Epilogue
Annie leaned forward as she watched Cole fill the screen of the large television in his house. She was there with Benji, Dawn, Andrew, Skylar and Aiden. They’d come to LA to attend the final game of the championships that Cole and his team had won the previous day. Cole had also earned MVP for the playoffs once again.
Pride filled her as she took in his relaxed body language. He wore a white-collared shirt with the long sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a pair of black slacks.
When he glanced at the camera, it felt like he was looking right at her, and Annie felt her heart flutter in response.
“I’m happy to have Cole Halverson with me today,” the woman said. “He and his team have clinched the championship, and he was named MVP of the finals. Welcome!”
“Thanks for having me, Amanda,” Cole said with a smile.
“So first of all, congratulations on the championship.”
“Thank you. I’m so glad we could bring it back to LA after getting so close last year.”
“Rumor has it that this might be the last time you are part of a championship run,” Amanda said, tilting her head to the side as she regarded him.
“For once, the rumor mill is correct,” Cole said with a nod of his head. “I’ve decided not to renew my contract at the end of this season.”
“I’m sure people are shocked by that news,” Amanda said. “After all, many would say you’re at the top of your game, and though you’re in your thirties, you still have lots to offer a team.”
“I would rather go out at the top of my game than have people remember me struggling to perform at my best in a few years. But honestly, that wasn’t the motivation for retiring now.”
“Oh? What was?” Amanda asked. “Because surely it couldn’t be money. The contract you could have negotiated would have been substantial.”
Cole nodded. “That’s true. I have been fortunate with my contracts and the amount of money I’ve been able to earn by entertaining people with my talent for basketball. However, I have more than enough wealth, and I think perhaps it’s time to step back and allow other younger players the opportunity I was once given.”
“How do you plan to fill your time if you’re not playing basketball anymore?”
“Oh, I’ll still be playing basketball, but I’ll be playing with a totally different sort of player in a completely different atmosphere.” Cole hesitated, and Annie sent up a prayer for him.
When he’d lined up the interview, he’d wanted to be able to share about his faith, and she knew this was the open door he’d hoped for.
“I will be working with a Christian sports organization that organizes and runs clinics for teens. Their focus is on helping kids physically with the sport, while also sharing the message of God’s love with them.”
Amanda paused for a moment. “You’ve definitely become more open about your faith in the last several months.”
“There’s a reason for that,” Cole said. “Back in January, I attended my home church, and there my pastor challenged us to find ways to offer hope in a world where so many are feeling hopeless. I am in a fairly unique position of having a large platform that allows me to reach lots of people. And I want those people to know there is Someone who loves them, even when they might feel no one cares.”
“Sounds admirable,” Amanda said, though Annie could tell she wasn’t really interested. That was okay, though. Cole had had a chance to share what was on his heart, and she hoped people who heard what he had to say were also challenged to find ways to spread God’s love. “Is there someone special who has also played a role in your decision to retire?”
Cole hesitated, his gaze going to the camera. Without thinking about it, Annie nodded, as if he could see her. They’d discussed this and together decided that he could give some basic information about Annie and their relationship.
“As every player knows, basketball season can be frantic with games every couple of days, plus practice and travel. It’s not necessarily conducive to starting a relationship since the time for dating and getting to know someone is limited,” Cole said. “I met Annie at the start of the season, and I am so grateful that she was willing to put up with being a long-distance couple for the duration of the season. She has stood by my side since day one, and she supports me in this decision.”
“Are there wedding bells in the future?”
Cole chuckled. “Of course there are. I’d be an idiot to let Annie get away. We haven’t made anything official yet, but when we do, it will probably be with just a few of our closest friends and family present.”
“You sound besotted.”
“That’s a good word to describe how I feel. Annie is the love of my life, a source of joy and happiness. She is all I could ask for in a woman.”
“I know she’s been at a few games,” Amanda said. “Is she a fan?”
“Yep. She and her brother were fans of mine before we ever met.”
“How did you meet her?”
“I stopped a ball from hitting her in the face.”
“Knight in shining armor, huh?”
“Knowing Annie, she’d probably say that. But for me, I’m just glad for the out-of-bounds ball that brought us together.”
“Well, I want to wish you luck in this next phase of your life,” Amanda said. “And thank you for coming by the studio to chat.”
“Thank you for having me. If anyone is interested in following up on what I’m doing in the future, you can visit my website. There’s also opportunities for people to volunteer when the clinics come to their area, or if they want to financially support the organization, there’s information on how to do that too.”
“I’m sure there will be lots of people interested in what you’re up to in the future.”
