Epilogue
Reggie’s wearing that sundress again. The one with the buttons down the front that drives me halfway to hell, because every time she leans forward to pass a dish or help Annalise cut her food, the top pulls just enough to make me forget how to breathe.
I keep my hand on the back of her chair.
Because if I don’t touch her, I might combust.
Dinner at her parents’ place has become our Sunday ritual.
Mel grills like he’s auditioning for a Food Network special.
Sarah makes enough sides to feed the entire town.
There’s music playing low, kids coming in and out, someone yelling from the porch.
It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s family. And somehow, I’m part of it now.
Reggie’s laughing at something her sister said. Jay’s explaining fantasy football rules to his grandpa, who nods like he understands but absolutely doesn’t. Nia’s scrolling through her phone.
Reggie catches my eye, and it’s like the whole place fades out. Her smile softens just for me. Her fingers brush mine. She leans in a little, mouth close to my ear.
“You gonna tell them or do I have to flash the ring and pretend I forgot?”
I snort. “You would.”
She grins. “I’m very believable.”
“Uh-huh.”
I wait until her dad’s pouring sweet tea and the chatter’s hit a lull, then clear my throat and glance down the table.
“I just wanted to say thank you,” I begin. “For welcoming me into your family. For letting me steal your girl…”
“Wasn’t anyone’s to steal,” Reggie says, raising a sassy brow.
“She stole me first,” I amend, kissing her temple.
Sarah, who’s been sipping her drink, sets her glass down slowly and narrows her eyes at Reggie’s left hand.
“Is that what I think it is?” she says.
Reggie blinks innocently. “Depends. What do you think it is?” Her mom smiles through tears, and Reggie stands to hug her. “Oh, Mama.” Reggie laughs. “Yes, it’s official. He proposed. I said yes. We’re getting married.”
The table erupts. Her mom starts crying harder. Her dad claps me on the back hard enough to realign my spine. Nia lets out a tiny squeak she tries to cover with a cough. Jay grins so wide I swear his braces sparkle. Annalise throws a biscuit in the air and yells, “I’M GONNA BE A FLOWER GIRL!”
“Glitter,” Reggie mouths to me, wearing a radiating smile. And I burst with laughter. My heart full, my life complete. So goddamn grateful I can barely believe this is my life.
THE END.
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Thanks for reading Book Eleven of the Silver Creek Ranch series!