My Bartender - Epilogue

"George wants me to tell you something," Brian said with a grin. He leaned over me and tickled my nose with the hair hanging down his face.

"Stop it," I said. He smiled at my giggle, and I poked him. "What did she tell you to say?"

He looked beautiful, better than any of the times he'd dressed up for me. God, how I loved this grunge loving, plaid wearing, tattooed man.

"She says you guys should move in with me."

"Shut up," I said. I gave him a shrug and waited for a laugh that never came. "Oh my god, you're serious."

"Why not? I think it's about time; we've only been dating for what? Five years."

I was shocked. No, I was fucking shocked. "This is crazy, three nights ago I was on a date with someone else."

"All the more reason for me to lock this down. I'm serious Vye, let's do this."

He probably expected me to say no, he clearly hoped I'd say yes. What he didn't expect was for me to burst into tears.

Cupping my face, he leaned in to kiss me. "Oh, baby, don't cry. I swear I'm not the kind of guy who leaves the seat up."

More crying.

"Are you uncomfortable living with someone before marriage?"

Sobbing.

"Because I'm not really a marriage kinda guy, but if it's important to you..."

What can only be described as wailing.

"I mean, we're not going to go crazy. We'll have to elope. If I ever see your mother again, it needs to be on 'tequila bender weekend' terms."

I think I choked on my tears right about there.

"Sounds kinda nice though," he said more to himself. "Vye Miller. I could do that."

The tears just kept coming; I had no control. God bless him, Brian just kept wiping them away while he talked.

"We could do Vegas." He kissed one soaking wet cheek. "What do you think? Married by Elvis?" Another kiss for the other cheek. "Witnessed by the Dukes of Hazzard. Hell, I'II pay extra for Marilyn Monroe to walk you down the aisle."

He gave me the sweetest kiss just then, and I held on to him with both hands like this was a dream, and the second I opened my eyes he would disappear

"Don't joke about these things," I murmured between kisses.

"I'm not joking, let's go to Vegas. My mom's here, she can watch George." Brian grinned at me, "look, I've got it all planned out."

"You're crazy, this is just crazy," I said.

He pulled back and got very serious, all joking aside, he had that intensity I fell in love with burning behind those beautiful eyes. "I'm crazy about you, Vye, and I know you're right there with me. What if we did this? What if we skipped all the bullshit and got straight to happiness."

"Brian," I said.

"Don't just say no because of what people might think. This can work, we can work." He wiped away the last free falling tears and leaned down.

"Brian," I said again.

"Let's do it, let's gate crash Vegas."

"Brian," My hands came up to cup his cheeks. "I can't say yes until you stop talking."

I didn't get the chance to say yes.

——

He wore a t-shirt tuxedo, I wore my favourite little black dress. Elvis did in fact marry us and Brian paid a little extra to have the 'real' Marilyn walk me down the aisle. It was everything I never dreamed it would be, and he was more than I thought I could handle.

"You look good enough to eat," he murmured in my ear as we waited in line at the restaurant after the ceremony. I shivered as his breath had every hair on my neck standing straight up. "Let's skip this, I need to get you out of this dress."

I giggled and blushed almost as brightly as my hair, pushing him back a little, I tried and failed to escape his roaming hands. "Be good," it was his turn to laugh at me.

"I am good, that's why you kept coming back." I gave him a little shove and he pulled me close. "Have I told you how good you look?"

"Not lately."

The hostess came by and led us to a secluded table in a back corner. I was a little disappointed, but Brian seemed to have been sent to heaven. I heard him say, "Perfect, thanks," as we sat down.

Seconds after she left, I felt a warm hand slide slowly up my inner thigh. With a squirm my hands found his and stopped it from going any higher. He grinned at me and leaned in for a kiss.

"Come on baby," he whispered against my lips. "Let's get naughty, you always love a little risk." I tried to push his hand away but he just laughed and captured them both in his free hand. "If you really want me to stop," he said, "all you have to do is beg."

There wasn't a chance to beg before the waiter came, and when we were placing our order his hand slid up to my soaked core. Thankfully I managed to keep from moaning. As soon as the waiter left I turned and took his face in my hands.

Just as I whispered the words, "I love you," into his mouth, his fingers slid inside me.

I swear I died right there.