Page 64 of The Parent Playbook
Her smile softens, and she steps closer.
“I lost a lot before coming here. I thought that was it for me—no more chances at getting it right. But then Maple Falls happened. You happened. And suddenly, all the things I thought were gone forever started making sense again.”
I bring the box around from behind my back and pull out the ring between us. It glitters faintly in the late afternoon light, the Celtic knot shining with a promise.
“No jokes this time.” I swallow hard and hold her gaze. “I love you, Angelica Davis.”
“I love you, too,” she whispers.
Relief floods my body, and I can’t get the words out fast enough. “Marry me, Angel. Please marry me.”
Her hand flies to her mouth as laughter bubbles out, and with eyes shining, she opens her arms wide. “Yes, Scotty, yes—a thousand times yes!”
I slip the ring onto her finger and her arms wrap around me, all time stopping for the briefest of moments. When we separate, I hold her hand, which now sports the precious ring of our engagement.
“It was my great-grandmother’s,” I say.
“It’s perfect,” she replies.
A smile curls at my lips as I really can’t stop myself from saying, “I really hoped we would—ahem—tie the knot…”
She groans and laughs as our friends and children swarm us with love, hugs, and cheers for what is sure to be a very unexpected lifetime ahead of us.
CHAPTER 27
EPILOGUE - ANGEL
Happy Horizons has scrubbed up better than one of Scotty’s hockey jerseys after a playoff game. Seriously, if you squint right, the old barn looks almost like a fairytale setting instead of a place that usually smells of goat, pony, and hay.
And thank goodness, since today is our wedding.
Today, it’s all about white drapes billowing softly in the summer breeze, floral arrangements bursting with colors so vivid they’d rival the autumn leaves for the most beautiful colors of the year, and strings of baby’s breath hanging like stars that decided to take a vacation and hang out over Maple Falls for a day.
Edgar, my constantly cunning goat, is suspiciously behaving himself. He’s got a garland of flowers around his neck, looking like a four-legged contestant in a beauty pageant, munching contentedly on some especially lush grass we’ve put down as a bribe to keep him from head-butting the guests. Every now and then, he lifts his head, chews thoughtfully, and seems to consider the merits of chaos before deciding the grass is greener—or tastier—right where he is.
The chairs are set up in neat rows, each one adorned with a sash that flutters whenever the wind picks up, a rhythmic danceto a silent tune. At the end of the aisle, an archway stands draped in more flowers and greenery, looking like something out ofAMidsummer Night’s Dream, if Shakespeare had been into rural chic aesthetics and hockey-themed weddings.
Harlow bursts through the door, her eyes wide with excitement and a hint of nerves. “Angel, are you ready?” she asks, pausing to catch her breath, her gaze sweeping over me. “Wow, you look … you look stunning!”
I give her a quick twirl, showing off the simple yet elegant dress I chose, nothing too fancy because that just isn’t me. My hair’s curled softly, falling over my shoulders, with a crown of wildflowers that Edgar tried to eat earlier.
“Thanks, cuz,” I say, grinning. “If I don’t trip down the aisle, I’ll be the happiest bride in town.”
“We’re all set, Mom,” Andy says as he straightens his vest. “Lily’s got the petals, and I’ve got the rings ready for their special delivery.”
“Special delivery?” I ask.
Lily elbows Andy in the ribs. “He means to go down the aisle.”
Just then, Troy appears at the doorway, his usual confident stride slowing as he takes in my appearance. “Is it time for the show to start?” he jokes, then his voice softens, “Angel, you look breathtaking.”
I roll my eyes but can’t hide the blush. “Keep it up, Troy, and I might just make you sing a solo at the reception.”
As if on cue, the first notes of “Wedding March” fill the air, strung along by a local quartet. I peek outside; the ranch has been transformed into a wonderland of flowers and soft lights, the aisles lined with our friends and family—and yes, even some curious barnyard onlookers.
Lily, clutching Andy’s arm, leads the way down the aisle, a vision of youthful excitement. Following them is Harlow, her smile bright enough to rival the sun, which it’s been ever since she and Ted realized their friendship was true love.
Finally, I take Troy’s arm, stepping out onto the porch. Each step echoes a beat of my heart, pulsing with the memories of every twist that led here—from accidental insults at posh hotels to barnyard proposals. “I can’t believe this day’s finally here,” I whisper, mostly to myself but loud enough for Troy to hear.
