Life since we were rescued honestly couldn't have been better. It had been about 2 years now, and Jake and I were still together. After the party at Nathan's, we both had to go our separate ways for a while. I completed my degree at ASU and Jake completed his degree at his university in Texas, studying to be a cop. I wasn't surprised by his choice of career; after all, there was no denying that he had the protective nature to want to defend and help others. He was finished before I was, but Texas had an amazing job opportunity for him, so we continued long distance until I graduated. It was difficult to be apart from him, but our mutual love was strong enough to make it work. We also would take turns visiting each other at least twice a month. Every moment I spent with him was bliss, and the distance just made us stronger.
Back at home, my relationship with my mom had improved immensely. We went to therapy together to try and work through our feelings, and I have no shame in admitting it was very helpful. I actually insisted my mom join me because I was already in therapy myself. My nightmares had continued for about a year, and it seemed the only time I didn't have them was when Jake was around. However, there was one night that he was visiting me, and I had a bad one again and admitted to Jake that the majority of my dreams were this way. It was then that he convinced me I may need professional help. After seeing my therapist for a year and a half, I was feeling much better on a personal level, and with my family relationships.
Plus, I wasn't the only one who needed a little therapy. After everything we had been through, I knew a few of the guys were also getting some help and it was beneficial for all of us to help us adjust back to reality.
Speaking of the guys and personal relationships, Derek and Caralyn had kept in touch, and about 9 months ago they started dating! I honestly could not have been happier for them. They both are very important people in my life and I could not have picked a better man for my sister. She can be a lot, but she deserves the world.
Of the other guys, Nathan and Cam were both in happily committed relationships. I had the opportunity to meet both of their women during one of our get togethers and thought they were great! Both were sweet and beautiful, and were not afraid to put the men in their place when they deserved it; not that it happened often. Adam and Wes were both still single, but they've had some flings. I wasn't worried about them though; they were both great guys so I knew it was only a matter of time before they found the one.
Carter and Emma were also still together, but let's be honest, I never doubted them; they'll probably be married soon enough. Emma and I talk often and she remains my best girl friend. As for my college friend and roommate Alexa, we're doing much better, although I thought our relationship would always be slightly strained given what happened.
After I punched Trent in the face and told her off at Nathan's, things got a little awkward in our apartment to say the least. We both were kind of just coexisting for a few days, but then something remarkable happened; she came to her senses. She came to me crying and apologizing for not believing me. She had dumped Trent and wanted to work on our friendship again. Honestly, I'm not quite sure what prompted her change of heart and I wasn't going to ask; why argue with a good thing?
We lived together for the remainder of college and although we still keep in touch from time to time, I'm just not sure we will be in each others lives forever, and I'm okay with it.
As for the rest of the guys and where we're at now, we all try and get together every couple of months. Everyone seems to be doing great! Derek is happy with Caralyn and is working on his medical degree, Cam got his degree in marketing and was working on his relationship with his family, Adam and Wes were content in their careers, and Nathan has been enjoying working on the farm. Jake and I actually see him quite often as he also lives in Texas with us. In addition, Luke and Kayla were now also living in Texas, and about to marry. They decided to postpone their wedding by a few months while Luke took some time dealing with his experiences. He wanted to marry Kayla when he was 100% feeling back to the way he was. Not that his feelings for her changed at all, but returning to our old lives wasn't that simple, and Kayla understood this.
Lastly, I should probably mention what happened to Wayde and Garret. After getting our statements, the police sent search parties out to the area we had been found. They were both apprehended near our camp and were taken into custody immediately. The police also found the bodies that were in the well, and they were excavated and DNA tested to find out their identities. The guys and I all got together when we found out about the arrest to celebrate the news; it felt good that families would be notified of their loved ones, and that 2 terrible people were put behind bars.
Other than that, I think we're about caught up!
After graduation I moved in with Jake, and we got a beautiful apartment together in Houston. Currently, I was in the kitchen making breakfast for Jake who was still sleeping. Now, I'm no chef, but I could still scramble eggs and brew coffee. I liked to do little things for Jake when I could because as we all know, I kind of owe him everything.