Amanda turned toward the camera as it focused in on her, and she quickly closed off her segment.
“He did a great job,” Aiden said from where he sat next to Skylar on an overstuffed loveseat.
Annie smiled. “He sure did. I’m so proud of him for taking this step.”
“So wedding bells, huh?” Skylar mused. “Are you two engaged and haven’t told anyone?”
“No engagement yet,” Annie told her. “But we both know that marriage is what we want.”
“Why wait, then?” Skylar asked. “You know how quickly we got married after getting engaged. And I have to say that married life is great.”
Aiden wrapped his arms around her and snuggled her neck. “I’m glad you think so, babe. I think so too.”
Annie rolled her eyes at them. They were still in their honeymoon phase since they’d only been married a few weeks.
They definitely hadn’t waited long after getting engaged to have their wedding. She didn’t think their engagement had been three months long. Annie hoped Cole was willing to have a short engagement, too.
She thought he might be because they were both finding the goodbyes harder and harder. This time when she left, Cole would be coming with her, but not for long.
He already had meetings he had to attend in New York. One was with a company wanting him to be a spokesperson for them. Another was to shoot a commercial for a line of workout clothes from a well-known sports gear company.
Annie was a bit surprised that even with his retirement, companies wanted him to advertise their products. When he’d first spoken to the company contacts about the possibility that he wouldn’t be active in the league after that season, they hadn’t had a problem with it.
They’d explained that his reach and reputation would still make him valuable as a spokesperson, perhaps even more so now that he’d be working with youth programs across the country.
“Earth to Annie,” Benji called, waving a hand in front of her face. “You disappeared on us there.”
Annie blinked, pulling herself from her thoughts. “Sorry. Just thinking about all the transitions ahead.”
Dawn passed her a glass of lemonade. “Good transitions, though. You two have been doing this long-distance thing for months now.”
“I know,” Annie said, taking a sip. “It’ll be nice to finally be in the same place for more than a few days at a time.”
Benji studied her face. “You seem different, sis. More… settled.”
Annie felt warmth spread through her chest. “I am. For the first time, I’m not just drifting through life. I have purpose—with Cole, with my faith, with my work at the shelter expanding.”
“Speaking of faith,” Dawn said, leaning forward, “I was impressed with how naturally Cole mentioned his beliefs during the interview. That couldn’t have been easy with millions watching.”
“He was nervous,” Annie admitted. “We prayed together before he left this morning. He wanted to honor God without coming across as preachy.”
“Mission accomplished,” Aiden said, raising his glass in a small toast. “I think it was very authentic.”
Faith had become more natural to her these past months, less like a formal practice and more like breathing. Cole’s openness about his own spiritual journey had encouraged her to embrace hers more fully.
Skylar’s phone buzzed. She glanced at it and grinned. “Cole says he’s done and heading back. Should be here in thirty minutes.”
Annie felt a flutter of anticipation. No matter how many times they reunited, that feeling never diminished. If anything, it grew stronger with each meeting, each goodbye, each hello.
“I think I’ll start dinner,” she said, rising from her seat.
In the kitchen, Annie moved with practiced ease, pulling ingredients from Cole’s well-stocked refrigerator.
“Need help?” Dawn asked, appearing in the doorway.
“You can chop these,” Annie replied, sliding a cutting board of vegetables toward her friend.
They worked in companionable silence for a few minutes before Dawn spoke. “You know, watching Cole today—the way he talked about you, about his faith—it’s like watching someone who’s finally found his center.”
Annie smiled softly. “I feel the same way about him. Like all those years of feeling like I’d never find someone that Dad would approve of, I was really just waiting for Cole.”
“And now the waiting’s over,” Dawn said, nudging Annie’s shoulder.
“Well, not entirely. We still have to figure out all the logistics of merging our lives.”
“That’s not waiting, Annie. That’s living.” Dawn’s voice was gentle but firm. “Sometimes I think you’re still standing at the edge, afraid to dive all the way in.”
Annie paused, knife hovering over an onion. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that Cole is ready. You’re ready. Don’t let the details become excuses.”
Annie heard the front door open, and she hurriedly washed her hands and dried them as she rushed to greet him.
“There’s my favorite welcoming committee,” he said, his eyes finding Annie’s immediately.
She crossed the foyer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “You were amazing,” she whispered.
“Did I embarrass you?” he asked quietly, just for her ears.
“Not at all. You made me proud.”
The others called out their congratulations, and Cole acknowledged them with a nod, but kept his focus on Annie. “I meant what I said, you know. About you being the love of my life.”
