Epilogue
Rachel
The night air nips at my cheeks, cooling my breath as it leaves my lips. Who knew Texas could have cold spells? It's not New York cold, but it's cold enough to warrant warm clothing at night. The town square screams with festive energy, a kaleidoscope of colors dancing in the crisp night air. Twinkling lights of all colors adorn every lamp post and storefront, creating a festive atmosphere over the crowd on Main Street. A massive Christmas tree stands tall and proud, its ornaments shimmering like jewels against the dark sky, waiting for the lights to be lit.
Cupid's Creek has donned its holiday best for the season. And I love it. It's been a whole year since I moved in with Travis, and now, hand in hand with the man I love, I'm hobbled to this place in ways I never imagined.
“Look at those lights over there, honey,” Travis's voice, deep and warm like aged whiskey, rumbles through me.
“Beautiful.” Though my gaze stays on him, admiring how the colorful reflections move across his rugged features.
We approach the towering tree where everyone has gathered, waiting for Mayor Aldridge to officially kick off the season by lighting the tree. I see Anna, the bakery owner, and Bill Caldwell, the Sheriff standing off the side talking to Ruby and her granddaughter.
We listen to the local church choir sing a few carols and then the mayor gives the signal. The tree erupts into life—a stunning display of colors that are reflected in the faces of every man, woman and child watching. There’s a huge applause before we sing another song.
Once that is done, the choir huddles near the gazebo, their harmonies drifting through the crowd while some begin to disperse to check out what’s available or talk to friends. A horse-drawn carriage ferrying people from town to a moonlit trail ride clip-clops down Main Street, bells jingling merrily, and the aroma of cinnamon and pine waft from nearby vendor booths, mingling with the scent of hot cocoa and roasted chestnuts. There’s even a s’mores bar for the kids. Though I see more than a few adults in line as well.
A stray cat darts between legs, pausing to eye a discarded piece of gingerbread before ignoring it and disappearing into the shadows.
Couples stroll arm in arm, their laughter punctuating the festive gathering. The night is alive with joy and wonder, a perfect snapshot of small-town Christmas magic.
The people around us create a bit of room, and Travis steps back, his eyes locked on mine. “Rachel, there's something I want to ask you.” In an instant, he's down on one knee, a stunning diamond ring catching the lights and throwing tiny rainbows into the winter night.
Friends, family, and neighbors surrounding us gasp, and a few applaud.
I see Sheila's approach on my right. Ruby and Daisy on my left.
“Say yes, Rachel!” Sheila’s bouncing up and down like a teenager, clapping her gloved hands. Next to her are other regulars from the café as well as Mom and Laura Kincaid. Everyone is beaming.
The world narrows to this single, perfect moment. Travis, the man who holds my heart in his hands, kneels before me with a promise of forever sparkling between his fingers. A thousand memories rush through my mind—stolen glances across the café, the brush of his fingers against mine as he helps me onto his horse, the taste of his kiss under the sprawling Texas sky. Every path, every choice, has led to this.
“Rachel, I know our courtship was whirlwind at first, but I think I’ve loved you since the day you showed up in Cupid’s Creek. Certainly, since the day you traded Daisy so you wouldn’t have to work my table at the café. And the past year has convinced me that I want to spend every year with you. Will you marry me?”
Tears blur the spectacle into a sea of colored lights. A tidal wave of emotions crashes over me—love, desire, a longing so deep it aches in my bones. With his quiet strength and loyal devotion, this man has become my home, my future.
I picture lazy mornings tangled in his arms. Days spent working the ranch, riding under the stars, or fooling around in a field of bluebonnets.
And lots of nights wrapped in his embrace, skin against skin, heart to heart.
“Yes, I'll marry you.”
I hope you enjoyed All for You , Travis and Rachel’s story, and my first story in Cupid’s Creek, a small town in Texas where I plan to locate more stories.