Epilogue
TRISH
Two Years Later
"You're going to be late for your own party if you don't hurry up," Jake calls from the bedroom of our Crimson Hollow cabin.
"Fashionably late," I counter, applying a final touch of lipstick in the bathroom mirror."It's expected of the guest of honor."
I hear his footsteps approach, then feel the solid warmth of him behind me, his reflection appearing in the mirror as his arms encircle my waist."The bookstore owner might disagree," he says, pressing a kiss to the junction of my neck and shoulder."First signing events tend to start on time."
I turn in his arms, careful not to smudge my makeup."Then stop distracting me with your... everything," I gesture vaguely at his tall form, impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit that emphasizes his broad shoulders and trim waist.
Jake's mouth quirks in that half-smile that still makes my heart skip."I'll be on my best behavior.For now."
The promise in those last two words sends a shiver of anticipation down my spine, but I push it aside for later.Tonight is about my book, the culmination of two years of research, writing, and a complete life transformation that began with a canceled flight and a mysterious ride share driver.
"How do I look?" I ask, stepping back so he can see the full effect of my outfit, a tailored jumpsuit in deep burgundy that manages to be both professional and striking.
"Beautiful," he says simply. "Confident.Ready."
The drive to Crimson Books is brief through the mountain roads that have become home over the past two years.
After Jordyn and Silas's Nevada wedding, Jake surprised me with a proposition:relocate to Crimson Hollow, where the Kane brothers were expanding their business ventures to include a high-end wellness center with a secret, exclusive kink club on the premises.
"Noah Kane needs a security expert who understands discretion," Jake had explained."And Talia, their marketing genius, specifically asked if you might be interested in handling media relations and reputation management."
It was a risk, leaving Toronto, my established career, but now, with mountain views from every window and a community that's embraced us both, I can't imagine living anywhere else.
The bookstore is packed when we arrive, a crowd filling the chairs set up between bookshelves.
I spot familiar faces immediately, Jordyn and Silas who've flown in from Nevada with their six-month-old daughter; Noah Kane standing protectively beside Talia,the other Kane brothers with their respective partners, and even Mrs. Sullivan from Jake's office, beaming with grandmotherly pride.
"You invited everyone," I whisper to Jake, emotion tightening my throat.
"They're family now," he says simply."They should be here."
The signing passes in a blur, reading passages, answering questions, signing copies until my hand cramps.
Through it all, Jake remains a steady presence, sometimes at my side, sometimes circulating through the crowd with the security professional's habit of monitoring a room, but always within sight.
"I have a question," Jordyn says when it's her turn at the signing table, her eyes twinkling."When can we expect the sequel?You know, the one where the intrepid marketing CEO and the billionaire security consultant navigate small-town life, exclusive kink clubs, and building a home together?"
I laugh, signing her copy with a personal message."That one might remain a private edition, just for us."
"Spoilsport," she teases, then lowers her voice."Seriously though, Trish. I'm so proud of you.This book, this life you've built, it's everything you deserve."
"Thanks to a canceled flight and your wedding," I remind her."If either of those things hadn't happened exactly when they did..."
"Fate," Jordyn says confidently, glancing over at Silas."Some journeys are just meant to be."
Hours later, after the last book has been signed and the last guest has departed, Jake and I walk hand in hand through the quiet streets of Crimson Hollow toward our cabin.The night is clear, stars brilliantly visible against the mountain sky, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of pine.
"So," I say finally. "About that private celebration you mentioned earlier..."
Jake's pace subtly quickens. "I have several ideas on that front."
"Care to share with the class?"
He glances down at me, his eyes darkening in a way that still sends heat coursing through me."I was thinking something involving that special room we installed in the basement when we renovated."
"The one with the Saint Andrew's cross and suspension rig?" I clarify, my voice dropping to match his.
"Among other things," he confirms."Unless you had something else in mind?"
I pretend to consider. "Well, I am the guest of honor.I should probably get to choose."
"Absolutely," he agrees easily."Whatever the bestselling author desires."
I stop walking, turning to face him fully, my free hand rising to rest on his chest."I desire you, Jake Winters. Same as I did two years ago in a truck driving down Route 14.Same as I will tomorrow and the next day and however many days we have together."
The simple declaration brings an expression to his face that I treasure, openness and vulnerability that he shows to no one else,a dropping of the controlled mask that still defines him in professional settings.
"Then you shall have me," he says, his voice roughened with emotion."Tonight, and all those tomorrows."
Some journeys change you in ways you neveranticipated.Some detours become destinations more perfect than anything you could haveplanned.And sometimes, the most direct route to happiness is the one you never intended to take atall.
You would never believe how Silas asked Jordyn to do life with him for the rest of her life…