Epilogue
Four Months Later
“Happy New Year,” Blaze said the minute the clock struck midnight. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she said, returning his hug and kiss. “And Happy New Year.”
They were whispering the words. Gracie was sleeping in her room upstairs. He’d go up soon to Arden’s room.
Not once had Arden spent the night at his place with Gracie. Considering how close they lived, he was always staying here, unless Gracie spent the night at her grandparents, then Arden was with him.
He wanted all of that to change.
He wanted a life with this woman and her child.
He wanted a child of his own.
And he wasn’t going to wait any longer.
He dropped to one knee in front of her, and her hands went to her mouth, causing him to laugh. Then the ring came out, the diamond sparkling off the lights as he held it in front of him.
“Arden. I know it’s fast. I know you still might need time, but I want you to know I’m all in. I’m here for you, I know you’re here for me. My love, it’s getting stronger by the minute. I want to put the past year behind us and start fresh now. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife?”
“Yes,” she said, her hand shaking as it came close to his. He slid the ring on, stood up and pulled her into his arms. “I’ll marry you. And it’s not fast, not if it’s right. And it is. Everything. You, me, Gracie. The past few months. It’s all right.”
He caught her waist and spun her around, stealing her breath with a kiss that said everything words couldn’t. It wasn’t desperate or hurried, just deep and certain. The kind of kiss that promised they’d both finally made it to the other side.
“It feels the same to me,” he murmured against her lips, his forehead resting on hers. “Let’s keep this momentum going.”
The chaos that had once swallowed their lives had finally stilled. Erika was in prison, awaiting trial and no longer a shadow hanging over them.
Gracie had met Tina months ago and taken to her easily, her laughter now unburdened by confusion or fear. And when Tina had stepped back during Billy’s visits to give them father-daughter time alone, it was enough for Arden to return to court and ask to end the supervised visits.
The new agreement was nearly finalized. Arden would still have primary custody, but Gracie would see her father freely, safely. It was the balance they’d been fighting for. One built on peace instead of pain.
Life all around them was blooming again. Reenie’s baby was due in June. Meredith had that secret smile that said she might not be far behind. Gale was marrying in May. The only one left was Ash, who seemed to be on his way also.
And Blaze… he had this. Her. The woman who’d walked into his life and quietly dismantled every wall he’d ever built. The woman he’d nearly lost but who now stood in his arms, alive, fierce, and his.
“I’d marry you tomorrow if it wouldn’t scare you off,” he said, his voice low and rough. “You hold the timeline, because you hold my heart. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be right here.”
Her laugh came soft and sure, and she looped her arms around his neck, pressing close until the warmth of her chest matched the steady thrum of his heartbeat.
“I’m ready now,” she whispered.
He smiled, kissing her again, slower this time, savoring the way her lips fit his, the taste of home and forever in every breath between them.
“Then let’s make it happen!”
The End!
Check out the next in Sunset Ridge, Burning For You.
The past is burning back to life, and this time, it’s coming for her.
Fireman Ash Ridgeway has always hidden behind charm and easy smiles, but beneath the jokes is a protector forged by fire. When Skye Lancaster, the woman he’s loved since childhood, returns to their small town, Ash knows she’s not just reopening old wounds… she’s walking straight into danger.
Skye lost everything in a devastating fire that shattered her family and left behind questions that were never answered.
Now, reporting suspicious fires erupting everywhere is her mission, and she’s determined to uncover the truth.
Even if it makes her a target. The last thing she needs is Ash in her space, all heat, control, and promise, stirring desires she buried long ago.
As the threat closes in, passion collides with danger. Ash will do whatever it takes to protect Skye, even if it costs him his career, his heart, or his life.
Because some fires destroy… and some ignite a love worth risking everything for.