Always - Epilogue

Epilogue

27 November 1999

'Hunter, we need to talk,' Stephanie said, sitting down beside Hunter on the sofa. 'Before we get…before we do this.'

'Talk about what? It's strictly business, right? I hope you're not going to take this too personally.'

Stephanie shook her head. 'Strictly business, of course. I just think that there's something you need to know, before tomorrow night.'

Hunter shrugged. 'Whatever. It can't be that bad.'

'I'm…involved with someone.'

Hunter raised an eyebrow. 'Okay,' he said slowly. 'And I really care because…?'

Stephanie sighed. 'Well, obviously not.'

'I just don't see what the big deal is. So, you're involved with someone. Great for you.' Hunter paused, looking at her closely. 'Does he know about tomorrow?'

Stephanie nodded. 'Yes.'

'And…?'

'He's not happy.'

'Let me get this – you're marrying me, but you're still going to continue to see this guy?'

'Yes.'

'Why don't you just dump his ass?'

'Because I love him.'

Hunter snorted. 'Yeah, like I haven't heard that before.'

Stephanie just looked at him. 'It's Chris.'

Hunter raised an eyebrow. 'Jericho?'

Stephanie nodded. 'Yes.'

'You've got to be kidding!'

'No.'

'And he's willing to let you just marry another guy?'

'We talked.'

'Why?'

Stephanie had to think for a minute. 'Because if our positions were reversed, I would do the same thing for him. I'd do anything for him.'

'Would you die for him?' Hunter was grinning as he asked the question, not at all serious.

But Stephanie nodded, and with a soft smile, answered in a tone that revealed she truly meant what she was saying.

'Yes.'