Into You Series: The Complete Collection

Epilogue

IAN

Until recently, I never believed the old saying that time passes by quickly when you’re having fun. Turns out, it’s true.

What was once a simple wedding week suddenly jumped forward five months to a weekend of moving boxes and too much duct tape. I sold my empty, cold townhome to move into Nia’s house, which she said was much too big for her and required a very tall, handsome roommate.

“If you need an application, I’m happy to complete one,” I offered, “but I must warn you—my resume is very extensive. Too much for the standard one-pager.”

“I’ll need references,” she demanded. She was sitting on top of me, straddling my legs as she was prone to do, her hand already halfway down my pants.

“Excuse me, ma’am, but this is inappropriate behavior to engage in with a tenant.”

“Management will take your suggestions into consideration.”

The days of surreal happiness were made even happier when one month later there was a chocolate cake in front of Grant celebrating him being six months sober. He flicked his chip in the air, letting it fall into his palm like a coin indicating head or tails. Lucky for him, the outcome is always favorable with the six-month engraving staring back up at him.

Three more months flew by and we were then in a hospital, celebrating the birth of Oliver Thomas Kaufman, who was delivered at eight pounds, three ounces with a stunning head full of flaming red hair. Grace and Cameron were already coordinating diaper duty, and it was no surprise they’re a powerhouse with parenting as well.

After another three months, Nia and I went to the same steakhouse where I crashed her celebration dinner only a few years prior. That haphazard dinner six years earlier was the moment I knew for a fact that I was in love with her, and this night—one year after the week that changed our lives—would be the night I’d tell her I want to love her forever.

I hired a mariachi band to come play their own rendition of “Tequila” while I got down on one knee. The staff of the restaurant wasn’t too happy I messed with their ambiance by drawing in a vastly different style of music, and the band was kicked out shortly following their performance.

It was funny how quickly she said yes, getting on the floor to hug my neck and peck my face with kisses, practically falling on top of me.

It was a moment I’d never imagined would happen to me, and it happened with her.

Sometimes you just have to be patient.

For a whole decade.

Actually, that’s horrible advice.

Be patient for a reasonable amount of time.

Or simply be a fool in love.

THE END