Perspective, Epilogue

As Jake sat at the coffee shop with Lucas and Paisley, catching up on old times, he couldn't help but notice the matching wedding rings on their fingers. "Wow, congratulations you two!" he exclaimed, giving them each a hug. "Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

Lucas chuckled and shrugged. "We wanted to keep it private, and you've been busy with your own things."

"Yeah, like arguing with my classmates," Jake grumbled, taking a sip of his coffee.

Paisley playfully punched Lucas' arm. "Don't listen to him, he's just jealous that our relationship is going so well."

Lucas grinned. "It's probably because their girlfriends all have a crush on Jake."

Jake rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Whatever, let's change the subject. So, what's this mysterious errand you need me for at the airport, Lucas?"

"It's nothing for you to worry about," Lucas said with a sly grin. "Just come with us and you'll see."

As they made their way to the airport, Paisley turned to Jake. "So, how have you been? Are you happy?"

Jake hesitated for a moment before responding. "I'm fine, just busy lately."

Paisley's expression softened with concern. "You haven't touched a piano since last year. Are you sure you're okay?"

Jake nodded and forced a smile. "I've just been focusing on other things."

As they arrived at the airport, Jake couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He was curious to see who Lucas was picking up, but he couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that it might be someone that would change his life forever. As they walked through the terminal, Jake heard a familiar voice calling out to him. He turned around to see a familiar face, one that he thought he would never see again.

"Hey Jake, do you have a girlfriend now?" Mackenzie asked with a hint of teasing in her voice.

"No, I don't have a girlfriend or anyone...as much as I cherish you," Jake said, his voice filled with emotion.

Mackenzie's eyes widened in surprise, but then a smile formed on her lips. "I missed you too Jake," she said.

Jake felt like the happiest man in the world. He thought that he was just a ghost to Mackenzie, but she was here, standing in front of him, telling him that she missed him. He couldn't help but smile and take her hand in his. "Do you want to grab a cup of coffee?" he asked.

"I would love to," Mackenzie said, smiling.

As they walked away from the airport, Jake felt a sense of disbelief. He couldn't believe that Mackenzie was back in his life and by his side. They walked in comfortable silence, both lost in their thoughts, but for Jake, all he could think about was how grateful he was to have her back.

As they arrived at the coffee shop, Jake held the door open for Mackenzie and they sat down at a small table by the window. They ordered their drinks and as they waited, Jake felt a sense of contentment and happiness wash over him. He knew that this was where he belonged, with Mackenzie.

The story ends as they sat there, sipping their drinks, lost in their own thoughts, but for Jake, the only thing on his mind was how grateful he was to have Mackenzie back in his life. He couldn't wait to see what the future held for them, but for now, all that mattered was that they were together. And that was all that mattered.