After Hours

Epilogue

Five years later...

Wearing a fitted red off-the-shoulder dress, I grasp Jackson's hand and follow him into the building where the reception is being held. My feet ache from standing at the ceremony but after sitting for a while I'll be as good as new. Jackson releases my hand to open the door for me and I smile at him as I walk in. After all these years, he still treats me like a queen. Feeling his gaze, I glance over my shoulder to see him staring at my behind. His eyes flicker up and I wink, causing him to smile. And after all these years he can still make me feel sexy. "Your ass looks stunning in this dress," he says, copping a quick feel.

I slow my pace and he slides his hands to my hips, pressing a soft kiss to my bare shoulder. When we reach the rest of the wedding party, they begin introducing us. First up is Jackson and I since I was the bridesmaid and he was the best man. Our families and friends cheer us on as we head to our seats. He helps me into my chair as Jasmine and one of the groomsmen are introduced. Next, Ellie enters with another groomsmen but she sits beside Jasmine. Another couple is introduced before the bride and groom finally enter the room. "Give a big round of applause for Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster!" the DJ announces.

The room erupts with the sound of cheers and applause as Sam and Zach walk hand-in-hand to the last seats at the long rectangular table. The servers come to our table with our food first and my mouth waters at the sight of it. It has been a long day and I didn't realize how hungry I was until now. "Would you like champagne or water?" one of the waitresses asks.

"Water please," I say, slipping my hand onto Jackson's thigh.

He drapes one arm on the back of my chair and turns my face gently toward him with his free hand. "You look absolutely stunning," he whispers. "I love you."

"I love you too," I say, closing the space between us.

"Mommy!"

We pull apart smiling, knowing that our little boy has been dying to see us. Unfortunately we haven't seen him much today since we were part of the wedding so I'm surprised it took so long for him to find us. Jackson picks him up and sets him on his lap but Eli only wants me. He tries to jump onto my lap but Jackson holds him. "Elijah," he warns.

He pouts so I press a kiss to his pudgy cheek. "Hey, baby. Where's grandma?"

"I ran away from her," he admits.

I want to laugh but hold back when I see Jackson glaring down at him. "What did I tell you about that? You have to stay with grandma today."

"But I don't wanna!" he whines.

"If you stay with grandma then tomorrow we can go anywhere you want," I say.

Jackson looks up at me, tilting his head to the side for bribing him I assume. "Really?" Eli asks.

I nod. "But you have stay with grandma unless we get you, okay?"

He nods. "Okay."

Jackson's mom joins us, picking up Eli. "Sorry, he ran away but I seen him with you so I thought I'd give you a minute," she says.

"You can't let him run off like that," Jackson says. "I don't want you to lose him in here."

She eyes him carefully. "I've raised a couple of kids, I know how it works. I only let him go because I watched him go from me to you."

Jackson sighs. "I know. I'm sorry."

"I'm hungry," Eli says, pointing to their table.

After saying their goodbyes, they make their way across the room to their table. "You can't do that with him. He's already spoiled."