Epilogue
Briar
Six Months Later
Today, I become Mrs. Briar Holloway.
I moved to Emmett’s mountain three months ago, the day after I graduated. When I pulled into the driveway with the moving trailer behind my SUV, Emmett met me outside, dropping to one knee and holding out a beautiful diamond.
Shady Rock is home now, and I can’t wait to make my mark here. My hand rubs protectively over my still-flat stomach as I think about how I’ll be making that mark in just about six months.
Emmett wanted to do a first look before the wedding. There was a glint in his eyes when he mentioned it, and I knew something was up. Bribing him with a blow job, he finally confessed that he had a gift for me before we said “I do.”
Standing in my dress in the small town square where I first captured the photo of Alice and William, I wait for my man with a small, grainy photo in my hand.
I feel him close by, my pulse racing as peace washes over me. Suddenly, we’re back to back, and I feel his pinky grip mine. The photographer signals for us to turn around, and I gasp. He’s devastating in a perfectly tailored black suit.
“Don’t get used to it,” he growls playfully, raking his eyes over me as he hands me a piece of paper. As I read it, I realize he’s built me a gallery. I wipe away tears, careful of my makeup.
“My turn,” I say, handing him the sonogram, watching his expression change from confusion to shock to overwhelming joy.
He picks me up and spins me around, kissing me soundly.
“I love you.”