“I know,” she said, reaching up to touch his face. “And I feel the same way about you.”
Cole’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen, then laughed.
“What is it?” Annie asked.
“My agent. He says my mentions are exploding online—half with congratulations on my retirement, half with people asking who ‘Annie’ is.” He pocketed the phone, smiling down at her. “Do you think your dad is going to be upset?”
“Possibly,” Annie said. “But he hasn’t blown up our phones yet, so maybe we’re okay. Plus, we knew that sooner or later, my connection to Dad might come out. We’re prepared.”
When they joined the others, Benji was scrolling through his phone. “People are trying to figure out who Annie is. There are some wild guesses out there.”
“Let them guess,” Cole said, his arm secure around Annie’s waist. “The people who matter already know.”
“Well, I’ve started dinner. Hope you’re hungry.”
“Starving,” he said, following her as she headed back to the kitchen. “Interview nerves.”
The evening unfolded with easy conversation around Cole’s dining table. Annie watched him interact with their friends and family, noting how he seemed lighter somehow, unburdened by the weight of his professional obligations. When their eyes met across the table, the connection between them felt tangible, a bridge spanning whatever distance remained.
After they finished eating, Cole caught Annie’s hand. “Want to take a walk? The sunset should be amazing right now.”
They slipped out to the backyard, which offered a stunning view of the city below and the horizon beyond. The sky was painted in brilliant oranges and pinks as the sun began its descent.
“I’ve been thinking,” Cole said as they reached a small bench overlooking the property.
“About?” Annie prompted when he didn’t continue.
“About what I said before—about not making anything official yet.” He turned to face her fully. “I don’t want to wait any longer, Annie.”
Her breath caught. “What are you saying?”
Cole reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. “I’m saying that I love you. I’m saying that whether I’m playing basketball or running clinics or doing something we haven’t even thought of yet, I want you by my side. I’m saying that I talked to your father last week.”
Annie’s eyes widened. “You did?”
“I did,” he confirmed with a smile. “He was surprisingly agreeable and gave me his blessing with only one lecture. I think he really does like me.”
“Cole…” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
He dropped to one knee, opening the box to reveal a stunning solitary diamond set in platinum.
“Annalisa Turner, will you marry me? Will you build a life with me, share your faith with me, and help me bring hope to others?”
Annie felt tears spill onto her cheeks as joy surged through her. “Yes,” she managed. “Yes, to all of it.”
Cole slipped the ring onto her finger with slightly trembling hands, then rose to pull her into his arms. His kiss was tender, full of promise and certainty.
“I love you,” she whispered against his lips.
“I love you too,” he murmured back. “More than I ever thought possible.”
As they stood together, the fading light of the day casting them in golden hues, Annie soaked in every emotion she was feeling.
“How long of an engagement do you want?” Cole asked.
“Do you have thoughts on that?”
“Oh, I have thoughts, but I’m willing to leave the decision up to you.”
Annie moved into his arms, gazing up at him. “How about July?”
A flicker of disappointment crossed Cole’s face. “Next year?”
“Nope. Next month.”
His brows lifted, and then a smile spread across his face. “I’m on board with that. One hundred percent.” He hesitated. “But what about your dad and Elizabeth? Are they going to want a longer engagement?”
Annie considered it for a moment, but then shook her head. “I think Dad will be glad if we do it quickly, especially if we keep it quiet.”
Cole picked Annie up and swung her around, throwing his head back as he laughed. When he set her down, he cupped her face in his hands.
“You have made me the happiest man in the world. I can’t wait for July!”
~*~
Hands clasped in front of him, Cole shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
Aiden leaned close to him. “Nervous?”
“Nope. Excited.”
Before big games, he’d often experienced nervous excitement. This time, however, all he felt was pure excitement.
Today was the day he made Annie his wife.
As Annie had suspected, her dad hadn’t cared about the short timeline for their wedding. He’d had the money to pull together the wedding Annie wanted in a short period of time.
So now all their family was gathered together, along with a few close friends like Marcus and his wife, on the lawn of the estate.
It was a warm, but cloudy, day. Cole was glad for that because if it had been sunny, they might have ended up sweating through their fancy clothes.
Aiden was standing up with him, along with Jay and Marcus. The three men he was closest to in his life.
Cole watched as the first of Annie’s bridesmaids made their way between the rows of white chairs that were decorated with ribbons and pastel colored roses and other stunning flowers.
Dawn smiled at Cole as she approached, her soft lavender dress catching the breeze. Behind her came Angela, then Lexi, all radiating joy as they took their places opposite Cole and his groomsmen.
