Hello! Before we get started, I want to do my thank yous and shout outs so I won’t break the mood at the end. In case you lost track or forgot, this is the last chapter!
To Cathy, Eddie, and Jamie, you guys are my oldest readers of this story and all my stories! You have been with me since I started this story three and a half years ago and stuck with me through all the hiatuses. Thank you for being stalwart supporters!
To Nya, Jana, Jamie, Cat, and Kymber, thanks for your ears (and eyes)! You ladies have listened to me gush, worry, plot, scheme, complain, and gush some more incessantly! This story would have been much weaker if I didn’t have anyone to talk things through. You read chapters for me when I felt decidedly incapable of making the point, and your feedback was invaluable. Thank you for being trustworthy friends!
To everyone who takes the time to leave a comment, I appreciate you so much! Watching you guys enjoy, get mad, and even express sadness is so rewarding. I love how different you all are, and I love how we can respectfully disagree even more! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me.
To everyone who has ever binged this story, WOW! I have so much respect for you because I am a terrible binger lol. Your diligence is remarkable, and I thank you!
To all the silent readers, you encourage me! It’s pretty cool knowing there are so many more people out there who love this story and enjoyed the journey. Feel free to say hello sometime!
EVERYONE, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Time in Willow Creek: 4 years, 1 month
Stetson was late as usual. Throughout his and Jase’s friendship, he arrived late to everything. He would be late for his own funeral if it were possible. The wedding was just a formality. Jase didn’t need a best man and fancy party. All he needed was a piece of paper that made Hillary his. The Justice of the Peace could have gotten that, but there was no way he would rob Hillary of her dream.
“Come in,” he said to whoever knocked.
June sauntered in donning a nervous smile. Good thing they looked alike because no one would believe such a glamorous, spicy woman spawned a no frills slug. The thought of having a lot in common with his sperm donor was both intriguing and disturbing. They say women tend to marry men like their fathers. Did it work the opposite way because he was about to marry a glamorous, spicy woman. Oh, that spice… Mr. Templeton is a fool.
“Here. Let me help you.”
She fiddled at his neck like a mother should. Well, like a father should, but that was a thought for another day. Memories of her dressing him like a square as child ran across his mind; he hated those preppy clothes.
“Thanks, mom.”
“There. You almost had it.” She grinned at him admirably. “You’re so handsome, Jase.”
A year and a half had gone by since the longest three-hour car ride to Brindleton Bay and they were still awkward with each other. The visit to the Huntley Estate was nice. Nicer than he imagined. Too nice, actually. June welcomed the little family with opened arms. When he introduced everyone, she hid a quivering lip and disappointed eyes. The entire weekend, she loved on Abigail like she had years of grandma experience. She doted on Jase as if there weren’t 20 years between them. She complimented Hillary like a good future mother-in-law. Never once did she ask questions. Everyone knew she had them. Even her husband: the one who didn’t want Jase and snatched her away for good. If Jase were petty, he would have told her not to bring that man. Time after time, he tried to strike conversations about the past to mend the fence, but she blocked him.
“Jase?”
“What’s up?”
She shifted and grabbed at her necklace. “Umm—I know this isn’t the best time to bring this up, but I’m ready to talk now.”
Really? An hour before his wedding? Could she ruin his life a second time? The steam from his boiling blood reddened his cheeks. Breathe, Jase. Breathe. The answer was no. She didn’t ruin his life the first time. Growing up in the Humphries house afforded opportunities he never would have had with her. Harriett taught lessons June probably still hadn’t learned.
“I’ve been avoiding your prompts to get me to talk because I’ve been trying to convince myself that you didn’t need to know how I felt because–” her glassy eyes looked like they would break.
“Mom, please. Don’t do this. We can talk tomorrow. Hillary and I aren’t leaving for a while.”
“I’m a grown woman, and I can handle myself,” she said forcefully. “What I wanted to say was I didn’t want to hurt you again!”
That was decent of her, but he didn’t feel any better.
