Epilogue

EDIT: There are one-shots after this, so keep reading! :)

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I hooked my fingers through Jack's belt loops and pulled him closer, "You're graduating tomorrow." I smiled up at him, "I'm so proud of you."

His brown eyes sparkled, "It wouldn't be possible without you."

"Don't underestimate yourself, Jack. You're so unbelievably smart. You even taught me a few things."

A smirk slowly made it's way to his lips.

I pointed at him warningly, "Don't even say it."

"What?" He pressed his palms to my temples and his fingers got lost in my hair, "I'm not the one with the dirty mind."

"Clearly we are if we're thinking the same thing."

He tilted my head and kissed me lightly, "Great minds thing alike."

I smiled and kissed him again, "That means we have more in common than you thought."

Jack tucked a strand of hair behind me ear and smiled, "I'm proud of you too, you know. You graduated before me."

"Only by a few days."

It was only three days ago since I gave my speech and collected my high school diploma. My dad made it and watched me graduate. He sat next to Jack, who was sitting next to my grandparents. Lindy was there too and even James managed to make it. Those two were still together.

Tomorrow is Jack and Lindy's day. I'm so proud of both of them. They're two of the biggest people in my life and I'm happy to be there to support them just like they've supported me.

And then we start our last summer together before college.

I'm not sure if Lindy is following James, or the other way around. I know she's going to Texas, James hasn't mentioned anything. I'm staying right here like I said I would. I know it's not ideal, but now it's more important than ever because my grandpa is sick and doesn't seem to be getting better. I need to be here for both of them right now.

As for Jack, he got into the school he wanted to in New York.

We've only talked about it once because I just clam up. Of course I'm happy for him and I want him to go, but I'm going to miss him. And this isn't a time to be selfish. If anyone deserves this, it's Jack. He's worked hard to pull himself together and reach for what he's achieved. It wouldn't be right for me to take that away from him.

When it comes to the time where I have to say goodbye, I know I'm not going to want to. I'm not going to want to let him go just yet. I want to stay in our bubble. Or as Jack says, our fort.

I looked at him now. He's grown up in the past nine months. His features are sharper and he's lost some of the boyish look. He still looked like Jack, just older. He always had a smile on his face and always had something to talk about.

He looked at me the same way he always had. With a little bit of mischief and love. Something new happened every day that made me fall in love with him even more and I didn't think that was possible. I really did get my happy ending with Jack. And I'll officially get it at the end of summer when he leaves for New York.

"What are you thinking about?" He brushed his thumbs over my cheekbones.

"You." I moved my arms and wrapped them around his waist, "Things are going to change."

His finger tips grazed over the part of my jaw that meets my neck, "They are. But we're equipped to handle change. How long have you known me, Juliet?"

"Since I was two."

Now he cupped my face, "It took us that long to get here. I won't let all that hard work go to waste." His smile was teasing, "I've made promises to you. I keep my promises. And I promised you that no matter what, nothing will stand between us. Look at what we've been through already."

I smiled sadly, "I just...I feel like us being together is new even though it's almost been a year. I feel like I just got you and now I have to let you go."

He dropped his hands from my face and grabbed one of my hands. He lifted and splayed my hand over his heart, "Don't let me go." He whispered. I wasn't sure if he was referring to breaking up with him or letting him go to New York.

Only one of those things I plan on doing, "I couldn't."

He kept my hand firm against his chest, "We'll have this summer together and even more after that. We'll have Christmas and New Years. We'll have each other..." He trailed off, giving my fingers a gentle squeeze, "I was going to wait until after graduation tomorrow, but my parent's are letting me use our lake house for a week. It's a few hours away and I want to spend that week with you. Just us and no interruptions."

My smile grew, "How did my grandparents feel about that when you asked?"

"How do you know I asked?"

"I know you."

He raised a brow, "I did, of course, ask them for permission. I told them about this being our last summer together for awhile and I would like to be alone with you."

My eyes widened, "You said that?"

He grinned and nodded, "I did. But they understood. And you are eighteen now. A legal adult and so am I. We're making adult decisions."

