Epilogue
It seemed spring had arrived early this year. The sun glimmered on the water as Jenna and Tyson guided their kayaks across
the channel. Their paddles sluiced quietly through the water, propelling them toward Assateague. She relished the delicious
warmth on her skin after the long, cold winter—their second together.
Three months after she’d returned to the island, Tyson proposed. Why wait when they’d already known each other for years?
He popped the question as they sat cuddled on the beach, enjoying a magnificent sunrise. They had the moment all to themselves.
His words sank soul-deep, the ring was just to her taste, and the look in his eyes was everything a woman could dream of.
When it was the right man, the right moment, there was no doubt. No confusion. No panic. Just perfect peace and a beautiful,
buoyant hope for the future.
They’d married last year, right before the season kicked off, in a small beach ceremony. It was a perfect May evening, mild
temperatures with a gentle breeze coming off the water. Ty was so handsome in his suit. In front of the small gathering he
held her hands and recited his vows, his eyes only for her. She reflected on that day often. On their amazing connection and
their beautiful love born of friendship.
She was grateful for it every day. She’d moved into his place and was content in their comfy little nest—for now. But they’d recently begun talking about finding a new home—something with more space.
They’d settled into new routines. Tyson worked long hours at the B and B during the season. When tourism slowed down he took
more calls from the fire company. Jenna’s counselor had helped her work through her fears. She still got nervous when Ty was
called out on a fire. But she was able to manage her anxiety, and Ty was so patient with her.
As for Jenna’s business, Coastal Currents kept her very busy during tourist season. She loved the work. And while some days
kept her tied up in the office, she made sure she spent the majority of her time doing what she loved—sharing the story of
her beloved island and its wild ponies. She was currently anticipating the end of the year when the business would be all
hers.
Winters on the island were slow, but she’d started a community volleyball league last year, which was already quite popular.
Her mom and Gordon had even joined—they’d gotten married five months after Ty and Jenna. Gordon had sold his DC home to his
sister and become a full-time islander. Jenna was thrilled to see her mom happily settled again.
As Ty and Jenna neared the shore, she swept her gaze over the salt marsh. Back in the trees she spotted two ponies from Dream’s
band.
“There’s Dream,” Ty said.
The white pony emerged from the woods, her tail almost glowing as the sun shone through it. The sight of her never failed
to take Jenna’s breath away. Never failed to make her think fondly of her father and remember his love for these ponies—and
for her.
“Angel has to be around here somewhere,” Ty said.
Two years ago when the Parkers realized Dream’s foal had been selected as a buyback pony, they set their hearts on the filly.
The brothers’ bet money was put to good use.
The foal went for almost five thousand dollars—but Jenna, her mom, and Gordon were happy to chip in.
And Jenna was touched when the Parkers wanted to name the pony for her dad—Allen’s Angel.
Angel recently gave birth to her first foal—a real surprise since the Chincoteague fillies didn’t typically foal until their
third or fourth year. Ty and Jenna had been driving to the island each day for a few weeks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the
foal. They didn’t always find the band, but they’d had pretty good luck recently.
As they reached the shore, Jenna let her kayak drift into the marsh and Ty came to a stop beside her. She whipped out the
binoculars, adjusted the focus, and scanned the area around Dream. She spotted the band’s stallion and another mare farther
off. But no sign of—
“Jenna, look.”
At his eager tone she lowered the binoculars and followed his gaze to a copse of trees less than fifty yards away. Angel emerged
from the grove—and right behind her, a spindly-legged foal. Jenna sucked in her breath at the sight of the adorable pinto.
“Aw, Ty, look at her.”
“She’s a beauty. Got her mama’s markings and her grandma’s mane and tail.”
Jenna grinned from ear to ear as Dream made her way over to the pair. The foal tottered around its mama, short tail flicking.
She and Ty watched the three generations in silence as the foal approached Angel and began nursing. Dream grazed contentedly
nearby.
Of its own volition, Jenna’s hand went to her tummy. She’d planned on telling Tyson tonight after his favorite meal. But this
seemed like the perfect moment. She grabbed his hand and pulled his kayak closer.
His gaze sharpened on her face. “What is it?”
She paused a beat. “Angel isn’t the only one having a baby.”
Surprise flashed in his eyes just before a smile split his face. “Really? You’re pregnant? Are you sure?”
Her laughter resulted from pure joy. “I’m sure. We have been trying—quite diligently, I might add—for a few months now.”
“Oh, honey.” He grabbed her face and kissed her sweetly. Then he stared into her eyes, remnants of shock and awe lingering
there. “You’re pregnant. We’re gonna have a baby.”
“That’s generally what that means.”
“Jenna . . . It’s just . . . you’ve made me so happy.” He breathed a laugh. “I didn’t think I could be any happier, but I
actually am.”
She took in his big grin and the adoring way he looked at her. “Me too. We’re due mid-December—during the slow season, just
like we hoped.” Jenna would stay home with the baby in the offseason, then her mom would retire to take care of the baby while
Jenna worked.
“Best Christmas gift ever.” Tyson set his hand on her still-flat tummy, staring at her in wonder. “I can’t wait to meet our
baby. You’re going to be a wonderful mom, Jen.” His lips tipped up in a dreamy smile. “I hope it’s a little girl with her
mama’s brown eyes. Fair warning: I plan to spoil her rotten.”
“Hmm. Maybe we should root for a boy.”
“Honestly, I don’t care which it is—so long as we’re in this together.” His expression sobered as his eyes grew intense. “I
keep thinking back to that summer. I thought becoming more than friends was such a big risk. But falling in love with you
was the best thing I ever did.”
Jenna melted at his words as she cupped his face. “Oh, Ty. I love you.” And then, right there in the sun-dappled water, saltwater
breezes skating across her skin, she gave him a kiss that showed him just how much.