Epilogue: Katelyn
Three Weeks Later
A dinner date with Garrison.
Even as I stare at my closet, trying to figure out exactly what I’m going to wear, I can’t keep the smile off my face.
We spent the last three weeks having dinners in while we both healed—he more so than I.Our evenings have consisted of Garrison, Thomas, and me all sitting in the living room watching a movie, or gathered around the table laughing and talking about our day.They’ve been the best nights of my life.
And this morning, I made the decision to reach out to my parents.Something I plan to do tomorrow, once I’ve figured out just what to say to them.How do I apologize for lying to and then abandoning them?For keeping their grandson from them for the last thirteen years?
One step at a time, Katelyn.I breathe deeply, trying to calm my nerves and set that aside for now.I want to enjoy tonight.
It seems so surreal, but in a matter of a month, my entire life has changed.My routine.And I am so beyond grateful for it.
Garrison Holt.
Navy SEAL.Ridiculously handsome neighbor.
The man who risked his life to save mine and my son’s.
I’m in love, and oh, does it feel so good.
I lift a cream-colored sweater with a scooped neck.Not low enough to show what it shouldn’t, but enough to reveal the silver cross I wear around my neck.I love this shirt, but will Garrison?
Someone knocks on the door to the apartment.
“Who is it?”I call out.
Thomas waits a beat, then calls back, “Miss Knox!”
“Let her in, honey!”I replace the sweater, then make sure my robe is closed before opening the bedroom door.“Hey, Anastasia, what’s up?”
“I am here to offer my services as best friend,” she says, then holds up a garment bag.“And I brought backup.”
“You are amazing.Come on in.”I close the bedroom door as she lays the garment bag on my bed and unzips it.
“Since you told me that you weren’t big on dating before, I assumed you probably didn’t have much.”
“That’s accurate.”
“Well, I have three great choices here, and since we’re the same size, they should fit you like a glove.”She takes a seat on my bed as I go through the bag, selecting a navy-blue dress with a modest neckline and partially open back.
“This is gorgeous.”
“It’s all yours,” she replies with a smile.“Go, try it on!”She ushers me into the closet—mycloset.Wow, still feels weird to think that.
“How are you doing?How’s Jack?”
“He’s okay.Busy.”She’s quiet for a moment.“Have you talked to Sawyer lately?”
I finish slipping into the dress, then draw the side zipper up before stepping out into the room.“He came over for dinner last night.Why?”
Anastasia leans back against my pillows.“Just curious.”But it’s more than that, and I think we both know it.“Girl, that looksamazingon you.Keep it.I genuinely cannot wear it now that I know it looks that good on you.”
I laugh.“I cannot keep your dress.”Turning, I study myself in the mirror, my grin spreading as I realize that I really do look nice.
Not “cute diner waitress.”