Epilogue
FIVE YEARS LATER
“Are you ready to taste it, little brother?”
“Been waiting five long years. I’m more than ready.”
I’m surrounded by my entire family and friends, my wife next to me, our second daughter in her arms, Charlie tucked into my side, looking up at me with all the pride in the world. Carter fills a Glencairn glass for everyone straight from the barrel, passing them out to everyone except Ivy, who is expecting another member of their hockey team.
“A few words, Liam?” my dad urges, tears in his eyes. I feel the lump forming in my throat, and I have to clear my voice before I begin talking.
“My goals in life were simple—marry my best friend, raise a family together in the woods, and continue to work and produce a product at our distillery that our family is proud of. I’m a happy, lucky man to be in my early thirties and already accomplished all of them. Thank you for trusting me and supporting me. Please raise your glasses, let me introduce the newest product for Aspen Ridge Distillery, the Charlotte Signature Straight Bourbon Whiskey.”
Everyone sips and applauds, and I dab my eyes free of the few rogue tears that escaped my eyes. Hannah looks up at me with Asher in her arms, with all the love a wife could have for her man, and it fills my heart with everything. I drop a kiss to her lips, pressing firmly, loving the feel of her sweetness against me, before breaking away and kissing Asher on the forehead. Then I turn to my not-so-little anymore, and getting entirely too tall, Charlie.
“I’m proud of you, Dad, you worked so hard.” She swats at her cheeks, batting away her tears. I wrap my arms around her and kiss the top of her head firmly.
“I love you four, more than anything.”
“Thank you for loving us.”