him. “I was a late to the height game too. You'll get there.” Kate smiled as she watched Deacon's interaction with the children. They'd been a topic of conversation lately—children, marriage, and whatever came next on the crazy adventure they were living. They'd spent hours discussing their hypothetical future over the past six months and for the first time in her entire life the possibilities didn't scare her. She hadn't even flinched when she saw the small, velvet square box in the nightstand drawer one afternoon while Deacon was meeting with a client. In fact, she'd smiled, carefully closing the drawer and leaving it untouched. She wanted to be surprised when he actually gave it to her. She wanted the first time she saw her engagement ring to be when Deacon was on one knee.
“I wish the weather was a little warmer,” Greyson said after he told the kids to go wash up for dinner. “Would have been nice to come home to anything but snow, right?” The Chicago winter had hit in full force a week after Thanksgiving—wind, snow, and a below zero wind chill. They'd spent the last month at Deacon's parents farm, where the weather was a few degrees warmer. Kate had met his parents and learned a lot about the place he grew up.
“It's beautiful outside,” she told him. “It can't be Christmas time without a little snow,” she pointed out.
“Amen,” Vanessa said as she appeared from the kitchen. Her glowing smile and sweet hugs greeting her friends.
Deacon and Kate were not only home for the holidays, next week Vanessa's divorce proceedings would finally be coming to a close. Kate had been working on her case from the road—flying home a couple times to argue Vanessa's case and make sure that she didn't get taken advantage of. She had a good feeling about the final ruling. When Vanessa had presented proof that Chris had been hiding assets in off shore accounts, the judge appeared to be leaning in Vanessa favor as far as the house and the money that had remained in the states.
“I've been telling Scrooge over here that it's not Christmas without it, but he's all 'bah humbug' about it.”
“He just needs eggnog,” Willa said joining them from the kitchen. The peace and excitement that Kate felt seeing all of her friends—her family—in one room together was like no other.
“Like a whole bowl of it.” Greyson laughed. Kate could see the real reason that Greyson was less than happy this holiday season. It was the first Christmas that he'd be celebrating without his wife. The first time that the children would be coming downstairs to open presents without their mother to greet them. It was going to be a hard one. Kate was sure that there was a letter for the occasion. Hope would have made sure to leave uplifting and encouraging words for her children and husband during this difficult time. Besides, they wouldn't be alone. Kate, Deacon, Vanessa and Willa would be there to make sure there was cheer and new memories made. “Speaking of the holidays,” Greyson said, reaching into his back pocket. “I have an early Christmas present for you, Will.” He extended his arm, a letter in his hand.
“Finally!” With a little dance of excitement Willa reached out a took the letter from Greyson's hand. Her blond hair whipping around her shoulders as she took a seat on the sofa. She slipped her finger under the seal and quickly ripped it open. With her eyes wide she began reading the letter to herself, all eyes in the room on her as they waited to hear what Hope finally had to say to her friend.
Dear Willa,
I bet you thought I'd forgotten about you. Never. I just needed to make sure that all of the fates were aligned before I sent this letter to you. I thought about what to write to you for a long time. You're my oldest friend, which meant there was a lot of responsibility to get this right. No one knows you better than I do, Willa. Just remember that as you keep reading.
For practically our entire lives, I've watched you, admired you, helped you, and came to the conclusion that as much as you say you love the life you've built with its hectic, sometimes chaotic ebbs and flows, I think that maybe, just maybe, you don't.
I've seen the way you look at Greyson and I. I know that there's a part of you that wants the stability of a happy relationship. And, I know that sometimes you're jealous of Kate's success—a blossoming career that makes you feel like you're accomplishing what you're capable of. Some continuity. Something more than the not knowing. If I'm wrong, you are more than welcome to rip this letter to shreds and call me a bitch under your breath.
If you're still reading, then I'm guessing you didn't rip... Good, because I have big plans for you my sweet, crazy friend. Plans that I think will help you, and one other person, finally find what you're looking for in this life.
There's only one other person that you've known as long as me and he could use a friendly face and an understanding hand. My brother needs you Willa and I think that there's a part of you that might need him too. The three of us were all each other had for a long time and I think it would be wonderful if the two of you could remember that fact.
Vaughn's deployment is over on December 15th and I'd like for you to pick him up that airport. I know you two have had your differences over the years, but you've known him as long as you've known me and I'm sure that he will be happy to see you.
I've included all the information about his return on the next page. Please do this for me, Willa. I think you two will find that you can help each other, and maybe, revisit the past to move on with your futures.
Love,
Hope