"I did run errands. A lot of them."
"Like what?"
"I went to the cemetery to visit my family. I know we usually go together, but I had to go alone this time. I brought flowers with me."
"That's lovely, Evan. I understand."
"I put a dozen on Lorraine Malter's grave too."
I took a step back, but he pulled me close again. "Why?"
"'Cause even from the grave she had one more romance story in her, and I wanted to thank her for that. I think in many ways she brought us together."
"She did."
"I also had a check-up."
My arms went rigid.
"Calm down, angel. Everything's good. I swear."
"Why didn't you tell me?" He'd had many follow-up visits. I'd gone with him.
"I wanted to hear for myself first. There are no signs of tumor. They got all of it, baby."
I expelled a long breath. "I want details."
"I'll give them to you later."
"Is that all you did?"
"No. I paid Damien the last check. I don't owe him anymore. The slate between us is blank once more." As it turned out, Dr. Reddy had donated his services because Evan had presented such an interesting case study-one that had gotten the good doctor in several notable journals. Surprisingly, insurance had covered part of the hospital stay, so although Damien had paid some, it hadn't been as astronomical as we'd thought.
"You know he didn't expect repayment."
"He's told me himself enough times, but I had to do it. It was important to me. I made good money off selling the songs that we wrote together. As grateful as I am to him, I can't have that debt clouding my conscience. Besides, now we have to start saving again."
"For what?"
He dipped me dramatically. "Cruises to Antarctica aren't cheap. I'm trying to figure out how to get you to your favorite place. You know I don't like cold weather, so you'll have to keep me warm."
"I promise I will. I'll start knitting afghans."
He laughed, lifting me back to my feet.
"Did you do anything else?"
"Yeah, I signed the contract with Mike. I'm now part-owner of this fine establishment. And this year, we stand to make a very nice profit."
"That's great, baby. I'm proud of you." It wasn't a surprise, since Evan and I had talked about it. In fact, we'd turned the upstairs into one big apartment again. Evan, Mike and Damien had worked on it together. Rick, Adam and Josh had helped. Dillon had assisted me in decorating. I had my own office for the very first time. But my favorite part of our place was that every wall was covered with photos of the memories Evan and I had made with each other, our friends and our family.
"Maybe not every lost soul comes home, but I'm so grateful that I had this place. That I had Mike, Tilla and most of all, you."
"I feel the same way, Evan. You act as if our relationship was one-sided, but you showed me what passion was. What love really was."
"We showed each other. I'm never going to be a rich man, but I will always take care of you."
"We take care of each other, Evan."
"That's right, sunshine. We sure do."
"Did you do anything else?" My voice hinted heavily that there should be something else. C'mon, Evan, don't make me wait any more.
"Were you expecting something else?"
My lips tightened in a grim line. "Evan, you know what I'm expecting."
"Oh yeah, I did get you something."
He reached into his pocket. I gasped a deep breath as he placed the object into my shaking palm. I stared at it, blinking to bring it into focus. Then I almost threw it at him.
"You got me a fortune cookie?"
"Yep, I know how much you like them. And even though I pray this is a good fortune, it's not safe for consumption."
"Wasn't exactly what I was expecting." It was the biggest fortune cookie I'd ever seen, and it did feel too heavy for a small strip of paper. I started shaking it, but Evan stilled my hand with his.
"Just crack it open."
In one swift move, he fell to his knees the same instant I split it open. He caught the ring right in his palm.
"Oh my God, oh my God. Is that?" I asked, pointing to the glinting object in his hand. "Wait, how did you do that?"
"Wasn't easy. I had to drive all the way to Michigan to find a bakery that would make me a fortune cookie and put a ring in it. I thought it would be symbolic, because my fortune changed when I met you." He looked up at me, a grin tugging his mouth.
"What?"
"I wanted that to be a grand gesture you're always talking about, but it just sounds really cheesy."
I wiped the tear from my eye. "Yeah, but I'm a girl who loves cheesy, so it works."
He cleared his throat. "Let me get on with this."
I saw his nerves then, especially when the smooth honey of his voice cracked with emotion. Did he actually think I would say no?
He took my shaking hand in his. "Billie Marie Price, I love you with all my heart. No one can take anyone else's pain away, but you did something I didn't know was possible. You walked with me through my pain-all of it. You supported me when I was too stubborn to realize how much I needed you. You gave me strength when I thought all was lost. You gave me sunshine during my darkest moments. Now, I'm asking you to walk beside me in every adventure. To be mine completely. Will you marry me?"
"Yes, yes, yes," I screamed.
The ring was a perfect fit. I didn't get a chance to admire it before he stood and spun me around.
"She said yes, y'all," Evan yelled.
"What's going on?"
"It's our engagement party."
The doors opened. I stared in awe as all our friends and family entered from every direction. The room filled up quickly with people hugging me and Evan. The room was full and so was my heart.
"Is this really happening?"
"God, I hope so but if not, it's my version of heaven."
Epilogue
I stared at myself in the full-length mirror. Who was this girl? The white chiffon dress with the beaded V-neck halter top was perfect-perfect for a beach wedding. My hair, shoulder-length now, hung in a sweeping style crafted by Dillon and was adorned with glittering pearls. The gold pendant hung around my neck. I touched it again, as I often did, to make sure I hadn't stepped into a dream.
"Billie, here's your bouquet," Marley said. "Be careful. For some reason, there are still thorns."
I sniffed the scent of fresh white baby roses that came directly from Grandpa Joe's rose garden. "I requested it."
"Why?"
"Long story."
I looked at Stevie, Marley, Tilla and my mom dressed in matching turquoise blue strapless dresses. Tilla rubbed her belly, even though she wasn't far enough for the bump to show yet. I sucked back down a nervous swallow. Was this really happening? I pinched myself to make sure. Ouch, shouldn't have done that.
"You guys look amazing."
"Not as amazing as you," Stevie said. "You look like a doll … not that scary Lady Lulu doll you have, but a normal, pretty doll."
I laughed. "Thanks for clarifying."
"Are we ready?" my father asked.
"Wait." I ran toward Dillon, who was headed out to take his place.
"What are you doing, Billie? Evan might see you."
"He won't. I just wanted to tell you something."
"What?"
"You're a really good friend and brother. And our family does end up at hospitals a lot, but luckily we also have weddings. I'm so proud to have you stand up for me on this day, just as you stand up for me every other day."
He swallowed and took a deep breath. "Thanks, Billie. That means a lot."
"And one more thing."
"What?"
"Catch the fucking bouquet this time, and keep it."
He nodded. "I'll try." He embraced me. "But the thing is, it's not always chivalry on my part when I give it away. I catch bouquets for sport. I give them away for my own self-preservation. You understand?"
"I think so. Do what you think is best, but I'll be rooting for you and … aiming for you too. You understand?"
He nodded. "Now get back there before you screw up your hair."
I kissed him on the cheek before I took my place in the back of the line, tucking my arm into Dad's.
As maid of honor, Stevie stood in front of me. It was a pact us sisters had made when we were girls … all rotating so each of us would get a chance to be the maid of honor. Tilla, Marley and Mom stood in the front. I watched all of them take the path out of the hotel and onto the beach, my heart beating faster with each of their steps.