Epilogue

Kip climbed out of the driver seat of Mandy's new car. It was damn hot for mid-July, even in as it neared supper time. He didn't bother flipping up his sunglasses as he readjusted his pants. Seven hours in the car, listening to Colton's video games, arguing with Mandy on air conditioning temperature and choice of music, he'd never been so glad to arrive at his parents house.

They were getting a hotel room, obviously. But, the wedding was happening in the city where it had all began. Actually, they had planned to have it in the high school where they had met. It wasn't the most picturesque place to have it, but it seemed fitting given all that happened.

His mom came running out of the house. She hugged Kip and then Mandy. "You made it. I'm so glad." She turned to Colton and grabbed him by the cheeks. "Colton. Welcome. Call me Dorie. The kids are all in the back yard." His sister's kids, Kip was glad he was wearing his sunglasses, since he rolled his eyes out of habit.

"We're just glad to get out of the truck, Mrs. Turner," Mandy said.

"Mandy, you are thirty years old. And about to come my third daughter, call me Dorie. Please." The older lady was still holding onto Colton, who was looking at Kip pleadingly.

"Ma, let me take Colton to the bathroom and then I'll introduce him to the brats. I mean the rest of the kids."