I felt his heartbeat skip, "Technically I won't be eighteen for two more days."

His grin widened, "That's why I set the trip up to start in two days."

"You think of everything."

"I do."

I stood on my toes and captured his mouth with mine. It was a light, smooth kiss that always left me wanting more. He brushed the tips of his lips over my nose and left a small kiss, "I'd do anything for you." His lips pressed against the space between my brows.

And I would do the same for him.

Watching Jack collect his diploma the next day made my heart swell. I clapped with the rest of the surrounding audience. Jack's parent's stood up and Jack Sr. yelled. We were only a few rows from the stage and Jack managed a wave. I was so proud of him and I'm sure his parent's are as well.

When the ceremony ended, everyone stood outside to take pictures. Jack finally joined us and his parent's enveloped him in a hug, telling them how proud they are. When his mom stepped back, she wiped her eyes. Jack gave her another half hug and smiled down at her. He whispered something to her and she nodded.

Next he came up to me and I threw my arms around him. His arms found my waist and he pulled me flush against his chest, "You looked good up there." I commented.

I felt the breath of his laugh, "Thank you for being here."

I leaned back to catch his gaze, "I can't imagine being anywhere else."

"Pictures!" Marie's voice rang between us and then a flash of light.

I couldn't even process it.

I stood at Jack's side with an arm around his waist and a hand on chest. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and we smiled for Marie. After she took the picture, Jack kissed my temple.

Marie handed me her phone and I took a picture of Jack and his parents together.

Lindy found us a few minutes later and I quickly threw my arms around her, "I'm so proud of you, loser."

She laughed and squeezed me, "I love you, too"

"I don't know how I'm going to survive without you."

She pulled back and placed her hands on my shoulders, "You'll see plenty of me, I promise. We'll Skype and text and Facetime...it'll be like I never left." She wiggled her eyebrows. "We'll make the most of this summer, I promise."

I pulled her in for another hug, "Where's James?"

"He couldn't make it, but I'm meeting him as soon as I leave here."

I heard Lindy's parent's call her name. She turned around and held up her finger. She looked at me again, "You're mine after your trip with Jack."

"Deal." I squeezed her hand and she walked away. I would definitely miss her when she leaves in the fall.

Before we got into the car, Jack shed his gown, claiming it was itchy. It made me laugh. Under the gown, he was a black button up shirt with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

We sat in the backseat on the way to the restaurant with Jack's parents. He held my hand firmly in his, rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand. He was staring out the window, lost in thought so I let him be.

After we ate, we made it back to the house. Jack and I stood between them. His line of white string was finally gone and now there's nothing standing between us. He took a step forward and caressed my face with one hand, "Same time?"

I nodded, "I'll be waiting."

He kissed my forehead and we parted.

I worried about Jack all the time. He never talks about what happened, but I know it's left a scar on him. Literally.

Jeremy was caught in November of last year. He's still in prison as far as I know and Paxton, too. Paxton's sentence is shorter, but as far as I care, they both can rot in there. I told Jack I'd kill them both if they ever touched him again.

I'm about as intimidating as a ladybug.

Two days have passed and I just finished packing on my birthday morning. My grandparents came in, wishing me a happy birthday with a giant plate of pancakes. They kissed each of my cheeks and told me they loved me. "I love you guys."

"We know." My grandma smiled.

My grandpa swayed on his feet, I know he's still not feeling well, "You've grown into a beautiful young lady." He pushed a smile on his pale face.

Grandma wrapped an arm around his shoulders to keep him steady, "Make sure you call every other day." She warned.

I nodded, "I will." I looked at Grandpa, "And you stay inside and get some rest. That is my only birthday request."

"Anything for you." He grinned at his best.

I gave them each another hug and my grandma helped my grandpa to their bedroom. I hated to leave them like this. I know she's going to need the help, but she assured me she could do it. She has been taking care of him since they graduated high school. I don't doubt that, but this feels different.

I carried my suitcase down the stairs after eating my breakfast. I wheeled it outside and over to the McKinnon's. Jack was behind his car, already loading his bags inside. He greeted me with a sweet kiss and a happy birthday before loading mine in as well.

