Epilogue
GRANT
Seven months later
Irwin Outdoors in Sunshine, Oregon is officially open for business.
Our grand opening weekend went better than I’d dreamed it would. I’ve been around for some of our store openings in Texas, but this one felt more significant. Maybe because I helped remodel the space from the ground up. Maybe because Sunshine’s residents rallied around to welcome us into the community. Or maybe it’s because opening this store has been an important step on the path to making my happiness here a reality.
As great as the high of seeing the old department store fully transformed into an Irwin’s crowded with customers was, nothing compares to tonight. I might never come down from this.
In fact, I hope I don’t .
Moonlight Lodge’s converted barn glows with old-fashioned string lights and the happy faces of all of our closest friends. My entire family flew in from Texas to see the new store, and they mingle with Lila’s relatives in the rustic-chic space.
I catch sight of her across the room talking with Eliza and Dean, and my breath stops in my lungs. I’ll never get over how utterly perfect she is. Not because she doesn’t have flaws or never has a bad moment, but because she’s so completely herself. And that, to me, is perfection.
She meets my gaze and grins so wide I have to mirror her joy. We’re not being very subtle, but I don’t think anyone expects what’s coming next.
A hand wraps around my arm, and I look down to see Grandma Gloria beaming up at me.
I lean down to kiss her cheek. “You look radiant tonight, Grandma.”
“You always were a sweet talker.” She makes a show of looking over at Lila, and her smile widens. “Whatever you’re planning for tonight, I approve.”
I freeze, hoping my face looks neutral and innocent. “What do you think I’m planning?”
Her gaze turns arch, like she’s sifted through my secrets and knows them all by heart. “I couldn’t say. But this lovely party in this beautiful space? How you’re watching your pretty fiancée like you’re waiting for a signal? The way your happiness shines brighter than all the stars in the sky? Makes me think you’re up to something more than just celebrating a store.”
I lower my head closer to hers. “How do you see right through me?”
“I’ve had practice. I’ve watched you your whole life.” She pats my cheek. “I’m happy for you, honey. I couldn’t be prouder of the man you are and the life you’re creating for yourself. ”
Gratitude, love, and admiration clamor around in my chest. I wrap her in a huge hug. “Thank you, Grandma.”
She pulls back and gives a stout nod. “Make me some great-grandbabies soon, won’t you?”
I swear, this woman’s seen every last hope and dream in my head.
“Dean’s news isn’t enough for you?” I tease. They announced their pregnancy at Christmas. He’s had his arm around Eliza since they arrived in Oregon. It’s like he thinks she and that baby are his good luck charms.
They probably are.
Grandma Gloria just smiles. “There’s always room for more.”
Rhett loops his arms around each of our shoulders, managing to hold her much more gently than the crushing grip he’s got on me. “Room for more what?”
“More happy couples in this family.” Grandma pokes him in the stomach. “Wouldn’t you say, scamp?”
He wrinkles his nose. “Pretty sure we’ve maxed that out.”
She tsks at him, but he just laughs. He’ll figure himself out in his own time.
Lila joins our little group, and Rhett releases me so I can focus on her.
As though that’s ever been a problem.
She slips an arm around my waist. “Have I told you lately that I’m proud of you?”
“It’s been a few minutes.”
“Then I’m overdue.” She turns to Grandma and Rhett. “Is this guy the best or what?”
“I’m standing right here,” Rhett says with a pout. “If you keep this up, I might start to think you like him more than me.”
Grandma pokes him again. “Find your own woman.”
“Pass. ”
“Come on.” She steers him toward the laughing crowd behind them. “Leave them be. Lila needs to change anyway.”
Grandma winks as they walk away. And she wonders where Rhett gets his mischievousness.
Lila’s hands tighten on my waist. “Did you tell her?”
“Nope. She just has mysterious grandma ways.”
“I love her. And she’s right. I should go.”
I lean down to press a soft kiss to her mouth. “Hurry back.”
She grins up at me. “You’re never getting rid of me.”
“Promise?”
Her grin falls away, totally solemn. “I do.”
“Tease.”
“You love me.”
I mirror her seriousness. “I do.”
With a giggle, Lila slips through the crowd. My heart rate kicks up, ready for what comes next. I scan the mingling people and spot Leo Dalesandro off to one side. I nod, and he finds Ian Vaughn to get to work setting up chairs. Crazy to think two famous athletes have become some of my closest friends in the last few months.
Then again, most of my life these last few months has been completely unexpected. In all the best ways.
Mom and Dad head over to me, smiling brighter than ever.
“You pulled it off,” Dad says.
“We knew you would,” Mom adds. “It’s a beautiful store. You chose a perfect location in town.”
“And you chose a perfect fiancée. We’re glad to see you settling in so well here.”
“I don’t think I could be happier.” Except maybe in ten more minutes.
Mom gives me in a quick hug. “Seeing your joy makes us happy. You deserve every bit of it. ”
“Thanks, Mom.” I won’t get choked up. I can’t spoil the fun that’s coming.
Charlie Callahan waves at me from the back of the room. It’s showtime. Also, it’s probably not safe for my heart rate to go any faster.
“If you want to see a little more of my joy, why don’t you sit here in the front?”
I gesture to the chairs Leo and Ian hastily set up in two rows down the center of the converted barn. Mom and Dad probably have questions that go along with their curious looks, but I just steer them closer until they sit. Leo ushers Grandma over while Ian guides Lila’s parents to the other side of the aisle.
“If I could get your attention.” My shout into the small crowd results in a hush. Everyone turns toward me. “If you could all take a seat, please.”
I give them a minute to shuffle into chairs while Jodi Ellison joins me at the front of the room. Who knew the diner’s co-owner was also an ordained minister? My beautiful fiancée who knows every last detail about this town, that’s who.
Eliza gasps like she just figured out why I’m overdressed in a suit for this casual party.
“On behalf of the whole Irwin family, I want to thank every one of you for coming out to mark the opening of our first Oregon location.” Applause moves around the room, along with a few wolf-whistles from Griffin. “But I have something to confess.”
The room goes silent.
“When Lila and I realized all of our friends and family would be here with us tonight, we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. We decided we’ve been engaged long enough.” Two months has never seemed so much like an eternity. “We don’t want to wait to start our life together. So we’re getting married tonight. ”
Excited whispers fill the space, along with an “I knew it,” from Eliza. Charlie pushes open the back doors, and an instrumental version of A Thousand Years plays on the air.
Lila appears holding a bouquet of orange and red dahlias, her long-sleeve white dress making her look more ethereal than ever. A thousand years would never be enough to love this woman, but I plan to cherish every single one I get with her. Starting right now.
My gaze is locked on her grin I can’t get enough of. She draws closer too slowly and somehow too quickly. I want to savor every precious moment, but I also want her in my arms right this second. Every beat of my heart confirms she belongs with me.
Today. Tonight. Forever.
When she finally reaches me, it takes superhuman strength not to jump to the end and kiss her. I don’t think our audience would mind. But I call on all my patience, and take her hand in mine.
Her eyes fill with tears, but she shines even brighter. “Are you ready to marry me, mountain man?”
I lean in close. “I thought you’d never ask, princess.”