Epilogue
Caroline
I stood in the narrow hallway of the sanctuary, listening to the gentle strains of the organ as it drifted through the closed doors leading into the chapel. It was Valentine’s Day—a year to the day since Knox saved my life and Linzie’s at the middle school dance—and I could hardly believe what had happened since then. My heart thudded so loudly against my ribs that I wondered if my father could hear it through my wedding gown.
He was next to me, trying to maintain a calm expression, but I could see the tears gathering in his eyes. We hadn’t always seen eye to eye—especially not when he first heard that I was seeing Knox Slater, “the convicted criminal”—but everything had changed after Knox risked his life for me and Linzie. Now, one year later, I was about to walk down the aisle on my father’s arm to marry the man he once called dangerous. How life had turned around.
I thought back to how the school had reacted after Knox tackled that armed man who threatened us. People in Hope Peak, so quick to judge, had started calling Knox a hero. I remembered how unsettled he felt by that word—hero—how he insisted he had only done what anyone would have. Still, the label stuck. Folks stopped whispering about his prison record and started thanking him for saving not only my life and his sister’s but perhaps dozens more if that situation had spiraled out of control. The story spread, and for the first time, I saw the town’s judgment of Knox begin to soften. He handled it all with a quiet humility that made me prouder of him every day.
Standing there in my lace wedding gown, I recalled how my parents finally apologized to Knox. They had realized that his actions weren’t motivated by recklessness or bravado, but by genuine love and a willingness to protect the people he cared about. After that, they embraced our relationship. When I told them we were engaged, my mother actually cried tears of joy and embarrassment, admitting she had been terribly wrong. And my father had approached Knox with a handshake that turned into a rough hug, murmuring thanks for keeping me safe.
My father sniffed, drawing me back to the present. He turned to me with a shaky smile. “Caroline,” he said softly, “I couldn’t be prouder of the woman you’ve become—and I’m grateful to Knox for helping you find the courage to be yourself.” He dabbed at his eyes with the corner of a handkerchief, then cleared his throat. “Ready?”
I nodded, emotion clogging my throat. “Yes, Dad. I’m ready.”
He offered me his arm, and as I looped mine through it, I tried not to tremble. The doors opened, revealing rows of pews packed with people, but my gaze went immediately to the front, where Knox stood. Linzie was at his side in a pale silver bridesmaid dress, and the reverend waited by the altar, smiling gently. My breath caught at the sight of Knox wearing a sleek charcoal suit, standing tall. So handsome, I thought, hardly believing he was the same man who used to carry the weight of his past like a heavy burden on his shoulders.
He looked up, locked eyes with me, and a slow, wondrous smile spread across his face. Everything else fell away—the murmurs from the crowd, the faint chords of the organ. All I felt was that deep pull toward him. It reminded me of the first time we admitted our feelings, how he dropped his guard to show me the man beneath the tattoos. That sense of awe never left me, even as our relationship grew stronger than I’d ever imagined.
Step by measured step, my father walked me down the aisle. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mira and Colt in the front row, Mira giving me a cheeky grin. Tessa and Ryder were on the other side, with Levi and his family filling up half a pew. Some of my colleagues from the middle school waved discreetly, and a handful of my current and former students beamed with excitement, clearly thrilled to witness their teacher’s wedding. The memory of that terrifying dance last Valentine’s Day flickered in my mind, but I forced it away. Today was about love and new beginnings.
As we reached the altar, Dad let out a shaky breath and turned to Knox. My father had tears shining in his eyes. “Knox,” he said quietly, voice trembling, “I’m sorry I ever doubted you. I was wrong. I see how much you love my daughter, how far you’ve come. I’m honored to entrust her future to you now.”
Knox swallowed, his own gaze turning misty. “Thank you, sir,” he managed, clasping my father’s hand. “I promise I’ll take care of her, love her…always.”
My heart squeezed at the sincerity in his tone. Dad nodded, then placed my hand in Knox’s. With that gesture, he gave me a small, encouraging smile and stepped aside. Now, it was just me and Knox, standing before everyone and God.
Linzie sniffled beside her brother, her cheeks damp with tears. Once moody and withdrawn, she had blossomed after receiving proper academic accommodations for her dyslexia, pouring her newfound confidence into art, even winning a state competition with a piece she’d sketched of the Montana mountains. Now she was volunteering every weekend at the local animal shelter—her love for animals shining through. It’s amazing what hope and belief can do, I thought with a wave of tenderness.
The reverend welcomed everyone, and I felt Knox’s hand tighten around mine. After everything—my parents’ reservations, the town’s gossip, the rival from his old gang who threatened our lives—Knox and I had survived. No, we’d thrived. Late last year, around Thanksgiving, he’d nervously proposed to me, stammering through a heartfelt speech about second chances and how I’d helped him see life’s possibilities. I’d said yes before he could even finish.
Now, in front of our loved ones, we were making it official. The minister spoke about love overcoming adversity, about trust and redemption, and my face was wet with tears. When Knox repeated his vows, his voice quivered, revealing how deeply he also felt this moment.
When it was my turn, I spoke every word of my vows with absolute conviction. I vowed to stand by him in storms and sunshine, to celebrate his triumphs and comfort him in setbacks. He squeezed my fingers, eyes brimming with tears that mirrored my own.
Finally, the reverend smiled. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
The applause and cheers erupted across the sanctuary as Knox cupped my cheek and then leaned in, his voice dropping to a murmur only I could hear. “Happy Valentine’s Day, my love,” he said before he kissed me.