“Okay.” I nod in understanding, still trying to decipher what Shy meant.
“There aren’t skeletons in my closet, Apollo. I don’t have a single regret because it all made me the person and father I am today. If someone believes that they can shame me publicly for my past, then let them go for it. I have nothing to hide.”
I stare at him for a long moment and see the complete truth in his eyes. It wasn’t as if I needed him to say the words, but they give me comfort nonetheless.
“Thanks, Dad.” I stand up, and he gives me a hug. We’re almost the exact same size, but I hope I’m never too big for this.
Shy may have rocked my boat today, but there’s no storm we can’t withstand. Next time he tries to pull this shit, I’m calling his bluff. And maybe I’ll get him back for that sucker punch.
After I say goodnight to my dad and Anna, I go back upstairs to my bedroom. Celeste is still sleeping, but one of her arms has reached out to my side of the bed. It looks like she was searching for me in her sleep. Taking off my clothes, I get into bed beside her and pull her body against me.
“Mmmm,” she hums softly as she cuddles against my chest.
I kiss the top of her head and close my eyes. “I love you.”
“Love you,” she mumbles, and then I hear the sounds of her even breathing, letting me know she’s fast asleep.
There are still questions ahead, but the only thing that matters is this right here. The two of us and our lives together. That’s the only thing I plan on focusing on from here on out.
Epilogue
Apollo
Many months later…
* * *
“You really didn’t bring a date?” I ask Jackson, and he shakes his head.
“Listen, Crew, I wanted to keep my options open. You know some idiot is going to fuck up tonight and leave a girl in tears. That’s when I’ll swoop in and be the hero.” He adjusts his bowtie like he’s the smartest guy on the planet, and I look over to Celeste to see her hiding a smile. “Am I right, Celeste? Tell Apollo I know what I’m doing.”
“Sure thing,” she says and then winks at me when he’s not looking.
We’re in the limo on the way to the prom, and Jackson begged to ride with us. Normally I would have said no, but Celeste offered to pick him up, and I can’t say no to anything she wants.
“Any big surprises planned for tonight I should know about?” I ask her, and she shrugs.
“Emerson planned everything. I just basically nodded at all his suggestions.”
“He said you had some great ideas.” I lean in close and place a kiss on her neck.
She looks incredible tonight in her mint green dress. It’s a halter top, and I love running my hand up and down her bare back. It gives me all kinds of ideas for the after-party.
“He should take all the credit, because I know this is going to be epic.” She smiles brightly as we pull into the front of the place where the prom is being held.
Emerson must have had a hell of a budget, because as soon as we step out of the limo, I can tell Celeste is right. He’s rented out a ballroom, and outside there are gold balloons everywhere, along with balloon and flower arches to walk through. I take Celeste by the hand and wave goodbye to Jackson as he goes ahead of us.
“Wow,” is all Celeste says as I slip her hand through my elbow, and we walk under the arches.
Along the way inside there are spots where people are posing for photos. Some are even doing selfies at the places indicated, and this is just so extra it’s kind of awesome.
“Over the top is an understatement,” I say, and Celeste nods.
“I think that describes Emerson perfectly,” she agrees.
“Let’s get a photo,” I say as I walk over to one of the empty areas in front of a wall of white beads.
The photographers have us stand facing each other with our hands held in the middle. First we look at the camera and she takes a couple of photos, but then when I look at Celeste, I hear the camera keep clicking. When she realizes I’m staring at her, she looks up and into my eyes.
“If I forget to tell you enough tonight, I love you,” I say and lean down to give her a soft kiss.
The camera clicks again, and Celeste tucks her chin shyly. “I love you too, Apollo.”
When we’re finished, I take her by the hand, and we walk into the grand ballroom. I’m having a hard time figuring out the theme and decide it’s just going to be “over the top.” There are tables to the sides with golden candelabras and a buffet nearby. Straight ahead is the dance floor with a DJ off to the side and a live band in the middle. The music is loud, but every single person in here seems to be having the time of their life.
“Welcome,” someone says, and I turn to see Emerson walking over just before he places a crown on my head. “Sorry, but we’re not doing the whole prom king and queen thing this year, so everyone is getting crowned.” Then he puts one on Celeste’s head and gives her a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t you love a good Mardi Gras party? Enjoy, you two. I’m off to crown our guests.”
“Oh, Mardi Gras,” I say as I look around, and it all makes sense.
“He’s really in his element,” Celeste says as we watch him walk around throwing beads. “Wanna take me for a spin around the room?”
“It would be my honor.” I take off our paper crows and place them on a table nearby. Then I pull her into my arms and lift her slightly off the floor.
“Apollo, I can walk.” She pretends to protest but wraps her arms around my neck.
“Why, when I’m right here to carry you?” She giggles as we move through the crowd, and the music turns slower. Well, slow compared to what it was before.
We might look silly swaying to the music when everyone else is jumping around, but I don’t care. All I want to do tonight is hold Celeste in my arms and then take her home and make love.
“You are worth every penny I spent on the auction,” she teases as she traces my cheek with her finger.
“You mean the money I gave you to buy me?” I lean down and nip at her ear.
“Of course.” She wiggles against me, and I groan.
“Stop that, or we’re leaving,” I warn, and she runs her fingers through my hair.
“We can make it through a couple of songs.” She pulls me back to look into my eyes. She must see the heat there because she licks her lips. “Okay, maybe one song.”
“It's your fault for looking so damn beautiful in this dress.” My hand slides below her waist, and I pull her against me so she can see just how much I like it.
“Apollo,” she says breathily, and her eyes close just a little.
“I’ll give you one song, then I’m taking you home.”
“I can live with that.” She tilts her head back, and I lean down, pressing my lips to hers.
We’re like that for a long moment, kissing softly and dancing slowly while the crowd around us fades away.
The past few months have been absolute bliss. Waking up with Celeste, going to bed together every night, it’s all a dream come true. We watch movies, study together, and I’ve even taken her out on one of my boats. It’s all the little things each day that add up to this perfect life ahead of us. I can’t wait for what next year will bring when we’re away at college together, but I’m so excited that we get to do it hand in hand.