The hem of Jake's t-shirt that I was wearing was riding up my stomach as I reached up for some juice glasses.
Our apartment was modern with high counter tops, high ceilings, and thus, high cabinets. I didn't mind. I wasn't that short and usually Jake was around if I needed something from the top, but this morning was a surprise so I was on my own.
Just as I had pushed myself up onto the countertop to reach the glasses, a voice sounded from behind me. "Morning Cass."
Jake was so quiet when he walked that it startled me, and the glasses that I had just managed to grab slipped from my grasp as I fell ungracefully off of the counter.
The glasses were thin, and they shattered into many little pieces at my bare feet all over the kitchen floor.
Damn it...
Jake gave me a bewildered expression that he usually gave me when I did something stupid or clumsy. Kind of a look that says, "seriously?"
"Morning Jakey! I'm making breakfast for us," I said with an innocent smile, although I could feel my cheeks tinging red with embarrassment.
He chuckled and ran a hand through his hair before replying, "I can see that. Okay, please don't move for a second; you could get glass in your feet."
I watched his shirtless, chiseled body move as he rubbed his eyes and turned to head back into our bedroom. He still had the most impeccable physique, and I never got sick of drinking in the view.
Seconds later he reappeared. He now had on a t-shirt, shorts, and his running sneakers. He strode forward until he was right next to me. "Okay, I'm gonna pick you up," he said, hooking an arm under my bare thighs. I wrapped my arm around his neck and let him lift me up off of the glass.
"What am I gonna do with you," he mumbled as he walked me out of the kitchen.
"Love me," I smiled up at him.
"Well I already do that," he smiled back, placing me gently on my feet in the living room. "Stay out of the kitchen for now okay? Let me get it cleaned up." He then planted a kiss on my lips before I could persuade him to let me clean up; I had made the mess after all.
Even back in the real world, Jake was always protecting me; even from little shit like tripping, sharp objects, or really just basic tasks. He often asked me how I've made it this far on my own, and quite honestly he had a good point. I'm kind of a walking disaster and didn't realize it until my mistakes affected someone else. He was sweet though, and it was nice to go through life with someone I knew would keep me safe. It wasn't just the way he protected me from situations, but it was also the little things. He would always walk behind me going up the stairs and in front of me heading down; he also would walk on the street side of the sidewalk and wanted to sleep on the side of the bed closest to the door. As much as I tried to be independent, I couldn't deny that I loved it.
He went back into the kitchen and grabbed the broom. I sat at one of our bar stools that looked into the kitchen. "Thank you," I said as I watched him sweep.
"No problem Cass. Breakfast better be good for all this trouble," he smirked.
"Jake, do you know me? It'll be average," I teased. "You know, you look sexy when you clean."
Jake didn't usually clean. He wasn't messy, but I was the one who usually kept the house in order. I didn't mind though. I knew he would do it if I asked, and it was my contribution. He did all the handy tasks and spider killing and I did the cleaning; classic gender roles I know, although he did most of the cooking too.
He stopped sweeping to shoot me a sexy smirk. "Don't get used to it."
"Is it safe to come back in?" I asked.
He bent down to pick up the dust pan, emptying it into the garbage. "Should be."
I hopped down off the bar stool and came around the island to stand next to him. "Thanks Jake. You're my hero," I teased, placing a hand on his muscled chest and looking up at him through my lashes.
"Don't do that Cass... we don't have time this morning."
Yes we do, I thought. Sex with Jake was amazing. We waited so long to actually sleep with each other that it just made it even more special. Jake never pressured me into doing anything I didn't want to do, and we took things slow given my past.
"Do what?" I pressed on, running my hand slowly up his body and wrapping it around his neck, pulling him closer.
"Cassie..." he warned, "Luke is going to kill us if we're late to his wedding."
His mouth was saying one thing, but a different part of him was saying another. "We've got plenty of time," I whispered, pulling him in for a kiss. I was wearing my flavored lip balm again, sugar cookie this time, and I knew it would drive him crazy.
I half expected him to pull away just because he was a freak when it came to being on time. What I didn't expect was for him to kiss me back with equal passion.
"Fuck it," he growled under his breath before scooping me up under my thighs. I wrapped my legs around his strong waist and continued to kiss him while he walked us back into the bedroom.