“I know I put you through a lot. I know you have every reason to hate me and pretend I don’t exist. But–” The tears welled up in her eyes again, and his heart felt like it was going to explode. He never liked to see her cry. Taking a few deep breaths, she steadied her emotions. “But, even though I deserve it, I’m hurt, Jase. You had a child, and you couldn’t even send a text?”
No! He couldn’t! His real mother had just died, and the woman who smashed his heart had come back into his life. And she had his baby! He tried to tell her these things last year, but she wouldn’t listen!
“There he is,” Stetson yelled as he burst through the door.
“Oh, sorry, dude. Didn’t know you had company. I’ll just–“
“This is my mom.”
He gasped. “Oh! It’s really good to meet you! I’m Stetson Moyer, the very best best man.”
“It’s good to meet you too, Stetson. I’m June Huntley. Where did you two meet?”
“School. You know, the fat boys gotta to stick together, amiright?”
June’s laugh sounded pained. “You’re funny. I should leave you two. I guess I’ll see you out there.”
Rebecca was on the verge of tears all day, and she hated herself for it. Tears weren’t her thing, but between her beautiful little sister and wishing Mama was around to see her, she barely held it together. Death had a way of putting things into perspective. Rebecca and Harriett didn’t get along, and she often wondered why her mother’s absence still choked her up. It had more to do with the guilt. She could have been kinder. Harriett deserved respect no matter their differences. But, guilt had no place at this happy occasion. Rebecca remembered how the young brat stressed out her mother, and she was so proud to be present on her special day. A disturbing question entered her mind as she zipped Hillary in the dress. If Mama were still alive, would there be a wedding? Would Hillary still be a brat?
The first time Harold met Jase, he was two months old. Harriett was six months pregnant when June dumped him on them. The girl’s husband had ran off, leaving her with no means to take care of the child. Harold always thought it was strange she only sought shelter for the baby. Where did she go? What did she get up to? Something was always fishy with that girl. Although raising someone else’s child was not what he wanted to do, at least the boy had some stability in his life when she left for good.
Jase was already walking when Hillary started taking steps. She’d fall flat on her butt, and his little eyes got as big as quarters. He’d say “Oh no, oh no!” His fat, bowed legs would waddle to her, and he’d try to pick her up. Both of them usually ended up back on the floor. It was the funniest thing. He was just a baby, but did he know how much he loved her way back then?
Despite how he treated her in the past, Harold always looked forward to this day. It’s all he wanted for her. Running a household had a way of taking a silly, young girl and making a woman out of her. Harriett insisted on babying her, but he knew she would be fine after a bit of growing up.
Even though Hillary left home a year and a half ago, giving his baby girl away affected him in a way he didn’t expect. Those two hasty kids did things backward and had a baby before committing to each other. Once the commitment was made, they moved in together. Now they made the commitment official. The life he wanted for her had been in progress for a while, but handing her over to the boy who always loved her—it felt so final. She wasn’t coming back home and would continue to blossom and make him proud.
“Take care of my baby” is what he wanted to say, but Jase had always done that. If he told her he loved her, she would cry like a baby and make a mess of herself. Keeping it together was best for everyone, so he handed her over with a smile and a pat on the hand.
Weddings must trigger the release of some intoxicating chemical in the brain. Something about two young fools getting bound for life was so crazy yet romantic and magical. Those silly thoughts ran around Axel’s head while he watched his baby sister get married with Averie in the periphery. After Jase proposed, everyone kept saying he would be next. They assumed he turned in his player card when he showed up to Sunday dinners with Averie. He never brought women home, so he didn’t blame them for thinking it. But, they got excited about nothing. She was a good friend–and incredible in bed–with no family, and he thought she may enjoy the food and company. Before they met, he reached a point where he had to admit his friendship with Juliana sparked a certain desire. The feeling of opening up to someone he trusted was much more attractive than he cared to admit. He could never have Juliana—and he didn’t want her—but he wanted someone. Not that he would go looking for her, but if such a friendship landed in his lap, he was open to it. So, he met Averie. She was hot, funny, and wild as hell. There was also a sweetness about her. She encouraged him and made him feel like a man instead of pimp. He enjoyed that feeling. Not seeing anyone else wasn’t part of the plan, but it happened that way. So, did he turn in his player card? It looked that way. Well, damn.