Annie and Angela were still building a relationship, and though they weren’t super close yet, Annie had felt she needed to have her sister as one of her bridesmaids.
The string quartet transitioned to Ode to Joy , the song Annie had chosen to walk down the aisle to, and everyone rose to their feet, turning toward the back. Cole’s breath caught in his throat as Annie appeared on her father’s arm.
She was radiant in a simple, elegant gown of ivory satin that fit her slender figure perfectly. Her light brown hair was partially swept up, with soft tendrils framing her face. Her eyes shone with joy and love, and emotion threatened to choke Cole.
Duncan’s face was a study in composure, but Cole could see the emotion the man was fighting to contain as he walked his daughter down the aisle. When they reached the front, Duncan placed Annie’s hand in Cole’s, then stepped back after pressing a kiss to his daughter’s cheek.
“You’re breathtaking,” Cole whispered as he took both her hands in his after she handed her bouquet to Lexi.
Annie’s smile was radiant. “So are you.”
Pastor Kennedy welcomed everyone, his warm voice carrying across the gathering. “We are assembled here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and prayers to the words which shall unite Annalisa and Cole in marriage.”
As the pastor spoke about the covenant of marriage and God’s design for it, Cole found himself lost in Annie’s eyes, hardly hearing the words. It wasn’t until Pastor Kennedy prompted them for their vows that he pulled himself back to the moment.
They had written their own vows, wanting to express their unique journey and promises to each other.
Cole spoke first, his voice steady despite the emotion swelling in his chest. “Annie, from the moment I stepped between you and that basketball, something in me recognized you as the one I’d been waiting for. You’ve shown me what it means to love completely, to trust deeply, and to walk in faith daily. I promise to cherish you, to support your dreams as fiercely as you’ve supported mine, and to create a home where God’s love is the foundation. I will be your partner, your friend, and your husband for all the days we’re given.”
Tears glistened in Annie’s eyes as she began her vows. “Cole, you came into my life unexpectedly, but with perfect timing. You’ve taught me that love doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be true. I promise to stand by you through whatever life brings us, to encourage your faith as you’ve encouraged mine, and to work with you to create a family built on love and grace. I give you my heart, my trust, and my future, knowing that with you is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
They exchanged rings, simple bands that symbolized their unending commitment. Cole’s hands trembled slightly as he slid the platinum band onto Annie’s finger, joining it with her engagement ring.
“By the power vested in me,” Pastor Kennedy proclaimed, his voice resonating with joy, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Cole, you may kiss your bride.”
Cole gently cupped Annie’s face in his hands, his eyes conveying everything words couldn’t express. When their lips met, applause erupted around them, but for those precious seconds, they existed in their own world—a world of promises and possibilities.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Pastor Kennedy announced as they turned to face their guests, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Cole Halverson!”
Hand in hand, they walked back down the aisle, faces glowing with happiness. Cole couldn’t stop smiling, couldn’t stop stealing glances at Annie—his wife. The thought alone made his heart soar.
The reception was held in a large white tent that had been transformed into an elegant garden-like space with cascading flowers and twinkling lights throughout. The atmosphere was intimate despite the grandeur of the surroundings, exactly what they had wanted.
As they entered, Duncan approached them first, embracing Annie before turning to Cole.
“Welcome to the family,” he said, his usual stoic expression softened. “Take care of her.”
“I’ll protect her with my life,” Cole promised with one hundred percent sincerity.
As the evening wound down a few hours later, the two of them made their way to Annie’s cabin, where they’d spend the night before leaving the next morning for their honeymoon in Bali. Yet another gift from Duncan and Elizabeth.
“Was it everything you hoped it would be?” Cole asked as they stood together in the loft he had only ever seen in video chats.
“And more,” Annie said with a smile. “But even if everything had gone wrong, as long as we were married, it was perfect.
“I love you,” Cole said as he bent to brush a kiss across her lips.
“I love you too.”
This had been the first day of a new chapter in their lives, and Cole was excited about where God would lead the two of them.
Two years ago, he hadn’t even considered that this might be where he would end up. Yet he couldn’t imagine that anything else would have filled him with the same joy, hope, and contentment that he felt in the moment, holding Annie in his arms. And he prayed that together they’d have that for many years to come.
~*~
Well, dear reader, we have reached the end of The Halversons series. Writing Cole has been a bit emotional, as writing the last book of a series usually is, but I have also loved writing about Annie and Cole and their love for each other.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading Cole, and if you’ve been with me from the start of this series, thank you so much! If this is the first book you’re reading of The Halversons , I hope that you will go back to the start ( Gareth) and read through the other stories.