Bittersweet Valentine (Valentine’s Sweethearts)

Epilogue

Kandi

One Year Later – Valentine’s Day

Kings Valley had never looked more beautiful. Snow blanketed the town like a pristine white quilt, the glow of lanterns casting golden halos over the cobblestone streets. The annual Valentine’s Day Chocolate Competition had once again drawn visitors from across the state, filling the air with the scent of rich cocoa, caramel, and warm spices.

From the window of The Chocolate Hart , I watched the townspeople celebrate, couples strolling hand in hand, children pressing their noses against shop windows to admire the holiday displays. A year ago, I never would have imagined that I’d be standing here, looking out at this town—the town that had shaped me—with such deep gratitude.

A warm hand settled on my waist, pulling me from my thoughts.

"You're staring out that window like you’re waiting for something," Roman murmured, pressing a light kiss to my temple. "Second thoughts about letting me help with the new storefront design?"

I laughed, turning to face him. "If I had second thoughts, I wouldn’t have let you set up a ‘Critic’s Choice’ shelf in the shop, now would I?"

Roman smirked, his blue eyes twinkling. "I’m just saying—it’s good branding. ‘Endorsed by award-winning food critic Roman Archer’ has a nice ring to it."

"Mm-hmm." I looped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Still adjusting to small-town life?"

He sighed dramatically. "If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be living in the town where I grew up, waking up at 5 a.m. to help temper chocolate, and getting roped into every community festival, I would have laughed in your face."

"And now?"

"Now I’m wondering why it took me so long to figure out where I belong." His expression turned serious, the playful glint in his eyes giving way to something deeper. "I love this town, Kandi. But more than that—I love you."

I swallowed, my heart squeezing at the sincerity in his voice. "Roman..."

"Come with me," he whispered, taking my hand and leading me toward the door.

I followed him outside, the cold air nipping at my cheeks as we stepped into the quiet evening. Snowflakes drifted down lazily, catching in the glow of the streetlamps. Roman led me toward the Queens Inn, where a small path had been cleared to the gazebo in the courtyard. It was decorated with twinkling fairy lights, a warm contrast to the cool winter sky.

My breath hitched. "Roman, what are we…"

But he was already dropping to one knee, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket.

The world seemed to still, my pulse pounding as I stared down at him.

"Kandi," he began, his voice steady but full of emotion. "You were my first love, my best friend, the person who believed in me when I was still trying to figure out who I was. I walked away once, thinking I had to chase success somewhere else. But I was wrong—success isn’t a place, it’s a feeling. And I’ve never felt more at home than when I’m with you."

I let out a shaky breath, my hands trembling as I covered my mouth.

He opened the box, revealing a stunning ring—an elegant, vintage-inspired design with a delicate band and a sparkling diamond that caught the light.

"I love you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "And I want to spend forever making up for the time we lost. Will you marry me?"

Tears welled in my eyes; my chest so full I thought my heart might burst. I dropped to my knees in the snow, wrapping my arms around him as I whispered the only word that mattered.

"Yes."

His arms tightened around me; his breath warm against my cheek as he pulled back just enough to press his lips to mine. The kiss was soft, sweet, and full of every unspoken promise we’d ever shared.

Cheers erupted in the distance, and I turned to see what seemed like half of Kings Valley peeking around the side of the inn, grinning like they’d just won the lottery.

"You were supposed to wait!" Roman called out, laughing as he pulled me to my feet.

"Oh, hush, dear," Granny Mae said, waving a mittened hand. "It’s not every day one of our own gets engaged! We had to witness the moment!"

Meredith beamed at me, eyes twinkling. "Welcome to the ‘Kings Valley Power Couples’ club."

Kris chuckled, sliding an arm around her waist. "It’s a pretty exclusive membership."

I laughed, shaking my head, overwhelmed by love—from Roman, from my friends, from this town that had embraced me so fully.

Roman turned back to me, his eyes full of so much emotion I felt like I could drown in it.

"So," he murmured, brushing a lock of hair from my cheek. "Do you believe in second chances now?"

I smiled, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him again.

"Without a doubt."

As snow continued to fall around us, I knew with absolute certainty that this was just the beginning of our next chapter—the sweetest one yet.