Would he entertain marriage now? His mid-forties were just around the corner. Before he knew it, he’d be an old man. Maybe he needed to think differently about it. Maybe. One radical decision at a time.
Dear Mamá,
I know I could just call you, but I actually miss writing letters. I have a lot to process tonight, so writing it out will help.
Hillary got married today! She was so beautiful. Everyone kept commenting on how proud Harriett would be if she were here. It’s true. I still miss her.
I watched my friends get married, and I thought about my own life and what I wanted. My life changed so much over the past two years. Ever since the art gallery opened, life has seemed to shift into high gear. The years are flying by faster than I’ve ever experienced before. I’ve been very busy, but I have a feeling you would say it’s just me getting older. I don’t think 21 is very old, but you might be right.
I moved out and experienced life on my own. I met lots of important people who commissioned me to paint for them, and I made a lot of money. At least it’s a lot of money to me. I started an annual fund-raising event at the library, and the first one was a huge success. I’ve done these big things recently, and I want to keep doing them. They force me to grow. People tell me I live a charmed life. I don’t have a proper job, but I still earn a living. I get to spend my time doing what I love. Through the library, I am making a difference. To top it all off, I am loved deeply by the most wonderful person who gives me the world on a gold platter. I know I am blessed richly. There isn’t a second that goes by I don’t realize it. As beautiful as my life is, I don’t want this to be all there is for me. I know there is more, and I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m ready for it. At least I think I am. I have Kevin to celebrate with when things happen, but I don’t really have Kevin. Not properly. We’ve been dating just about three years now. Every day, I feel myself getting closer to him and never wanting to be apart. For a long time, I was content with us living our own lives separate from each other. I needed that time so I wouldn’t be resentful later. But now, so much of our lives are already so entangled. I’ve made many precious memories, and I’ve got what I needed from my time alone. Kevin has been so patient with me; I’ve kept him waiting long enough. It’s time to discover what else life has waiting for me. I’m scared, I’m excited, but most of all I’m ready for it at last. I know those words are probably music to your ears. Thank you for supporting my decisions especially when you didn’t agree with them. It meant everything to me.
Adrianna will be here in a few weeks, and I cannot wait to see her. I think this is the perfect time for her visit because I have a feeling that my life will change again soon. But, I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. First, I need to work up the nerve to tell Kevin how I feel.
You always have such wonderful advice, Mamá. I know you would give it anyway, but this time I am asking. I want to go into this next phase of life with my eyes open because it’s so easy to run away with the romantic thoughts. When I speak to you after you’ve received this letter, will you tell me about life with Papá? I’m afraid I know little about your relationship. I think it will help.
I feel like I’m rambling now, so I guess this is a good place to stop. I love you, Mamá. I can’t tell you enough. I can’t wait to see your face again. Kiss all the children for me and think of me when you pray.
With all my love,
Juliana
*standing ovation from all*
*curtsies*
It’s about time poor kevin waited 3years but I think I understand what Juliana was discovering now . Herself. Who she is and sometimes you have to figure that out before letting someone in
Exactly!
i had to do that too. because brian and i knew each other since i was 12. and it took years. and now that i know who i am and what i want hes scared. lol. but getting back to the story its so well written i’m just a little jealous but happy for keviana.
Ha ha, yeah me too 😉 Thanks!
That was the perfect ending to an awesome story! 🙂
Thank you!
JESS I am so proud of you. <3 Even if you've been through this "completed story" crap a few times already. 😛
In a distant epilogue I hope Axel hammers home the point that there's no time limit on milestones in life. Sometimes you need ages to grow up, and for Hillary and Juliana, it won't look bad in hindsight at all.
I'm happy for everyone! I'd still be even if, like, Harold hated Jase and him being an in-law or something (god forbid!)
