Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
The Mistletoe Ball has grown. It's a reminder of how many people come to Foggy Pines for the holiday events.
Our community is thriving and I'm grateful to have played some part in that.
Johnny and his son wave at me, and I notice the young woman standing with them.
I'll have to check in at the diner to find out all about her. Life is moving on.
Strong arms encircle my waist, and I lean back against a familiar, muscular chest. "Your dad would be happy to see this."
I nod, smiling at the thought. "He would. This is the future he was hoping for. What he wanted for this place he loved so much."
"He loved you, too. Very much." His words are low and husky, and his fingers ghost over the side of my hip. I shiver at the sensation, the power his simple touch has to make me feel so much even through the fabric of my dress.
"You're sentimental, tonight. Don't think that means we're leaving early. You owe me three dances."
He laughs and then guides me out to the floor, where other couples are already moving together. Brand leads, the steps coming easily to him, and there's no doubt he's the best dancer out here. The man is a wealth of talent, all carefully hidden behind the gruff exterior.
As we make our way around, I see more faces I recognize.
Volunteer firefighters that have completed the training and certification process, all of whom look up to Brand with a kind of awe I understand.
Seeing their confidence in the skills they've developed has been rewarding and makes me feel even closer to my father.
The music comes to an end, and I start to leave the dance floor, but Brand takes my hand. When I turn back to him, he's down on one knee, a ring in his hand and one of his rare smiles on his face.
"Lydia, my love, I can't imagine living this life without you by my side."
There's a spotlight on us, and the crowd is watching with hushed anticipation. It hits me then that Brand planned this moment so it would be special for me, even though I'd have said yes to him anytime, anywhere.
"Will you marry me?"
I don't make him wait for my answer.
"Absolutely yes!"
I wipe away the tears that are suddenly falling as he stands and slides the ring on my finger. My breath catches at the art deco ring, the facets of the emerald in the center drinking in the light from above, and the halo of diamonds surrounding it leaving rainbows around us.
"Your father told me he got your mother a ring like this. He said you loved it when you were a kid. Wore it around whenever she would let you. Didn't care that it was costume jewelry. You just thought it was pretty."
My throat clogs with emotion as the memories wash over me. I didn't have a lot of time with my mom before she died in the accident, but those were happy times. And I remember that ring. I felt like a princess with it on.
"When I saw this one, I knew it was perfect for you."
I nod, and there's no hiding the tears now. "It is perfect."
We're swarmed with happy friends, congratulating the both of us, and wishing us all the best. Any thought of more dancing leaves me as Brand stops under the exit, where the mistletoe is hung, red ribbon tied in a bow, and he kisses me again, just like he did a year ago.
"I love you. Forever, Lydia."
"Forever," I say back, and kiss him in return.
When we're home, curled up in his bed with a warm fire roaring, I think about that first day, when I stood outside his front door, unsure of what the future might hold.
And now I know, I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Forever.
THE END