Epilogue
The scent of cinnamon and pine filled the air as Zoe stood in her parents’ living room, a mug of cider warming her hands, her heart just as full. Twinkle lights looped around the windows, reflected in the ornaments that trimmed the tree. The fire crackled softly in the hearth.
Ryder had claimed the chair closest. Raime curled against him as he read A Christmas Story for the fifth time.
Laughter rang out from the kitchen as River argued with his mother about the proper ratio of marshmallows to cocoa.
John leaned against the doorway, his gaze sweeping the room as if memorizing every detail.
Zoe turned and smiled.
He crossed to her, slipping his hand into hers with easy familiarity. “We’ve officially survived matching-pajamas hour.”
“Barely,” she murmured, glancing down at the flannel pants covered in tiny snowmen. “River may never forgive me.”
John laughed.
Zoe turned her hand in his, letting the glow of the tree catch on the diamond on her finger. “It’s like…I didn’t know how much I wanted this. All of it. Until I had it.”
She leaned into him as the music from the television shifted to a soft instrumental version of “O Holy Night.” It was all so familiar. So deeply, wonderfully hers.
She glanced around the room and took in the laughter, the warmth, the man beside her and thought of the coin she’d picked up at the fountain. Almost without thinking, she brushed a hand against her pocket where it still rested, a quiet reminder of the wish she’d once made.
She’d wished for a fresh start. To be where she was meant to be.
Her wish had come true.
She was in Good Hope. Where she belonged. Where they belonged.
They would make their home here. Start their life here. Together.
“There are a lot of presents under that tree with your name on them,” John said, smiling. “I’m betting you’ll get exactly what you want this year.”
Zoe grinned, heart full, knowing the best gift of all was already standing beside her, the promise of forever in his eyes.
Thank you for joining John and Zoe on their journey. From the moment John arrived in Good Hope, I knew he was right where he was meant to be…and that he and Zoe would be a perfect match
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Seeing Zoe find her happily ever after is only one of the many reasons I’m enjoying writing this series, which is set ten years after my Good Hope series ended.
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From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading!