Epilogue
About a year later…
Devin
The sun lowers over the mountains, casting a warm glow across the landscape.
The oranges, yellows, and reds pop against the dark evergreens.
This spot on the one-lane wooden bridge will always offer my favorite view, especially in the fall.
I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect autumn day to marry the love of my life.
“I’m jealous,” Erin says, bumping her shoulder against mine as she joins me on the bridge.
“Jealous of what?” I ask, nodding at the giant diamond on her left hand.
“You get to see this any time you want,” she says, nodding at the view.
“Guess there are perks to marrying into a park ranger family,” I say.
“I’m happy for you,” Erin says. “I’m happy you stayed.”
“Thanks. I am too.”
I didn’t have a job lined up when I made the bold decision to cancel my return flight.
I wasn’t sure if the local clinic would hire me without a recent reference.
Turns out it wouldn’t have mattered if I put my old Director of Nursing on the resume anyway.
Apparently, she and Jerek with a J were secret lovers, both in on the whole dining and dash scam meant to get nurses she didn’t like fired.
The hospital offered me my old job back a month after I made the official move, but I turned it down.
I love working at the local family clinic. It’s been a great way to get to know the residents of Cinnamon Creek.
This place truly feels like home.
“I keep hoping we’ll see a moose,” Alanna says, joining us. “Like maybe one will just walk out from under the bridge.”
“No, you really don’t want that—” Something shiny catches my attention from the stream. “Hey, I think I see my old phone.”
“I think it’s time,” Stormi says, nodding behind me toward the tour van approaching. One carrying my future husband, his groomsmen, his family, and Winnie.
“We all agree that Winnie’s like a secret matchmaking witch, right?” Gabby asks, her voice lowered.
I miss the debate that follows because my attention is fixated on my future husband and the little nine-year-old girl in a hunter green dress with matching ribbons in her hair holding his hand.
I admit, I was nervous moving in with Flynn so quickly.
I didn’t know how Tabby would feel about having another woman in her dad’s house.
But she welcomed me as though I’d always been a part of their family.
She’s hinted, more than once, that she would really love a little sister.
Even though she’s willing to put up with a brother if that’s the best we can do.
Tonight, Flynn and I will spend our honeymoon in his grandparents’ cabin, trying to grant Tabby her wish.
I lock eyes with Flynn, and my heart skips several beats.
I told him he could wear whatever he wanted. I’d marry the man in jeans and a flannel shirt. But Tabby insisted he should wear a tux. And damn if that girl wasn’t onto something. He looks delicious enough to eat in that suit.
Everyone congregates beside the bridge, but I hang back. I want one more moment with nature before I marry the love of my life.
“Looking for Bella?” Flynn asks, his breath tickling the back of my neck. He drops his arm to the small of my back, instantly warming it.
I’ve been searching for the mama moose and her yearling—Eddie, we decided—since the bridal party arrived twenty minutes ago. But she’s been extra elusive this fall.
“It would be fitting if she crashed our wedding, wouldn’t it?”
“For the sake of your ankle—or any other body part for that matter—I hope she doesn’t.”
“A sprained ankle would put a slight damper on the honeymoon,” I admit.
“I’d take good care of you. Again.” He kisses my temple. “And it wouldn’t stop me from putting a baby in you tonight. Especially in that dress. Have I told you how beautiful you look?”
“Maybe we save the baby making for after the vows,” Winnie says on a light chuckle. “It’s time, kids.”
Flynn kisses my temple once again as he gives my ass a subtle but firm squeeze. “The next time my lips touch you, you’ll be my wife.”
“I love you, Flynn.”
“I love you more, baby.”