Page 131 of Until Then

My stomach lurches when I realize I’m literally in the spotlight. “Hi, I’m Derrick.”

Until now, it hadn’t dawned on me that if I was going to sit beside her for this video, I’d have to participate.

Her soft laughter brings me some much-needed comfort, along with the warmth of her hand when she slips it into mine.

“You’re probably wondering where I’ve been. So here’s the rundown: I moved to Maine a few months ago. It was supposed to be temporary, but I fell in love. With this place. The people. And this man.” She looks at me, and I see it there, that love reflected in her eyes. “Things will be changing around here. I’ll probably post fewer videos, and I’ll be pivoting directions. I understand if not everyone will want to stick around. But my life is changing, and I want my content to reflect what’s real. Because that’s what it’s always been about for me. I’m going to introduce content centered around renovation and home decorating and even some business decorating. I’m even considering going to college for design.”

My breath catches. I had no idea she was thinking about going to school, but I can’t stop the foolish smile that takes over my face at the idea. That’s my girl. Going after what she wants.

“I want to thank you all for your love and support. Many of us have grown up together, and I hope we’ll continue to move through life this way, one chapter at a time. I’ve always ended my videos with two simple words. I’m sure by now youknow them.Until then. Over the years, many people have asked about the meaning behind that phrase, and I’ve never answered, but I want to now.”

She looks at me with a smile before facing the camera once more.

“For me,until thenhas always been about the future. Waiting for that something or someone that made me feel complete. The moment where I knew I’d found the place, the feeling I wanted to stay in. I’ve found myuntil thenin Derrick. He’s the beginning and the middle and the end for me.”

I can’t stop myself when I lean in and kiss her.

Her words… fuck. Knowing I’m heruntil thenmeans more than even hearingI love you.

For a long moment, we just look at one another, like we’re staring into our future. But finally, she faces the camera again.

“I’ll see you guys next time.”

She gets up and shuts the camera off, then the lights.

I follow, spinning her and taking her cheeks in my hands. Taking in her every feature. The long dark lashes. The slightly pink cheeks. The curve of her top lip. The slope of her nose.

“I’m youruntil then?” I rub my thumb against her cheek.

Her smile is soft, eyes glistening. “You’re my everything.”

EPILOGUE

SPRING - DERRICK

I kissmy wife beneath the gazebo I built for her, in the shadow of the house I’m constructing for us, too.

Today, I finally get to call Izzy my wife.

I let her go to a chorus of cheers and whistles.

A year ago, to the day, I walked into my house to find her crashing there. She’s never left, and I certainly don’t plan on letting her go.

Our romance happened quickly, but when it’s right, what’s the point in waiting?

I knew early on, long before I wanted to admit it to myself, that this is exactly where wewould end up.

The lake glimmers behind us, the setting sun glinting off the surface.

Izzy, as if she’s thinking the same thing I am, kicks off her heels and takes off toward it.

I follow, grinning at the collective gasp behind us. I catch up quickly and scoop her into my arms. The skirt of her dress is loose and flowy, allowing her to put her legs around my waist.

“Do you care if your dress gets wet?”

Arms looped around my neck, she shakes her head. “It’s just a dress.”

The water is only a couple of feet deep around the dock, but when I launch myself into it, I go under. I hold her up as best as I can, knowing she’d probably want to keep her hair dry and her makeup fresh, and when I emerge, I take her in. Her green eyes, her wide smile, the dress flowing behind her with the soft current.

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