Epilogue Jenny
The last five months have been the best of my life. Trent and I have worked tirelessly to rebuild our home, pouring ourselves into every detail. We were able to create the perfect balance—keeping the original feel of the home while carving out a space that is wholly and truly ours.
We expanded the master bedroom and relocated it so it now overlooks the gorgeous expanse of the lake. The loft space still gives the cabin an open, airy feel, and now that I am most definitely not occupying a guest room, the spare rooms are ready to welcome our family and friends once more.
And now, standing here, surrounded by those same loved ones, it all feels so real. So complete.
Our home.
The cabin is filled with warmth—both from the crackling fire in the stone fireplace and the laughter of family and friends gathered throughout the space. The scent of cedar and pine lingers in the air, mingling with the aroma of Maureen’s mouthwatering apple pie, fresh out of the oven. The lake outside glows under the moonlight, a soft breeze drifting through the open windows.
“This place is incredible,” Niall says, whistling as he glances around. “You two really outdid yourselves.”
“Seriously,” Gwen agrees, sipping from her wine glass. “It’s cozy but still open, warm but not cluttered. I’m impressed.”
“It helped,” Trent says, “that we had a vision of what we wanted the place to feel like.” He wraps an arm around my waist. “And that we refused to stop until we made it happen.”
“And don’t forget the art studio,” Holly adds, nudging me. “That’s what I can’t wait to see.”
My heart swells at the mention of it. “They just finished it Tuesday,” I say, barely containing my excitement. “It’s a little one-room cabin, tucked just far enough away to give me space to create. It’s got a big sink for all my brushes, lots of storage space for my supplies, and shelves for my paintings.”
“And it’s all yours,” Holly murmurs, a knowing smile on her face. “I love that for you.”
Greg grins. “I don’t know, Trent. First, you set up an art gallery for her, then you built her an entire studio, and now you’ve got this perfect lake house. You’re setting the bar a little high for the rest of us, man.”
Trent chuckles. “I figure if I make her happy, she might just keep me around.”
I roll my eyes, but my smile gives me away. Being married to Trent—without any looming agreements or end dates—has been liberating. We both finally feel free to express our love to each other in any way we see fit. We kiss more often, hold hands without second-guessing, and share little touches throughout the day. The nights of forced isolation behind the fortress of pillows are long gone, replaced by quiet, intimate moments that fill the space between us with warmth.
The conversation of the evening flows effortlessly, shifting between talk of the finished renovations, family, and upcoming plans. The atmosphere is light and joyous. But beneath it all, a quiet anticipation hums in my chest.
Grandpa Henry gives me a calculating look. I just smile before glancing at Trent. He catches my eye, as if reading my thoughts, and gives me a small nod.
I take a deep breath, then clear my throat. “Trent and I have some news to share,” I announce, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.
Niall leans forward. “Don’t tell me Trent is building you something else,” he teases.
“No,” I say, smiling, “but you could say I’m building him something.”
I turn toward Maureen, unable to hold back my grin any longer.
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” she says.
“We’re pregnant!” Trent says, then he wraps his arms tighter around me and plants a kiss on my cheek.
For a heartbeat, the room is silent. Then, it erupts into cheers, laughter, and happy tears. Maureen lets out a small gasp before covering her mouth with her hands, her eyes welling with emotion. Trent and I are smothered in hugs and congratulatory words.
“Your grandmother would be so proud of you and happy for you both,” Grandfather Samson says, pulling Trent into a hug. “And so am I.”
“Wow,” Gwen exclaims, “you all didn’t waste any time at all—but in the best way!” She raises her glass with a bright smile. “I’m so excited to be an aunt!”
“Oh, Jenny,” Holly says, pulling me into another tight hug, “I’m so happy for you.”
I squeeze her back, but when I pull away, I notice her blinking rapidly, her emotions spilling over. “Holly, are you okay?” I ask softly.
She sniffles, waving a hand in front of her face. “Everything’s fine, I swear. It’s just . . . all these hormones.”
I blink, processing her words. “Wait . . . what?” I whisper.
Greg places a hand on Holly’s waist, his grin giving away the secret before she even speaks.
“We’re pregnant too,” she says, her voice thick with emotion. “Surprise!”
Laughter bubbles out of me as tears blur my vision. “Oh my gosh, Holly! We’re going to have babies the same age. This is like a dream come true!”
“I’m going to be a double aunt!” Gwen cheers, her laughter ringing through the room as the others catch on, her face glowing with pure joy.
More congratulations and hugs follow, the room bursting with joy. I look around at this group—friends, yes, but more than that, family. This sense of belonging, of being loved, has always been something I longed for.
I place my hand on my stomach, where our little Hughes baby is growing—still barely noticeable beneath loose clothing, but there nonetheless.
Our baby.
This child will grow up in this beautiful, loud, and wild family. They will never know the harsh reality that I faced in my childhood, the ache of feeling unwanted. They will only know love and kindness and family.
Trent steps beside me, placing his hand over mine. I meet his gaze, tears in my eyes.
“I love you,” I mouth to him.
His goofy grin spreads wide, his happiness reflecting in my own.
“I love you too,” he mouths back.
It may have been an agreement that got us here, but it is love that will keep us together. For that, I will always and forever be thankful.