Epilogue
ONE MONTH LATER
JUNIPER
The last customer leaves with a stack of romance paperbacks bundled in a pink ribbon, cheeks flushed from the cold. I watch through the frosted window as she disappears down Founders Street, the snow catching the glow from the twinkle lights overhead.
It’s late, nearly closing, and while the bookstore still hums with its usual quiet warmth, I’m ready to leave it behind for the night. My coat’s lying across the back counter, my lipstick freshly reapplied.
From the front windows I see the warm light spilling from behind the black-framed windows next door—Liam’s wine bar, now alive with chatter and soft music.
Both of us are woven into every inch of the place.
The brass letters of Juniper & Grove glint under the streetlights dimmed by fresh falling January snow.
It feels like the perfect start to the new year.
The past month has been a whirlwind. Snowy mornings spent sipping lattes and eating chocolate croissants, with no resolution to give them up.
Quiet evenings reading while Liam poured over wine lists.
And stolen kisses in the empty wine bar when no one was watching.
Every moment has been building toward this night—the grand opening.
I take one last look around the bookstore—the dog-eared copy of Pride & Prejudice someone left in the free exchange bin, the stack of mugs still faintly scented with hot cocoa and cider—then grab my coat.
I’m buzzing with excitement, ready for the night ahead.
I step outside, the snow crunching softly underfoot. The glow from the sign warms the street. Juniper & Grove. Brass letters spelling out something bigger than either of us could have imagined.
Inside, the hum of voices, laughter, and clinking glasses wraps around me like a cozy blanket.
I spot Stella chatting with her sister, Sadie, and her husband, Tom, near the bar, their smiles bright and easy.
Jasper is close by, leaning casually against the wall with a warm smile on his face and a glass of red in his hand.
Beck is by the wine racks, his laughter ringing out.
Everyone has made a special trip back to Cedar Hollow for the occasion.
And Liam? He’s behind the bar, sleeves rolled up, wearing that slow grin I could get lost in forever.
His eyes find mine, and he crosses the room without hesitation. His arms wrap around me, warm and steady.
“Hey,” he says, voice low and familiar.
“Hey,” I reply, hands pressed to his chest.
He pulls me close, just enough to feel the heat of him. “Ready for this?”
“For you? Always.”
We share a quiet laugh and the bar’s noise fades to background music.
He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear. “Good. Because I want you here with me, every step.”
I lean into him, feeling like I’ve finally found my home.
“Everyone looks happy,” I murmur, nodding toward the group.
Liam follows my gaze. “Yeah. It feels right. Like all the pieces finally fit.”
I glance over at Jasper, whose easy smile lights up the room. Stella raises her glass in a subtle toast, and Cassie waves at me with that mischievous grin that always makes me laugh.
Beck pops up beside Liam, holding a plate of cookies. “Hey, don’t forget the real party favors,” he jokes, nudging Liam.
Liam chuckles and ruffles Beck’s hair. “Thanks, man. We couldn’t have done this without you.”
I lean my head against Liam’s shoulder, watching the people I love gathered here. My family, my friends, and the man who’s become my home.
Together, we step further into the night—into this life, this place, this story we’re writing side by side.