Epilogue
RILEY
FIVE MONTHS LATER
“ Y ou really need to stop breezing in here like you own the place,” I say without glancing at the store entrance as soon as the doorbell chimes with a guest. “Or at least bring snacks if you’re going to disrupt my day this much.”
I know it could only be Mia. She’s been to the hardware store five times this week. Ever since she bought her new place, I haven’t had a moment of rest. She comes to the store to ask for anything and everything.
“Should I be hurt or worried that Mia’s in here more than me? She’s not stealing my spot as your favorite, is she?”
I lift my head the second I hear his voice. “Ethan!” I squeal, practically jumping away from the counter and rushing into his arms. He engulfs me in a super tight bear hug as I smile.
“I think I should go on more out-of-town trips if this is the welcome back I get.” I giggle as he pulls away from me, kissing my forehead. “I missed you, babe.”
“I missed you more.” I stand on my tippy toes, planting a kiss on his lips that he returns with equal fervency. By the time we both pull away from the kiss, our foreheads are resting on each other.
“Quick question,” Ethan says.
“Shoot.”
“Marry me.” I pull my face away from him just to be sure he's smiling because I feel it’s a joke.
I blink, searching his face for any sign of teasing. When I find none, my heart starts to pound. “Wait—you’re serious? You don’t even have a ring, Ethan…”
He grins, reaching into his pocket. “Oh, don’t I?”
He completely pulls away from me, and I watch in pure shock as he pulls out a burgundy velvet box from his suit pocket. He opens it, revealing a diamond heart-cut ring. I gasp, my fingers covering my mouth.
“Ethan…” I say, the tears threatening to spill.
“Riley, the last five months have been the best of my life. You make me laugh, challenge me, and remind me what it means to really live. I want to wake up every day knowing you’re by my side,” Ethan says, smiling broadly. “I cannot imagine my life without you in it, Riley. I love you. Let me love you forever, baby. ”
I nod, wiping the tears from my eyes.
“You need to be more vocal,” Ethan teases.
“Yes, city boy! I'll marry you!” I yell as he laughs, carefully slipping the ring onto the fourth finger of my left hand. “But don’t think this means I’ll stop giving you a hard time.”
He chuckles. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
I stare at it for a moment, admiring the sparkle under the store lights. “It’s so beautiful and perfect.”
“Just like you,” he adds.
“I love you.” I smile, kissing him slowly.
When we pull apart, his forehead brushes against mine, and he grins. “I never thought moving to Bardstown would give me everything I didn’t know I was looking for.”
I laugh softly, brushing a hand against his cheek. “And I never thought I’d end up saying yes to a city boy… but you’re the one thing I never knew I needed.”
“Well, lucky for me, you have a thing for charming Yankees.” He winks.
I smirk, slipping my arms around his neck. “Only one. The rest are still up for debate.”
His laugh echoes through the quiet store, and as he pulls me close again, I realize that for all the twists and turns, this is exactly where we were meant to end up—together.
T HE END.
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