34. Epilogue
Epilogue
Sam
The ocean breeze greets me as I pull into the driveway of the beach house, its salty tang filling my senses. And today, it feels more like home than ever.
I think back over this last year and all the changes. Jeb’s confession to the police confirmed that Derrick had been pulling the strings all along, driven by his bruised ego and grudge against Cass. Jeb admitted to taking payments to sabotage our performances. Neither he nor Derrick intentionally wanted anyone to get hurt, but that didn’t stop the police from pressing charges.
The band has soared to new heights since then. Emily’s strategy of spotlighting each member has paid off in spades. Fans are more invested than ever, not just in the music but in us as individuals. Luke, Vince, and Nate have embraced the attention, though Vince still grumbles about social media, and Cass is proud of what we’ve built together.
I step out of the truck, the gravel crunching beneath my shoes. Entering the house, I walk through the living room, and the sight of Emily and little Presley on the back deck makes me stop and smile. The perfect picture of everything I never knew I needed. My family. My heart.
Emily’s sitting on the chair, Presley cradled in her arms. Our daughter’s red fuzz of hair catches the last rays of the setting sun. Her tiny fists curling and uncurling as she reaches upward.
“Hey,” I call softly, sliding open the glass door.
Emily looks up, her face breaking into a radiant smile. “Hey, there. Presley, look, Daddy’s home.”
Crouching beside them, I press a swift kiss to Emily’s forehead and one to Presley’s soft head. Her baby scent—a delicate mix of powder and innocence fills my chest with an aching tenderness.
“She’s perfect,” I whisper, tracing a finger over Presley’s tiny hand.
“She gets that from me,” Emily teases, though her voice is warm.
“No arguments here.” I chuckle, sliding into the chair beside her. Then, proudly, “Just remember I’m the one who named her.”
“Yes, even her name is perfect,” Emily admits. Then, with an eye roll. “I’m just thankful you didn’t name her Elvis.”
We share a soft laugh as I lean back against my chair, my eyes on the horizon.
The house is quieter than usual, with most of our things packed and ready for the trip to my dad’s farm. It was Emily’s idea to spend a couple of weeks there, introduce Presley to her grandpa, and enjoy the slower pace of life.
“You sure you’re up for the farm?” I ask, my tone teasing.
Emily smiles. “I survived the tour bus with you. I think I can handle the horses and cows again.”
“Fair point,” I concede, taking her free hand in mine.
We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, the sound of waves crashing against the shore the perfect backdrop.
“She’s amazing, isn’t she?” I ask, breaking the quiet.
“Yes,” Emily tilts her head, a playful glint in her eye. “And I can tell she’s already a daddy’s girl.”
“Is that true, Presley?” I ask in a sing-song voice as our baby girl gives me a huge, toothless grin. “Do you love your daddy?”
Emily gently hands our small daughter to me. Emily’s expression is serene as she leans closer, kissing my lips. It’s sweet, unhurried, and full of tenderness.
“I love you, Sam Ryder,” she murmurs softly against my lips.
“Good,” I say, grinning. “Because I feel the same about you, Cupcake.”
Presley stirs in my arms, her little face scrunching up in a yawn that makes my heart swell.
“Looks like someone’s ready for bed,” Emily says, standing with practiced ease.
I follow her inside and up the stairs, carefully placing Presley in the crib. The soft yellow nursery is now the heart of our home, and I'm struck by how perfectly they fit into my life—how they've filled spaces I didn't even know were empty.
When Presley is finally asleep, I pull Emily securely into my arms. She rests her head against my chest.
“You know, sometimes, the best things in life come from unexpected beginnings. Our Vegas wedding might have seemed impulsive, but it led us exactly where we were meant to be,” I whisper softly, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. “We’ve got a pretty great life.”
Emily looks up at me, her eyes shining with love. “Yes, we do.”
Standing here, holding her close, our daughter sleeping peacefully nearby, I think about the journey that brought us here—all the twists and turns, the doubts and fears, the love and laughter.
It was a winding road, but every detour, every fear, every obstacle led me to this moment, to the woman now nestled in my arms, my forever.
And I know, without a doubt, that I’ll spend the rest of my life showing Emily just how much she means to me.
She’s my wife, the mother of my child—and she holds my heart. And always will.
The End.