*******
I was right. We had made it just in the knick of time to be socially appropriate for a wedding. I was very excited to be here, and the outside venue was beautiful. I was seated between Jake and Nate, lost in my thoughts as we waited for the ceremony to begin. I briefly thought about one of our first days after the plane crash, when I was first getting to know Luke and bluntly asked him if I could come to the wedding. He had chuckled and said "sure," but it's crazy to think how far we've actually come in our friendship. I now felt like I belonged here; he had become so important to me. I also recalled telling Luke that I hoped to find a love like his one day, and now as I glanced up at Jake, looking so handsome in his wedding outfit I may add, my heart wanted to explode. Not only had I found a love like Luke's, but Jake had surpassed all of my expectations, hopes, and desires.
We sat hand in hand, watching as Kayla walked down the aisle. She was stunning, and as much as I didn't want to miss a moment of her entrance, I couldn't help but spend most of my time watching Luke as he looked at his bride.
They had both chosen to write their own vows, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't moved to tears. Of course, looking around at the men and their dates, there was barely a dry eye in the place. Even Jake, Mr. Macho himself, looked like he was trying to blink away a tear or two.
Everyone had made it to the wedding. Derek brought Caralyn as his date, Adam was paired with one of Kayla's friends, as he was part of the wedding party, Nathan brought his girlfriend Adeline, Cam brought his girlfriend Mel, and Wes brought a date by the name of Natalie. Everyone was lovely, and after the beautiful ceremony, it was time for the reception.
I hadn't been to a lot of weddings in my life, but I loved being here. The reception was great, and the night was full of good food, good music, and most of all, good company. I had no doubts whatsoever that Luke and Kayla's relationship would last a lifetime. The way that they looked at each other and fed off each other's energy all night long showcased nothing but true love. I couldn't help but hope that one day this would be Jake and I.
After hours of dancing, laughing, and congratulating the beautiful couple, I was exhausted. It had been a great day, and it delighted me that everyone was doing so well. As always, I loved to see everyone, but I was ready to head back to our hotel and spend some alone time with Jake. The wedding had filled me with feelings of love, and I wanted to show my man just how much I loved him... again.
Jake and I had said our goodbyes, and got an Uber back to our hotel. My feet were killing me, so the second we were in the elevator I popped my heals off, not caring if the floor made my feet black.
"Ew Cass, this floor is so gross," Jake commented from beside me with a smirk.
I shrugged my shoulders, "I really don't care; my feet hurt. You try dancing around in high heels for hours and then try and judge me."
Jake just laughed, "As tempting as that sounds, I think I'm good. Come here."
He scooped me up in his arms as the elevator doors pinged open. "You don't have to carry me. I'm just being dramatic, and a little dirt never hurt anyone," I said.
Jake raised me up in his arms, placing a kiss on my forehead, "Oh hush. I'm trying to be romantic."
I giggled, "Ah. Feeling the wedding vibes too?"
Jake shifted my weight so that he was now holding me tight to his body with one of his arms, holding me up by my butt as he fumbled with the key to our door. "Something like that," he replied.
Once he had the door unlocked, he kicked it open and shifted me back to carrying me bridal style. I was surprised to see that when the door opened, the hallway leading into the room was lined with fake candles, and the floor had a dusting of rose petals.
"What the?" I asked, confused. "Jake, what is all of this?"
He didn't answer until we approached the bed, and set me down gently. The bed also was covered in rose petals, and there were fake candles glowing all over the room. Did he do this? I just watched Jake intently as he stood before me, looking happy and flustered all at once.
"Cass..." Jake started, "about 2 years ago, I decided to sign up for a survival camp. I thought that maybe it would teach me some skills, maybe it would be kind of fun, and maybe it would make me a little stronger. I didn't know that signing up for that trip, despite the tragedies, was the best decision that I ever made. The SECOND that I saw you Cassie, I just knew that you were special. I wasn't a happy man. I've had a hard past, but just looking at you and talking with you made me forget it all. Hell, I offered to hold your hand on that plane just because you looked scared; something I never would have done for anyone else."
