Epilogue
Phoenix
One month later
“Don’t forget our dinner plans in a couple of hours.” Lyric called out to me from where he stood on the back porch. I sat back on my heels and wiped the sweat off my brow.
I only moved into his cabin last week and had already started working on the gardens in the backyard.
I planned on starting my own veggies, fruits, and herbs, but first I need to do all the prep work and work on my flower gardens.
I had big plans for the yard and Lyric was supportive of every single one.
“I know! I’ll be ready, don’t worry!” I answered before going back to the tedious work of pulling weeds. But the annoying task didn’t stop my curious thoughts from multiplying and pulling me down a rabbit hole.
Why did Lyric keep reminding me about our dinner tonight? Was it a special occasion or anniversary?
No, I always remembered when our important dates were. But for some reason, he kept reminding me about this dinner. Did he foresee into the future, a version of me forgetting all about our dinner tonight?
I laughed at my needless worrying, thankful that my relationship with Lyric put my mind at ease. At least most of the time.
After spending night after night tucked into his side, I bit the bullet and moved my stuff in, Lyric insisting this wasn’t just his place anymore, but ours.
Amara and Chevelle had lots of laughs and love bite comments when I revealed what was going on with Lyric, though Amara knew way before I told her, through Thane of course.
I missed my parents, but they came to visit, and I called my mom every day, even if it was only a quick five-minute phone call, just to hear her voice and check in.
On my days off when Lyric had to work, I took my parents out to lunch or took my mom shopping.
I also spent time with Gran, as she loved to teach me her recipes.
“That way, when I’m gone, I’ll know my grandson is being well fed. ”
“Gran! Stop that!” Lyric scolded her, the topic of death not one he liked to entertain. Not that any of us did.
“That boy needs to come to terms with it already. I’ll be dead soon. So be it.” Gran waved her hand towards the living room and slung a kitchen towel over her shoulder.
“I think it bothers him to think of life without you here. Can you really blame him? You’re a peach, Gran.” I rubbed her shoulder and when she pulled me in for a hug, I held her close. She made me feel comfortable like Lyric did, both of them such kind, sweet, and caring humans.
Before I knew it, an hour had passed, and I needed to hurry if I was going to be ready on time. It didn’t take me long to clean up, with a quick shower and dab of makeup, and I was ready to go.
“Hey, gorgeous.” Lyric said as he strode into the bedroom and took me into his arms. “You look stunning as always.”
“Thank you, handsome. You’re not so bad yourself.”
He took my hand in his and led me outside to his truck. After a long drive, Lyric pulled up next to a lake. A large lodge loomed in the distance, and I wondered if the restaurant was in there.
But he didn’t take me there. Instead, he walked me towards the lake, a candlelight dinner waiting for us along the shore.
A trail of rose petals led the way to the table and beside it, rose petals in the shape of a heart laid on the sand.
Inside the heart, was a question, the rose petals shaped into words. Will you marry me?
Tears filled my eyes, and I turned to find Lyric down on one knee, a small ring box in his hands.
“It’s only been a couple of months, but I’ve never been more of sure of anything in my life before. I love you, Phoenix. With all my heart. Please marry me and be my wife.”
I dropped to my knees in the sand, my sobs breaking free as I choked on my tears, more dripping down my cheeks and off my chin. “Yes, yes, yes, of course I’ll marry you. Of course I’ll marry you. I love you so much.”
Lyric slid the huge diamond on my left ring finger, and we fell into each other’s arms right there in the sand, oblivious to the world around us.
My happy ending was here, and I planned on savoring every second, forever and ever, with my tall, dark, and handsome mountain man.
THE END