Epilogue
T he late-afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the French summer house garden, where laughter and shouts carried lightly on the warm breeze.
Frank, healed and steady on his feet, chased after Benji with a wide grin, expertly passing the football back and forth. The two of them darted across the grass like a well-practised team, their playful competitiveness filling the air.
Nearby, Poppy reclined comfortably on a soft blanket spread over the lawn, a glass of rosé in hand. She watched the game with a contented smile, the gentle hum of conversation and the warmth of the sun wrapping around her like a hug.
At the wooden garden table, Kitty sat engrossed in her drawing, her small hands moving quickly as she sketched with joyful focus. Every so often, she glanced up at the players, then back down at her paper, a look of satisfaction blooming on her face.
Monroe and Chloé lounged together on a bench just beyond the table, their fingers intertwined. They shared quiet smiles, eyes bright with the simple happiness of the moment.
Kitty suddenly stood and carried her drawing over to Monroe, holding it out proudly. “It’s for your fridge.”
Monroe gently took the picture, eyes sparkling as she examined it. “It’s too good for the fridge,” she said softly. “It needs a frame. We need to hang it somewhere special.”
Chloé smiled, watching Monroe with affectionate warmth. “You always make everything feel special. Even the little things.”
Monroe shifted slightly, leaning her head against Chloé’s shoulder. “It’s easier when I have you with me. When we have all of this…them, us, it makes everything feel right.”
Chloé kissed the top of Monroe’s head. “I never imagined it could be like this: family, happiness…peace.”
“To think, this time last year, I was here getting over an idiot.”
Chloé laughed. “Her loss, my gain.”
Monroe’s eyes scanned the garden, landing on Frank chasing after Benji, Poppy’s relaxed figure on the blanket, and Kitty’s concentration at the table. “We fought for this—every hard day, every difficult choice—but look at it now. It’s perfect.”
Chloé smiled. “Funny how everything falls into place…when you’re finally where you belong.”
Monroe smiled too, a soft laugh escaping her. “With you…I’m ready for everything .”
Chloé’s hand tightened around hers. “Then let’s have everything.”
They leant into each other; the hum of laughter and distant shouts filling the quiet. In that moment—hearts steady—they knew: The life they’d built wasn’t just perfect...
It was theirs .
“When do you think we should tell them?” Monroe asked, glancing down at her finger, at the simple ring she’d slid on it. “I can’t believe none of them have noticed.” She laughed.
Chloé grinned. “Maybe at the wedding? Just send them an invitation.”
Kitty looked up at them laughing together and shielded her eyes with her hand. “What’s so funny?”
Monroe turned to her and beckoned her over.
“What?” Kitty whispered when she was close enough for Monroe to pull her onto her lap. “Why are we doing secret squirrels?”
“Because Chloé and I have a secret, and we are wondering how long it will take for your mum and dad to notice.”
Kitty frowned. “What kind of secret?”
Monroe raised her hand and flashed Kitty the ring. “Chloé asked me to marry her,” Monroe whispered.
Kitty’s eyes went wide, she made an “eek” sound before covering her mouth quickly to hold in the escalating excitement.
Chloé laughed harder. “Oh, this is crazy. We should just tell them, then we can open the Champagne.”
“No,” Kitty and Monroe both said together, giggling like conspiratorial grannies at the bingo.
“That’s no fun,” Kitty said. “Benji would never notice, probably…he’s too busy chasing balls.”
From her spot on the blanket, Poppy pushed herself up onto her elbows and pulled her sunglasses down to look at the three of them.
“What are you all conspiring about?”
Kitty laughed, shook her head and said dramatically, “Nothing. What on earth would we have to talk about?”
“You can pull the other one.” Poppy grinned, turning her attention to Monroe. “Well?”
Monroe glanced at Chloé, who nodded, “ Yes .” Then she turned to Kitty, who shook her head, “ No .” But then she looked at her friend, and the urge to share her happiness took over. She held her hand up.
“Is that what I think it is?” Poppy said, pushing herself up into a crouch and then standing. She marched over to Monroe, grabbed her hand, and stared.
“They’re getting married,” Kitty announced.
Frank and Benji both stopped, the ball running away and settling in the bushes.
“Married?” Frank called out.
“We’re getting married.” Monroe laughed.
“Can I get the Champagne now?” Chloé grinned, leaning in and kissing Monroe’s cheek. “We can celebrate now, non ?”
“ Oui, ce serait parfait, en fait ,” Monroe said in perfect French, because it was perfect, actually.