We got into the car and we were on our way.

The car ride was filled with nonsense in a good way. We sang, we laughed, and we shared the silence. It was a long drive, but I didn't mind spending it with Jack. About half way, we stopped to get something for lunch before getting back on the road.

The second half of the trip seemed to go by quicker.

We pulled onto the dirt path and drove another mile until we reached our destination. The cabin was secluded in the midst of tall trees. The lake was the back yard, a dock leading to it.

It was breath taking.

Jack opened the door for me and took my hand. He led me out and up to the house. Jack took his keys and unlocked the door. He guided me through the foyer and up the winding staircase. He showed me our room that we would be sharing for the next week.

It was a cozy room. It was big, but cozy. The fireplace sat across from the bed that was drenched in white. The wooden bed complimented the room well along with the other pieces of furniture.

He brought me back downstairs and showed me around the rest of the house. The ceilings were higher than I've ever seen. Everything how this place was cozy and felt like home to me.

We walked back out to the car to get our luggage and bring it in. The moment I dropped my suitcase, I flopped back on the bed. I felt like I sank into it, it was that comfortable.

Jack laid down next me and I turned to him, "Do you hear that?"

He looked around the room and to me, "No. What am I supposed to be hearing?"

I grinned, "Nothing...It's quiet."

Jack's grin echoed mine, "It's definitely nice."

"What are we going to do all week?"

"I don't think I'd care if we never left this bed."

I rolled over on my side and propped myself up on my elbow, "I do like the way you think, McKinnon." I used my free hand and traced the outline of his jaw with my fingertip, "Thank you for bringing me."

"I should be thanking you for coming."

My grin eased into a smile. I bent my head down and left a small kiss on his lips. "I'll cook dinner tonight."

"I like the sound of that." He put a hand on the back of my head and pressed my lips to his, "What about dessert?"

"You're creative."

He kissed me again and dropped his hand. I climbed off of the bed and started downstairs. I made it into the kitchen, which was basically the size of Jack's back home. I started collecting everything I needed to make dinner and Jack decided he would finally join me.

He stood on the other side of the island and jumped up on the counter to sit. It wasn't abnormal for Jack to watch me cook. He's done it many times and he's helped every time, too. I've even taught him a few things so he could have healthier meals than junk food.

The knife glided through the carrot on the cutting board when Jack spoke, "I feel like we're a married couple that wanted to get away from the kids."

I glanced up at him and went back to my chopping, "I think it's the total opposite. We're the kids getting away from the adults. Knowing them, they're happy to have us gone."

Jack laughed and I heard his booted footsteps thump against the floor. He came up beside me and took the knife from my hands. He took over while I started the rest.

After we made dinner, we ate and walked through the back sliding glass doors. We walked down the dock and sat down on the ledge. Jack took my hand into his and we took in the silence. I leaned my head against his shoulder and closed my eyes.

I've never been so content.

The trip came to an end as quickly as it came. It was out last night here and Jack said he would cook for me this time. I was a little scared, but I know he'll manage to surprise me like he always does.

I was currently driving back to the lake house from my trip into a small town about fifteen minutes away. Night has fallen by the time I pulled back onto the small dirt road and parked in front of the house. I collected my one bag and ventured towards the house.

Nothing was burning when I walked in, so that's good.

I went upstairs to drop off my stuff and walked back down to greet Jack. He was going in between things on the stove with a fluid, swift motion. I walked up to him and kissed his cheek, "It smells amazing."

He smiled, "I just hope it tastes good or you're going to break up with me."

I moved behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist, "When I first started tutoring you, you didn't even know how to cook. So consider this a step up."

He gave my forearm a gentle squeeze and I unraveled myself from around him.

After the amazing dinner Jack cooked, we walked upstairs. I tugged Jack towards the bed, sending him hint, "I'm not tired." I whispered and dropped down on the foot of the bed.

He grinned and leaned forward, "Is that a challenge?"

"Only if you want it to be."

His lips met mine with an overwhelming urge of anticipation. I snaked my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to deepen the kiss.

