EPILOGUE
The scent of fresh roses and lavender drifts through my florist shop as I finish tying the last ribbon around a bouquet for a wedding order.
Soft light filters through the front windows, illuminating the shop with a warm glow, making the colorful flowers seem even more vibrant.
Glancing around at my bustling store, my dream finally realized, I smile. Everything feels right.
It’s been six months since Mike’s proposal, and our lives have fallen into an easy, wonderful rhythm. The shop is thriving, the town has rallied around us in support, and Mike and I… well, we’re as in love as ever.
Maybe even more.
The bell over the door chimes, and I look up, expecting a customer. Instead, Mike strides in, looking every bit the rugged rancher, his strong frame filling the space as he grins at me.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he says, leaning against the counter, arms crossed in that casual way that makes my heart flip every single time.
I raise a brow. “Aren’t you supposed to be checking the fences today?”
He shrugs. “Delegated.”
“Thank goodness for Pete,” I say, rolling my eyes. I laugh. “You just wanted an excuse to come see me.”
“Guilty,” he admits, reaching over to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His touch sends warmth spiraling down my spine, just like it always does.
B., the kitten, now much bigger but still just as mischievous, jumps up onto the counter and rubs against Mike’s hand. He gives her a few scratches behind the ears before nodding toward the back of the shop.
“I’ve got something for you,” he says.
“Oh?” I tilt my head, intrigued.
He jerks his thumb over his shoulder. “Come outside.”
I follow him through the shop, past the floral arrangements, the twinkling fairy lights, and the shelves of potted herbs, stepping into the small back garden where we keep the greenhouse.
And there, standing in the middle of it all, is a new wooden sign, freshly carved and mounted on the fence.
Flourish Floral: Proud Supporter of the Junction Falls Animal Shelter
I cover my mouth, emotion tightening my throat. “Mike…”
He slides his hands into his pockets, looking just a little too pleased with himself. “Thought it was about time we made it official. A portion of the shop’s sales will go toward the shelter, helping them with supplies and medical costs.”
I turn to him, love swelling so big in my chest I feel like I might burst. “You did this for me?”
He shakes his head. “No. I did it for us.”
As we head back inside the shop, Mike leans against the counter and grins like he’s got something else up his sleeve.
I narrow my eyes. “What?”
“Oh, just thinking,” he says. “Now that I’ve got my happily-ever-after, might be time to help a few others find theirs.”
I stare at him. “You? The guy who used to say romance was a distraction?”
“Times change,” he smirks.
I cross my arms. “Who exactly do you think needs matchmaking?”
Mike straightens. “Nathan, for one. That guy spends too much time working. He needs someone to shake things up.”
I snort. “Nathan has a cat. He’s fine.”
“And Pete,” Mike continues, undeterred. “He’s been single too long.”
“Oh my word,” I burst into laughter, shaking my head. “You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, I’m gonna rope Ellie into helping me out with this side project.” Mike wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close, his voice low in my ear. “What can I say? Being in love is pretty great.”
My laughter fades into something softer, warmer, as I look up at him. “Yeah. It really is.”
That evening, I curl up in our cozy living room, flipping through the box of my grandmother’s letters. The fireplace crackles softly, casting flickering shadows across the walls.
Mike sits beside me, his arm draped around my shoulders, B. curled up in his lap. I pull out one last letter, one I must’ve missed before.
My dearest Becky,
"Love is not about perfection. It’s about choosing each other every single day, even when things aren’t easy. It’s about finding someone who makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. Trust in that, and love will always find its way back to you."
I close my eyes, letting the words settle deep inside me.
Mike presses a kiss to my temple, his voice soft. “What did it say?”
I smile, resting my head against his shoulder. “That I found exactly what I was meant to.”
He squeezes my hand, and for the first time in my life, I don’t feel uncertain about what comes next.
Because this—this love, this life, this town—is exactly where I belong.
THE END