Epilogue Ten years later
Nick beamed at the progress they’d made on this month's project. Over the past decade, Grant Construction had grown to become one of the busiest, most dependable crews in Sunset Cove.
The O’Neill house was a typical job for them—they were expanding a beautiful beachside home for a growing family.
Adding kids’ rooms was one of his favorite tasks. He’d done the same to his own house, converting the old farmhouse’s attic into a playroom for Jack, then transforming it to include girls’ bunk beds as their needs evolved.
“Daddy!” Bree, his youngest daughter, raced up the house steps and into the open door, followed by Jack and her older sister, Abby. “We went to the bookstore, and they had books about Halloween. We painted pumpkins during craft time. But don’t worry, they’re not real. Ms. Renee says they’ll last longer than real pumpkins.”
Nick knelt down to wrap his daughter in a hug, grinning at Jessica as she walked into the room. “Painting pumpkins? That sounds like fun.”
“One is pink with purple polka dots. I think they belong on the kitchen table,” Jessica added. “They’re works of art.”
Nick nodded solemnly, giving Bree a kiss on the head before he stood up to greet his wife. “Anything for my girls,” he murmured, pulling Jessica close for her own kiss. After a decade together, she still made his heart flutter with joy. How had he gotten so lucky?
The girls began to get antsy, poking around the supplies Nick had ordered for this house’s renovations and examining the walls marked with an ‘X.’ “What’s the paint for, dad?” his older daughter asked.
Jack picked up a sledgehammer and pretended to hit the wall. “You know X marks the spot,” he said, grinning at his sister. “Dad, can I get started on this wall?”
Nick chuckled and shook his head. Jack was eager to work at Grant Construction, but demolition was dangerous work. Jack found ways to help during summer breaks, though.
“You’ll be on the payroll soon enough,” Nick said, holding his hand out for the hammer. “Besides, we’re not ready to knock out that wall yet. You remember how messy demolition can be? We’re keeping the dust down until the family moves out next week.”
Jack grinned and handed his dad the hammer. “I’ll be here the day after high school graduation,” he promised. “It’s only a few years away. But since I’m not working today, can I take the girls out for ice cream? We’re close to Scoops and Cones.”
Nick pulled out his wallet and nodded. “One scoop each. Don’t ruin your appetite for supper.” He handed Jack some money and patted the boy on his back. “You’re a good brother. Watch out for brain freeze.”
Jessica laughed as their kids raced down the stairs. Once they reached the sidewalks, Jack called to his sisters and held out his hands. They walked hand-in-hand down the street, Jack turning to each girl as they talked animatedly.
Their parents stood on the porch of the O’Neill house, arms wrapped around each other. Jessica leaned in to rest her head on Nick’s shoulder. “What a life,” she sighed. “They’re all great kids.”
“They really are,” Nick agreed. “I can’t claim too much credit for Jack, though. He had an awesome mom for the first few years.”
“He’s had an awesome dad for the last decade,” Jessica responded, twisting around to kiss him gently. “Thanks for treating him like one of your own.”
Nick’s heart felt like it grew two sizes as he watched his kids continue down the sidewalk. Jack was like a son to him now, and he couldn’t wait for the boy to work with him. He thanked God every night for bringing Jessica and Jack into his life—and for blessing them with two more girls.
He leaned down to return the kiss, then rested his chin on the top of Jessica’s head. “Do you want ice cream, too? We could meet them there. Or you could hang out with me while I take measurements.”
“I’ll stay with you.” Jessica pulled away, gesturing toward the front door. “You'll get done faster with help.”
The couple worked in tandem, with Nick calling out measurements while Jessica jotted down each number. They finished the job quickly and were soon locking up the house and walking to their cars.
“I’ll pick up the kids at Scoops and Cones,” Jessica said, squeezing his hand. “Meet you at home?”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” he promised his wife, thinking fondly of the house that had brought them together. They were still living in the farmhouse Jessica had bought when she first moved to Sunset Cove. Over the years, they’d given it a complete facelift, adding new siding and the porch swing Nick had always wanted.
Jack had gotten his tire swing too, although the tree was trimmed well away from the house’s windows now. The girls loved that tire swing as much as their older brother once had.
Nick climbed into his truck, then rolled down the window when he heard his wife’s voice.
“Hey Nick? Halloween’s next week. Don’t let Grant forget to buy candy again.” She gave him a stern look. “We almost ran out last year, and you left me at the trick-or-treat table with a horde of tiny zombies.”
He laughed, leaning out the window to give Jessica one last kiss. “Those zombies were preschoolers. Totally innocent. But I won’t leave you alone this year, I promise. Grant and I will be there the whole night. And I’ll remind him about the candy.”
“Sounds like a plan. And maybe you should use your matchmaking skills on Grant.” Jessica smiled at her husband, drumming her fingers on the side of his truck. “He’s been lonely for too long.”
Nick grinned back and nodded. “I’m waiting for the right girl,” he promised. “I’ve got a good feeling about Grant. Something positive is headed his way.”
Jessica reached for Nick’s hand. “You’ll always be my perfect match. I just needed a few love letters to realize it.”
If you enjoyed this book, check out the rest of the Sweet Love Letters series! The next book is “The Matchmaker’s Letter” by Diane Keen .
Find the entire series on lokepub.
Ready to spend more time in Sunset Cove? I’ve written five full-length novels filled with small-town heart, second chances and clean romance. Each is a standalone novel set in the same town, which means you can jump into the series at any point and still enjoy the story.
The first book in the series is Coming Home to Sunset Cove . It’s Grant’s story, and you’ll find Nick back at his matchmaker antics!
They missed their first chance at love. Can these friends overcome their obstacles and find love the second time around?
Avery Brown is a single mom eager for a fresh start. Newly divorced, she’s returned to her roots and introducing her daughter to small-town life. Her top priority is giving her daughter the love and stability she needs.
Grant Danielson works long hours at his construction company in Sunset Cove. He’s missing just one thing in his life—a family to come home to each night. He’s known Avery since childhood and loved her since they were teenagers. Avery may have left for the city a decade ago, but she still has a hold on his heart. He’s determined to be patient and show Avery that he’s a better man than her ex-husband.
An overdue tax bill soon threatens to ruin Avery’s second chance at happiness. It will take a small miracle to keep her in Sunset Cove and build a new life with Grant. Can they work together to save Avery’s childhood home and her fresh start, or will stubbornness and fate keep them apart a second time?