But when they kept gazing at each other, she finally understood. Today was the beginning of her new life. And she was tired of being burdened by her old one, full of painful memories and all this anger. Maybe for the first time, she looked at her grandmother without fear or rage. “I forgive you.”

Not waiting for a reply, she walked to the door and turned. “I don’t care about your money. Not anymore. I quit.” While she walked through Tiffany’s still-empty office, the hall, and eventually out of the building, a smile grew on her face. Who cared if she inherited the Fielding wealth or not? She had more than she could ever have wished for.

Epilogue

Epilogue

“Listen up, everybody!” Sherry called when Madison’s attempts to get the crowd’s attention failed miserably.

Danielle and the others quieted and looked expectantly toward the bar.

Madison nudged Sherry. “Of course everybody listens to you.”

Sherry gave Madison a peck on her lips and stepped aside.

Madison cleared her throat and said as loud as she could without shouting, “Thank you all for coming today.”

“I work here,” Jack joked while drawing a beer. “Where else would I be?”

Laughter filled the Archer.

Madison slapped him with a dishtowel before facing the crowd again. “Um, as I was about to say before I got interrupted, Sherry and I are very glad you could all come today to join us in celebrating our engagement.”

Applause and whistling rang through the place.

“It was about time you made an honest woman of me,” Sherry called before pinching Madison’s behind.

Madison wrapped an arm around Sherry’s waist and pulled her close. “Ever heard the saying ‘marry in haste, repent at leisure’?”

“As if you would have even spared a glance at another woman in the past three years,” Danielle said with Ruth beside her nodding in agreement.

Sherry’s bright eyes gazed lovingly into Madison’s.

“Look at her.” Madison pointed at the love of her life. She couldn’t imagine what would have happened if she hadn’t found the courage to face her feelings for this wonderful woman. “Would you care about another woman if she was by your side?”

“Well…” Ruth mumbled and kissed Danielle.

The crowd surrounding them laughed.

Madison leaned down and whispered into Sherry’s ear, “I love you.”

Sherry gave her another kiss on the lips. Then she moved back from their gentle contact and called, “Sorry, everybody. If I keep interrupting, this speech will never end.”

“Ha ha, very funny.” Madison held up both hands. “There’s not much more to say anyway. Thank you all for coming, and have a good time celebrating with us.”

Standing beside Ruth and Danielle, Sherry watched Madison mingle with some party guests after she had finished her speech. Even after all these years, she couldn’t stop herself from admiring Madison’s sexy behind.

“Mom, can I have a Coke?”