Epilogue
Waycross, GA
A couple of weeks later, Dee stood in the backyard of Rodney’s estate in a white dress and thong sandals. She’d planned to wear a long gown with five-inch heels, but he insisted on a hem above her knees to show off her legs. And, because she hated shoes…
Standing beside her, he wore a suit and the black hat he performed in. Under it, his honey-colored locks flowed in the breeze. She couldn’t wait to run her fingers through them later…
He’d decided to still live there but rent out the rooms to the band members, including Linda. Despite the turmoil Breeze had been through and the announcements Rodney had made, it was more popular than ever.
As he’d announced at his last show, he wanted to live a simpler life, which meant being frugal. She’d gone from serving society for low pay to chasing money no matter what it cost her. Together, they’d learn to find the balance between living off the grid and being part of society to make a difference.
“Serve society as you were put on this earth to do, but don’t let it make a slave out of you,” Jeremy had once said.
They’d bought a houseboat in Louisiana, their second home. She couldn’t wait to spend their honeymoon there. Her political term kept her in Washington, of course, so technically she’d have three homes. Without the racial pressures that had sabotaged their relationship in the past, she had total faith they’d work it out.
Still, her knees trembled a little because she was about to give the biggest speech of her life—her wedding vows.
Rhonda, her bridesmaid, clapped her on the shoulder. “Chill, girl. You got this.”
“Thanks. Would you like me to throw you the bouquet?”
“Hell no. I want to sleep with Ted, not marry him.”
Dee grinned. “Why don’t you run for office so he’ll notice you?”
“Maybe I should…”
“I can’t believe my baby’s getting married,” Ma said over and over again from her seat in the first row.
Dad kissed her for the third time. “Woman, do I have to keep silencing you so they can get on with the ceremony?”
“Please do,” she said, gazing into his eyes.
Dee’s heart swelled as she watched them, so thankful she’d found a love as strong as theirs.
On the other side, Linda sat with the band. Jack’s funeral, the real one, had been last week. Despite the way the man had treated her, her face was still pale with grief. So was Rodney’s. After the police had come and gone, they’d finally found a private moment, and he’d cried in her arms.
In the second row, Bubba sat with his family. He was due to have his heart surgery in a couple of days. Although Karen was a little cool toward her—she’d obviously wanted Rodney for herself—Bubba and Timothy already felt like family. She was so grateful to them for saving Rodney’s life. When he’d finally told them his real identity, Timothy had bragged to all his classmates that he’d lived with a rock star.
The biggest surprise was the wedding card she’d received from her old boss. He’d included a note congratulating her on her political success and admitted she’d opened his eyes to equality. As a result, Willis and Greene would go through some changes. Now that she had the power, he was probably trying to stay on her good side. Or maybe, unlike Jack, he really was willing to change.
Last but not least, a media person attended today, his camera ready to capture something happy for a change.
After she and Rodney said their vows, they kissed. She breathed him in. Tasted him with her mouth and eyes. All mine, finally. Everyone clapped, and the band played the new butterfly song he’d written about harmony, love, and her. He’d added a stanza about his flag, but she didn’t mind.
As they walked off the small stage, she gripped his hand hard because otherwise she might float way.
They were married. Married! It meant they no longer had to doubt whether or not their relationship would work or who might try to tear it apart. It would work because they would make it work.
For the reception, they ate outside under a tent. Linda had helped arrange everything. Dee hoped she’d find fulfillment with her new catering business. And, a partner who loved and respected her.
“We need to do something about those alligators,” Rodney told her as she set the wedding cake in place. “They don’t usually hang out so close to the pier.”
“I’d been feeding them for a while,” Linda said with a strange look on her face. “They just love chicken.”
Dee opened her mouth to say something but figured she’d best keep it shut.
After the guests left, she and Rodney went inside. He took her hand and sauntered toward his bedroom. The look in his eyes was so steamy she thought she might combust right there in her sandals.
She paused by the bathroom door. “I’ll be right there. I need to wash off the wedding cake you smeared all over my face.”
“Need any help?” he asked with a wink.
She grinned. “I might.”
They stepped inside and locked the door, peeling each other’s clothes off in seconds. Then Rodney leaned against the vanity and bowed his head.
“Shit.”
She squeezed her arm. “It’s Jack, isn’t it?”
“The man’s dead and still trying to ruin our wedding day.” He slapped the porcelain. “Why did I have to kill him, Dee? I never meant to.”
“I know you didn’t,” she said, wrapping an arm around him. “But he meant to kill you. He was a very bitter and disturbed man.”
“Yeah, I hope he’s at peace now, wherever he is.”
“I’m sure he is, Rodney.”
After everything Jack had done to him, he still cared about him. While his generous heart baffled her, it also made her love him more than ever. He was a Southern gentleman plus a whole lot more.
She tugged him toward the shower. “Let’s get cleaned up.”
He turned the
