The End is Near

Epilogue

Three Years Later

~Keith's POV~

     It's been three years since we blew up the college, destroying everyone that wanted to kill the world, that wanted to kill Cassie. When we got away, we went back to California, back to the gated community, checked the rest of the houses, and found them all empty. No one can get in, we modified the gate, it's impossible for anyone to get inside. Everything has been perfect, we have the perfect setup, I have the perfect girl, the perfect family. We've all been happy. I want to do something special for Cassie, I love her, she deserves the world.

     I found a ring while going through one of the houses and hid it in my bag. I know there aren't weddings anymore. But I want to ask her to be my wife, even if there aren't any legal papers, not that those even matter. I asked Cody and Wyatt about it and they said to do it when everyone is asleep. There are a ton of houses in our territory, but we all still live in the same house, there are a ton of rooms in our house, but we all still sleep in that main room. We cleaned it up and killed the rest of the walkers in the house, and cleaned the mattresses with water we found, and put them all in the room. Cassie and I got a king sized one to share, and everyone else got queen sized ones. We all have enough clothes, due to all the houses, rich houses, in this area. We don't use the suits and fancy shoes, of course, but we use the street clothes they have, which is plenty, thankfully.

     "Keith, are you ok? You've seemed nervous all day." Cassie says, coming up next to me and leaning her head on my shoulder. I smile down at her, just taking in her beauty. Her red hair is down today, which almost never happens, and her brown eyes are shining beautifully. She's wearing the same outfit she did when this all started, the day we 'split up', it's washed now, no blood covering it.

     "I'm fine, just thinking, I promise. Come on, let's go out on the patio." I say, taking her hand and leading her outside. I don't want to wait until tonight, I'm doing this now. We sit down on the swing and stare at the ocean.

     "It's so beautiful out here." She says, staring out at the ocean. I nod, staring at her.

     "Yeah, everything is so beautiful." She turns to look at me and red stains her cheeks when catches me staring at her. I smile, I love her blush so much, it's adorable. "I love you. I love the way you don't give up when you want something. I love it when you go cold, but every time you look at me, it falls and you smile. I love when you blush at the simplest things, it makes you even more beautiful than you already are, which I didn't even think was possible. I love the way you fit perfectly in my arms. I love the way you talk, the way you walk. I love everything about you, Cassie. Which is why I want to do this." I get off the swing and down onto one knee. Her eyes widen as I pull the ring out of my pocket, and take her hand with my other. "I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I don't care if we can't have a wedding, or wear the fancy clothes and make everyone come. I want to spend my life with you. Cassie, will you be my wife?" Tears fill her eyes as she smiles, nodding her head quickly. A huge smile takes over my face as I slide the ring onto her finger and pick her up, spinning her around as she laughs happily. I hear clapping coming from inside and we turn to see everyone standing at the window smiling.

     "I called it! I get to slap you, Cody!" I hear Wyatt yell and turn to him with a raised eyebrow. "What? We made a bet. I bet that you wouldn't wait until we're asleep and Cody said you would. I get to slap him now." He laughs, turning to Cody. He sighs.

     "Just get it over with already." Wyatt laughs, rubbing his hands together, and slaps Cody across the face, the sound resonating in the room. We all flinch as Cody groans, holding his face, but Wyatt starts laughing, and we all start with him. I look around with a smile on my face. Cassie's by my side, head on my shoulder, my friends are all with me, happy, carefree. My family. I turn to face Cassie and softly press my lips to hers.

     "Together."

     "Forever."