My eyes were welling up with tears at his words. I knew all of this already, but I don't think I've ever seen him like this, so sincere, and boring his emerald eyes right into mine. "Jake..."
Jake reached out and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, "hold on baby, I know I'm giving you a long speech but I'm almost done."
I just nodded my head, completely at his mercy.
"I promised you that I would protect you, and I did everything in my power to honor that promise, both then when we were out there, and now back in reality. You are the most beautiful, kind-hearted, strong, amazing woman that I have ever met. When you talk to me, you make me feel like I am the only person in the world, and I can't imagine a life without you right by my side. Cassie, I know we've been dating for 2 years, but I've wanted to do this since I first told you that I loved you behind the waterfall; I just wanted the moment to be perfect, and I don't want to wait anymore."
Jake slowly got down on one knee before me and my heart stopped. I couldn't stop the tears now, but they were tears of joy; tears of love.
"Cassie, will you marry me?" He asked, presenting a small black box, flipped open to reveal a beautiful diamond ring.
I nodded and mouthed the word before I could find my voice. "Yes. Yes of course I'll marry you." I reached a trembling hand out to him so he could place the ring on my finger.
He stood up, keeping my hand in his and pulling me up off of the bed. Immediately, he pulled me into a kiss.
Every kiss with Jake was great, but this one was different. Even though in my heart I knew Jake and I would be together forever, this was the first time we kissed as an engaged couple, and it felt even better.
Jake held me close as I trembled with excitement. "I love you so much," I declared, "and honestly I love the ring. Nice job on that." I really did and couldn't help but comment on it. It wasn't small, but it also wasn't super flashy. The square diamond sparkled, and had a simple band with some jewling on either side. It fit perfectly, and I couldn't imagine a ring better suited for me.
Jake let out a laugh, "Thank God. I thought you'd like it but you can never be too sure. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enlist the help of the guys and your sister."
"They knew!?" I squealed.
"Of course they knew," Jake said as he headed over to the bottle of champagne that was sitting in a bucket of ice on the side table. "I asked your dad for his blessing about a month ago."
I couldn't help the smile that I felt would be permanently plastered on my face. I could only imagine my father's reaction; I'm sure he probably went through excitement, blessing, and then maybe a mild threat to not ever hurt me.
Jake returned with two glasses of champagne as we both sat down on the bed. The rest of the night we talked, laughed, sipped our drinks, admired my ring, and then made love to each other until the sun came up.
And it was absolutely perfect.
**********
Reflecting on my past, I hated that I spent so much time feeling self-conscious and afraid. I hated how much I cared about my clothes, my weight, or other people's opinions. In the end, I found myself and discovered who I was through an experience that I never expected, and would never forget.
Sometimes things don't go how we've planned. Maybe we make a mistake, take a wrong turn, or life throws something at you completely terrifying and unexpected. Throughout my journey, I've finally realized that being myself is enough. I realized that things in our past that knock us down, can make us stronger in the end and that as cliche as it sounds, the brightest rainbows can be found after the harshest storms.
So that's my journey. It turned out better than anything I could have fantasized in my wildest dreams, and it changed my entire life forever.
Now go out there and don't be afraid to live your own story.
______________________________________________
Hiiiiiiii
And thus completes my first ever book!!! Wooohooo! I have been working on writing this on and off for a little over 2 years! I have to say, I'm proud of what I have created and feel like the characters have really become a part of me now. Obviously I will need to go back and edit, but it feels good to have the entire story plotted out and written how I imagined. (to be honest, I didn't expect to ever even publish my first drafts when I got started writing, but figured "what the heck?")
Oh and also, I hope that this epilogue tied up any loose ends and answered all questions, but if I forgot something important let me know! It can always be added 🙃
Thank you thank you thank you to all who have read Cassie's journey from start to finish! It means a lot to me and I hope you enjoyed it! If you did enjoy and think that others would like my work, please spread the word to your followers! I would greatly appreciate it. Or even shoot me a PM if you don't like to post anything publicly; I'd still like to hear your thoughts.
Anyway, no need to make my author's note super long, but it is a bit bittersweet now that my book is completed. Big thanks again and much love to all of my readers!
Until next time,
-Haley