Completing a story never gets old. It’s equally difficult and exciting every single time!
That’s a good point about Axel. It’s so true.
Thank you so much, Trip! <3
Look at you! Finishing up this amazing story after all these years <3
First…congratulations. I know you're proud of yourself and you should enjoy it! You are a talented writer and this story showed off your true capacity for character development. Great job, my friend.
As far as this story goes…holy cow!!! I mean, look how far everyone has come. I'm so excited about the futures that I'm imagining for them. They have come such a long way from where they started and it shows. I love Rebecca's question in the end there about whether or not there would be a wedding if Harriet was still alive. It's definitely possible that Hillary would still be immature and needy and not ready to accept Jase in her world.
Thank you for sharing these amazing characters with us! I will miss them <3
Thank you so much, Jamie. <3 GAAAH! 😀
Yeah! I’ll swing back later when I’ve got a keyboard ! Congratulations! This was perfect !
Ha ha ok see ya later! Thank you!!
I really loved this story, the ending was wonderful. I’m so glad I was one of the binge readers.
I’m glad you were too! Thank you so much, Lola. <3
Yay! Congratulations on finishing! A very heartwarming ending (and lovely wedding!). All the characters came so far ❤️ I’m sure a lifetime of happiness awaits all of them 🙂 Thank you for sharing this story with us!
Thanks for enjoying it so passionately! <3
What an awesome story and a great ending. I think Axel is right, there is something about weddings that trigger the release of some intoxicating chemical in the brain. It makes you want to be better and get all romantic. It even made Juliana realize she was ready to be with Kevin always. ❤️ FINALLY! . Great job. The wedding was so lovely and very emotional.
Thank you, Audrey! Those darn weddings…making people all emotional and junk lol.
Beautiful with all the right warm fuzzies <3 <3 Congrats on a finishing a lovely story <3
It is awesome you had such a wonderful team of supporters .. you are blessed.
I am truly blessed! Thank you for enjoying this story like you do! <3
Back on a keyboard! You know, it really was a wonderful experience to have been reading this from the beginning. It let me live with the story! This was one of those stories that stayed with me, so even during the breaks, I found myself thinking about it, wondering about how the characters were doing and how they’d get on with their lives. I think that the writing time pretty much was the same as the amount of time that passed in the story, right? So it’s like we got to live through this time with these characters. I really feel that they became friends to me. I love all the thought and care you put into each of them, especially the way you used MBTI to develop each personality and each character’s drive!
Thanks for having given me such a great reading experience!
What’s the next new story you’re cooking up?
Oh wow! The story time and writing time WAS almost the same! Didn’t realize that before. I do know Hillary’s pregnancy was just about a literal 9 months lol.
I am currently not cooking up anything! I want to finish all my stories and figure out what I get up to next.
Thank you for loving this story and seeing the characters the way I see them!
Hi Jes. I’ve never commented – but I’ve been binge reading for a while up until the last few weeks where I had to wait.
Just wanted to say you are incredibly talented – and I’m really sad that this is the end of the story. BUT the story had a wonderful ending & I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thanks for keeping us entertained.
Why hello! I’m so glad to hear from you! Your words are so kind. I’m so glad you enjoyed this little piece of my heart. Thank you!!
Congratulations on finishing the story! And what a story it has been! One of my favorites ever.
Hilly looks so beautiful and I love the pic with Harold walking her down the aisle. <3 I really loved their wedding; it was so beautiful.
You know, I'm going to miss messaging you to tell you I've been thinking about Juliana. <3 I'm sure, I'll be doing that with your other stories, too.
Juliana's letter at the end was so heartwarming. I know she is only twenty-one but she's come so far, gaining independence. She is so brave, too.
Thank you for this awesome story! You are an inspiration!