Jack pulled back a little, letting his lips brush over mine, "This whole week was perfect."

I moved my hands down his back and bunched up his shirt halfway up, "I don't want to leave." I said softly and he straddled me long enough so I could pull his shirt off, "I wish we could stay the whole summer."

"You'd get tired of me."

I gently placed a hand on the back of his neck until his lips were only an inch from mine, "Not possible."

"Is that a challenge?" He repeated with a smug grin.

I laughed and pecked his lips, "That is the only challenge you will fail at."

"What about this one?"

"Well you haven't done anything about it."

I felt his smile as he kissed me again.

Not only was our trip to the lake house amazing, but so was the rest of our summer. We spent as much of it as we could together before he had to leave for New York.

But when the day came that I had to say goodbye, everything didn't feel as bright as it did. I wasn't going with Jack and his parent's to the airport. They're leaving in an hour and I still wasn't prepared.

Knowing Jack's going to the school he wanted to and he's going to be able to do what he loves, then that's enough for me. I wish I had more time with him. I won't be seeing him until he comes home for Thanksgiving.

Jack was packing last minute things into his carry on while I sat on his bed. He wasn't talking, which made me uneasy. I know he's not ready to go either, but he'll be so happy in New York.

"Why didn't you ask me to stay?"

The question caught me completely off guard. I snapped my head up and looked at him. He was standing at the foot of his bed with his hands in his pockets. He looked so tired. His expression was soft and needing, "Because you would've."

He walked over to the side of the bed and crawled until he sat across from me, "Why is that a bad thing?"

"I wouldn't ask you to do that, Jack. I know this is what you want to do and this is what I want for you."

We remained quiet for a moment. He reached for me, taking my hand between his own, "I'd be happy anywhere."

I shook my head, "You'd be wondering what it would've been like and I couldn't let you do that. Of course I want you to stay, you don't even have to ask me that. But I'm not going to let you."

"I'm coming back to you. I'll always come back to you."

He was making this harder than it already was. I climbed into his lap and wrapped my arms around his neck, "I know. And I'll be right here waiting." I pulled back and cupped his face between my hands.

He smiled sadly, "I like knowing you'll be here when I come home."

Home. "I'll always be here."

He leaned in finally and kissed me. It'll never feel like it was enough. "I love you so much." He rushed in one breath and kissed me again.

I leaned my forehead against his and brushed my thumb over the curve of his bottom lip, "I love you more."

"I'll call you first thing when I get settled in my apartment." He placed his hands against the sides of my neck, "Which, by the way, you will be visiting during spring break."

I finally smiled without it being too forced, "I can't wait."

"I wish you could be with me."

"I do, too."

"Maybe you can join me next fall."

My smile fell a little, "We'll see."

He brushed his fingers over my temple and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, "If you decide, you already have a place to stay."

"We'll decide when I come visit you next year."

"We'll?"

I nodded and pecked his lips, "You could change your mind by then." I teased.

He hummed against my lips, "Not likely. You don't know how much I've thought about it. I was too afraid to bring it up because I knew it would upset you."

It did the complete opposite. He wanted me to go to New York with him and go to his school. He wanted me to actually live with him and I almost gave in right there. But I need to really think about it, "You're so amazing." I whispered. "I can't believe how lucky I got."

His smile reached his ears, "Right back at you, Beautiful."

I pressed my body closer to his and my lips collapsed on his again.

I felt his promise in his kiss. Everything about this moment was bittersweet. We were saying bye while making future plans.

And I couldn't wait to start my future with Jack McKinnon.

The boy next door I love more than anything.

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Ugh!!! I'm so sad and happy that it's over. More sad than anything. :( But you guys have been soooo amazing will all the support! The votes and the comments have been amazing and just everything you guys have done to support this story!

This story is in the watty awards so even more votes would be amazing! I'm so so grateful for all of them as it is! :)

ALSO, I'll most likely be adding some extras to this in the future instead of writing a whole new book. So if you guys would like any extras, let me know!

Song: Go Go Go by Sleeping With Sirens

EDIT: There are one-shots, so keep reading. :)