Jamal's POV

One Year Later.
Boston, Massachusetts...

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct honor to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Salter!" Mr. O'Hara proclaimed as the wedding party and guests cheered as we all congregated on the front lawn of Ariah and Adrian Gannett-Monroe's home.

Cameron and I cheered as we watched the blushing bride and groom pass us. "They deserve it after everything," my boyfriend murmured to me. "Kind of makes me wonder if you and I will have that."

You have no idea, Cameron, I said as I still felt the ring box in my pocket. "We'll have our time," I assured him before we soon reunited with the other wedding guests.

A lot has happened since that preliminary fashion show back in Solstice Hearts, Rhode Island. Pacifica West Menswear, for the most part, is now expanding nationwide with a future store and designer studio coming to New York City (thanks to Jana) as well as more stores set in Los Angeles, Miami, Mexico City, London, and even in Sydney in Australia. It also meant adding new workers (including myself as I left Walmart to work with Cameron as a designer while Tyler joined as Joshua's PR assistant manager yet he still waited tables at Verano's to keep himself afloat). Needless to say, Pacifica West was starting to take notice as GQ Magazine had the line featured in its annual Style Guide issue.

Much has also happened to the citizens of Solstice Hearts.

De'Andre's mother has now gained her independence as her family has publicly denounced the late Treniece and Darius Backham for their part of being involved in a trafficking schemed led by Joshua's late father. And speaking of which, Francesca Ortega and her other children were indicted with the disgraced matriarch turning herself in to the police after her supporters turned on her.

Naomi's boutique soon extended to menswear as Pacifica West invited her to create her own fashion line with Jana and Veronica's help with Yvonne Battle pitching in as a contributor. Ebony Blaze would soon become the latest in women's activewear and swimwear in the days to come and the launch was planned for 2026.

La'Shawn also got involved in the fashion world since he had some designs for a new footwear brand, but wanted to get more experience. He was planning to sell the shop to some new faces and was taking classes with Naomi while they traveled back and forth in New York,

As for any relationships? Well, Tyler and Franklin were still dating each other, but Tyler did say that Mrs. Romero had him plan for a future wedding. "There's really no need to rush," he had said one day. "But you never know."

Joshua and De'Andre were soon to get married on the same week that Yvonne and Antoine were to tie the knot. The two couples were eyeing a late-autumn wedding, which was perfect because Mrs. Beckham's birthday was coming up and it would be the best present ever.

As for me and Cameron?

Well...

Let's just say that Cameron and I had the same thing on our minds during the reception. And let's just say that we both said yes...to each other.

As for the Winter Lady? Jana had insisted that the painting would be given to me as a way of thanks for helping her solve her brother's murder. "My brother saw a lot of potential in you when he created it back then," she had said the week before her wedding and it was presented to me. "And it's clear as day that you have been through it all. He would've wanted you to keep it as a memento."

I'm happy to say that the Winter Lady is now in my home where Cameron would soon move in and we would begin our journey together as we planned to start a family. There was no rush, of course.

But in case you're still wondering, I still- and will always- identify myself as a gay man. I'm not transgender or anything. But I still have the blue one-piece swimsuit...and another one that I gave to Cameron as we had a date at the beach later this evening.

My story began with tragedy...and yet will soon lead to a glimmer of hope for the future. And with friends like mine to wish me well, I can say that I found my second chance in Solstice Hearts. And maybe, just maybe when my time to take my final bow on the runway of life, I too will have the final word.

THE END....AND THE BEGINNING!

Media: "Catwalk (Reprise)" by RuPaul.

And that is a wrap, ladies and gentlemen! Who'd thought that it would take two months and two major holidays to get this story told?! Still, I'm proud that I got Jamal's story written! With that said, there's nothing left to say but thanks! So, thanks! It's been one hell of a ride and I'm glad to share it all with you! If you like what you see, then show this writer some love and...

Vote.
Comment.
Share.
Follow.
Add.
FAN!