Thank you so much, Kymber! You can still think about Juliana! LOL I will allow it. 😛
LOL That’s good because the wheels are still turning! 😀
This ending was so bittersweet for me. Bitter, because I never wanted this story to come to an end. Sweet, because the way you ended it felt more like a ‘to be continued’ rather than a ‘the end’ and I like that. Even if we never see these characters again in some form, I liked how no one’s story line was wrapped up in a happily ever after bow believe it or not. Jase and Hillary got married but their lives are still far from perfect despite how in love they are now. Jase’s conversation with his mother showed that even though they are trying to reconnect, there’s still a long way to go for them. Axel is taking his time and didn’t all of a sudden become Mr Commitment overnight. It’s all very realistic and true to life and I appreciate that.
I also liked that Juliana finally feels ready to take the next step with Kevin. I think I’m more thrilled to hear that then Kevin might be. 😛 It’s interesting how Juliana is now about to be in a ‘Harriet’ role helping Adriana navigate her new life in this foreign country the way Harriet and the rest of the family did for her. Kinda like a full circle moment.
Just want you to know that I enjoyed every moment of this family’s journey and I’m looking forward to whatever is next. 😀
I’m so glad it felt like a “to be continued” because that’s exactly how I see this story. Even though I’m done writing it, I know of so many things that would happen with these folks if I were to continue.
I’m also glad you like the lack of happily ever afterness lol. I’m a fan of leaving things slightly unfinished or not perfect. It makes it more real, and I enjoy writing about real things.
Yes full circle! I didn’t think of that, but it’s true!
Thank you so much for everything, Eddie!
Ah! I am so proud of you and I’m over here cheesing! Congratulations, Jess! And thank you so much for sharing this story and pouring so much time and dedication into it. 🙂 I’ve enjoyed every single moment and have loved the plot twists and cliff hangers as much as the next person. I will miss this story and reading about these characters but they will absolutely live on in my mind, happy and healthy! 😉
Such an enjoyable time discovering Juliana and everyone else we met along the way. *claps*
*bows*
Very happy and healthy! 😀 Thank you so much…for everything!
Awwwww!!!! All the feels. OMG….
First – THANK YOU for such a beautiful and complete story. You are a talented writer and story teller as well as your artistic ability to set a beautiful shot and color/stylize it perfectly and consistently all throughout the story.
Well done you!!
Next, the wedding was perfection. It showed a few different points of view and of course having Harold strike the perfect balance between proud father and not wanting Hillary to make a “mess” of herself (LOLOLOL – he knows her so well!!) It wouldn’t have been the same without a point of view from Harold, and to see how he feels internally about Jase and Hillary straightening things out and getting it right (grin). I’m so very happy and this part brought tears to my eyes.
I am so proud of Axel too – thinking about life, and love and the future. It really is huge for him to admit perhaps turning in his “player” card!!
The final moments in this story – a letter to Mama… and Juliana having really “Discovered” who she is in this world and what Kevin means to her and how she sees their future. *HUGE GRIN*
This was a beautiful ending to a wonderful story full of trials and love and romance and arguements and loss and every other good thing a wonderful story is made up of! Thank you so much for your time and attention to this story, and these characters. They have all come so far and this was a wonderful tribute to them.
With much affection – Cat
Harold knows what’s up lol. Thank you so much, Cat!! <3
So much love and work was put into these pictures. I can see it. They are beautiful. Did you shed a tear while taking them? 😉
Favourite picture: Harold walking Hillary down the aisle.
Favourite parts: Axel’s thoughts, Juliana’s letter.
The letter was a perfect ending. Congratulations!
Thank you!
Ah, I’m so happy to have binged this 🙂 I loved it. The characters all had such wonderful arcs and you just generally wrote them so wonderfully and so vividly. I’m still not over the punch to the gut that was Harriett’s death! I like the dose of realism you’ve added to all the relationships as well – everyone has flaws and things going on. Your characters leave me with this feeling like I want to know more, they’re that alive.
Well done and thanks so much for sharing this story with all of us 🙂 <3
Ahhhh!! You made it! Congrats. I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed this story. The characters are definitely alive to me. 🙂 You’ll see them again randomly sometime in the future. 😀 Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to read!