Epilogue
AMELIA
" S teph, honey, why don't you go over and pick some basil leaves for dinner tonight," I tell our eight-year-old daughter. "That's right, good job," I encourage as she points out the right plant.
I smile, watching her carefully pluck the leaves right where they connect with the stem to ensure proper plant health and that more will grow in its place. True to his word, Adrian built a greenhouse the very same week I moved into his cabin. We've expanded it several times now, with one section for fruits, another for vegetables, and our original building intended for herbs and spices.
A warmth covers my back and I know without looking that Adrian is behind me. His arms wrap around my waist, his hands covering the slight baby bump that only recently started showing.
“How is my wife feeling on this beautiful day?” he murmurs into the shell of my ear before placing a sweet kiss to my temple. I lean against him, resting my head on his shoulder.
"I'm perfect," I tell him truthfully. "The sun is out, Sammie has been helping me in the garden, and my wonderful husband offered to watch our rowdy three-year-old and hopefully wear him out." I tilt my head up to grin at him.
“Trent is down for his nap right now, which is why I wanted to check on the rest of my family.”
“You’re the Trent whisperer, I swear,” I tell him with a slight chuckle. “That kid has enough energy for an entire football team.”
“He just needed an afternoon helping out his dad around the house and workshop. I taught him how to widdle.”
I untangle myself from Adrian’s arms and turn to face him fully. “You gave our son a sharp object and told him to cut wood with it?!”
Adrian laughs and shakes his head. “Kidding, my love,” he answers as he pulls me back into his arms. “We went into town and stopped by Evergreen Books & Trinkets to say hello to Ms. Lila, then bumped into Sami at Pine & Petal Cafe. She offered him a cookie, which I said we would have to save for later.”
“And how long did it take Trent to break you down?” I ask, lifting an eyebrow playfully.
“About five minutes,” he confesses. “But he was still tuckered out by the time we got back home. He should be out for a bit longer if you want to spend some time on the porch.”
"That sounds lovely," I say with a nod. "Steph, sweetie, come out to the backyard with us. You can set the basil leaves on the counter there and then play on the swing set."
"Yes, mama!" she replies seconds before dashing out of the greenhouse. She's such a good girl. While Steph has her obstinate moments, like all children, she also has a genuine heart and wants to make her father and me happy.
Trent is a little whirlwind of chaos, and I can just picture his father being the same way at his age. I love my son to pieces, especially when he grins at me. He has the same blue eyes as Adrian and the same smile. These two kids are my heart and Adrian is my soul.
My husband guides me to the porch swing and sits next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and tucking me into his side. I melt against him and breathe in his woodsy scent, thankful for my loyal husband who has done so much to protect me and heal all the broken pieces of my past.
“Remember the first time you came to visit me all the way up here?” Adrian asks softly.
“And I was so nervous I broke a plate of cookies?”
“Were you nervous, or were you awestruck by me and my shirtless glory?”
I look over at him and narrow my eyes, then laugh when he flexes. “Fine, there might have been a tiny sliver of that as well.”
Adrian chuckles and it sounds like home. He settles me back down in his arms, leaning back and surveying the gorgeous property we’ve expanded upon over the years. First was the greenhouse, then compost bins and raised garden beds. Adrian built a walkway to a massive tree out back and then constructed a huge tree house with three rooms. Trent wants to have a sleepover in there, but he’s still a little too young.
“How are you feeling today, sweet girl? Is the baby giving you heartburn? Are your feet starting to hurt? I can massage them.”
I kiss my sweet husband on the cheek. “I’m good,” I assure him. “Swollen feet won’t come until later, but I will always take a foot massage if you’re offering.”
Adrian nods, taking his duties as my husband seriously. He’s always been good to me, and his protective streak has only grown with each kid.
We watch Steph go down the slide and then hop on a swing, pumping her legs so she can go higher and higher. Our girl giggles in excitement, making both of us smile.
“Thank you for taking a chance on me all those years ago,” Adrian whispers. His blue eyes catch mine, the revenant, wistful smile nearly bringing me to tears.
“Thank you for saving me. Not just from my past, but from a lonely, unsettled life. I came to Misty Mountain to escape, but I had no idea I’d find my forever home.”
Adrian curls his hand around the back of my neck, tilting my head slightly so he can kiss me, slow and deep. I brush my hand across his stubbled cheek and draw him closer, wanting to feel the weight of him as he owns me, body and soul.
When we finally come up for air, Adrian kisses me on the nose and forehead. “I love you with all of me,” he murmurs. “My sweet, precious girl.”
“I love you more than words can express,” I whisper back before snuggling against his side. We swing gently back and forth, taking in the serene landscape and filled with hope for whatever comes next.
THE END