Epilogue A Symphony of Us
Rachel
The spring breeze carries the scent of salt and new beginnings through the music room windows.
My fingers tap their familiar rhythm against the piano lid—one-two-three-four—but today the beat feels like celebration instead of nervous energy.
Around me, students tune their instruments, the cacophony of preparation filling the space with promise.
"Ms. Williams?" Jamie peeks around the door, his trumpet case adorned with a few more competition stickers than before. "My mom wants to know if there's still room in the front row for grandma?"
"We'll make room." I can't stop smiling. My cheeks actually hurt from grinning so much today. "There's always room for more family."
He beams and disappears back into the hallway, where I can hear the growing buzz of audience members finding their seats in the auditorium. The spring recital always draws a crowd, but this year feels different. Special.
Maybe it's because of how close we came to losing the program.
Or maybe it's because of all the changes the past year has brought—the renovated music room with its state-of-the-art ventilation system and vaulted ceilings, the new instruments gleaming in their cases, the way the whole town still shows up to support these kids at every performance.
Or maybe it's because of the man currently leaning against the doorframe, watching me with those stormy blue eyes that still make my heart skip a beat.
"Ready for the big show?" Grant asks, crossing to press a kiss to my temple. He smells like vanilla and sea salt, and his linen button-down emphasizes his broad shoulders.
There's a postcard in his hand—probably another one from his brother Owen, who's finally living his gelato dreams in Florence.
It warms my heart to see how Grant's courage inspired his brother to find his own path, even if their father still refuses to speak to either of them.
But his sister Vivian visits often, bringing her kids to ‘Uncle Grant's magic ice cream shop. '
"Almost," I answer and lean into his touch, remembering all the moments we've shared in this room. "Though if you keep distracting me, we might start late."
"Can't have that." His smile turns playful. "Though I have one more surprise for you."
"Grant." I narrow my eyes. "What did you do?"
He pulls an envelope from his back pocket—thick, cream paper that matches the letter he left on this very piano all those months ago when he finally chose to fight for his own story. "Open it."
My fingers tremble as I pull out the document inside—a deed. My breath catches as I read the details—ten acres a few miles outside town, plans already approved for a summer music camp. Complete with cabins, performance spaces, and...
"Is that a theater and recording studio?" My voice catches.
"The kids need somewhere to practice during the off-season," he says casually, though his eyes dance with excitement. "And maybe they could even put on a few performances to raise money from tourists."
"But how—"
"A few angel donors with ties to Magnolia Cove pitched in," he says, his tone softening.
"One of them actually went to middle school here and said the music program reminded her of what got her through tough times.
I also put the infamous Pierce charm—and my family's connections—to work.
Between that and the buzz we've built with the shop, the jazz nights, and some very generous patrons, we were able to pull it together. "
"You did all this... for the kids?" My voice wavers, but it's more than for the kids—it's for me too. I can feel it in the way his eyes hold mine, unflinching, like he's daring me to see just how much he cares.
"For the kids," he says, but his lips curve into a soft smile, "and for you."
I turn in his embrace, overwhelmed by this man who keeps finding new ways to show me his heart. "I love you," I whisper against his lips. "Even if you are ridiculously extra sometimes."
"Says the woman who started a viral fundraising campaign with a flash mob."
"That wasn't just me! The whole town—"
"Showed up. Just like they always do." He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "Just like you taught me to do. To show up, to fight for what matters, to believe in the magic of messy, imperfect moments."
A knock at the door interrupts us. Sarah stands there with her clarinet, grinning. "Sorry, Ms. Williams, but everyone's ready. And um, Mr. Pierce? Your ice cream cart is all set up in the lobby for after the show."
"Thanks, Sarah." I straighten my dress and give Grant one more quick kiss. "Duty calls."
"Speaking of duty..." He catches my hand before I can step away. "I think what you said at dinner last night makes perfect sense. Us both paying bills at two separate places when we always stay at one doesn't make sense."
Joy bubbles up in my chest like music. "Are you asking me to move in with you, Mr. Pierce?"
"Actually"—his eyes spark with mischief—"I'm suggesting you let me move in with you. You have the beach cottage. I have an apartment above noisy Main Street."
I laugh, remembering a similar conversation from what feels like a lifetime ago. "Well, when you put it that way..."
Warm-up notes drift in from the auditorium—our cue that it's time to start. Grant squeezes my hand one more time before slipping away to find his seat.
As I step up to the conductor's podium, I look out at my students—at Jamie with his shining trumpet, at Sarah carefully adjusting her reed, at all these young musicians about to share their hearts through melody.
Behind them sits our unexpected family—Mia and Zoe holding hands, Violet already tearing up (though she'll deny it later), Tom sitting with his entire little league team, and Rhianna practically bouncing in her seat with excitement.
And Grant, watching me with eyes full of love and pride.
I raise my hands, and the familiar rhythm fills me. One-two-three-four. But it's not just keeping time anymore—it's the beat of my heart, the pulse of this magical town, the rhythm of a life filled with more joy than I ever imagined possible.
The music swells, and I know with absolute certainty that this is what wholehearted feels like. This is what happens when you fight for your dreams, when you let love guide you home, when you finally find the courage to conduct your own symphony.
This is our happily ever after, and it sounds absolutely perfect.
Loved Sweet Harmony? Don’t leave Magnolia Cove just yet!
If you couldn’t get enough of small-town charm, swoony banter, and a sprinkle of magical mischief, you’ll adore Whisked Away.
Dive into Alexandra and Ethan’s story—where a grumpy baker with secrets and a cynical big-city food writer clash over pastries, past regrets, and a touch of Magnolia Cove’s signature magic.
Opposites attract? Check.
Forced proximity? Double check.
A guaranteed happily-ever-after? Always.
Grab your favorite treat and head back to Magnolia Cove for a romance that’s as sweet and satisfying as the perfect cinnamon roll.
Pick up Whisked Away today and fall in love all over again!