Epilogue - Stephanie
April—four months later
“Right there, perfect!” I clicked the shutter button, its rapid purr a familiar friend. Checking my screen, I scrolled through the shots to make sure I’d captured enough before changing positions.
The heady aromatic smell of lilacs hung heavily around us as the late-April breeze mussed my curls, tickling my cheek. I inhaled deeply, savouring the scent of my favourite flowers. Pity they bloomed for such a short time.
I refocused on my subjects. “All right, face each other. Paisley, wrap your arms around Greyson’s neck.
Grey, place your hands on Paisley’s hips.
” The evening sun diffused through the maple leaves overhead, giving a soft, golden-hour glow to the pictures.
This copse of trees with an old wooden swing was my favourite part of the Satterfield property.
It had always screamed romance to me. Perfect for a wedding. Or an engagement. Focus!
My models complied, looking absolutely adorable.
Nash had surprised me with a spontaneous trip to Serenity Springs, Idaho, to visit friends for the weekend, and I was itching to whip out my camera.
Paisley and Greyson were my willing—or mostly willing, since they were both camera shy—test-run models.
Getting to shoot my bestie and her husband filled my heart.
Paisley had had a rough go of life but watching her throw her head back with laughter as Greyson whispered something in her ear was a precious honour as a photographer.
And being back in Idaho fed my soul. I was back with my people.
Once I’d called it home-away-from-home, and in a way, it still was.
But in the last five months, I’d found home had shifted from a place to a person.
Spokane was truly home because Nash was there.
I was four months into my photography career, and just last month, Nash and I started a hunt for my replacement as a PA.
Bookings had skyrocketed, and I’d settled into my rhythm in shooting and editing.
From family shoots to senior graduations to engagements, I’d found my footing.
For now, weddings were a no-go, at least not without a second shooter. But I was happy.
“Give her a kiss—no making out!” I called.
Paisley shot me a disapproving look, one I was sure she’d honed the use of as a librarian. “Do we look like Myles and Juliet?”
I laughed. “Touché. Carry on.” I snapped a few more candid shots before taking another sneak peek at the screen.
“Can we finish our shots on the back-porch swing?” Paisley asked, beaming up at Greyson. “We had our first kiss there.”
“And several more after that,” Greyson said quietly, smirking.
Paisley’s face flushed and she laughed, swatting his chest. Almost four years into marriage, they still had that spark and banter. I loved that for them.
“Of course. Let’s go!” I glanced around. “Wait, I left my bag at the swing. I’ll meet you there in a few.”
Hand in hand, Paisley and Greyson headed for the house, whispering. I glanced over my shoulder and saw him reach for her hand, pressing a kiss to her temple before they disappeared around the bend. Something was up, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
Hurrying to the rustic swing, I nestled the camera into my bag.
It was easier to transport that way since I’d have to change my lens at the porch, and I didn’t want to do that right here and risk any floating dust particles.
I ran a hand over the braided old rope. Still sturdy.
I’d spent countless hours on this swing whenever I was in town.
Thinking. Praying. Daydreaming. I zipped the bag and straightened, pausing a moment to breathe in the fragrant perfume of lilacs.
“Steph?”
I yelped, whirling around with a hand on my heart as Nash stepped out from behind a tree. “Jeepers, you’ve got to stop that!”
He chuckled apologetically. “You’re pretty cute when you’re scared.”
I snorted. “Maybe, but that jolt to my blood pressure may lead to fainting.” It had, one time in the office. And I wasn’t about to let him forget it. “Why are you here? I thought you were waiting for me at the house. Got tired of Cal’s hockey lingo? I know you’re secretly fangirling,” I teased.
Nash smiled and cleared his throat.
Was he… nervous? I’d only seen him wear that expression once before—on launch day for Genesis’s new software program in January.
But we’d been successful. Wait. “Did something happen with the lawsuit with Nova?” Panic licked through my veins.
“I thought it was a straightforward case, especially with other victim companies working with us?”
“Steph.” My name was a caress in his low timbre, and it stilled my ramblings. “Everything’s fine. That’s not why I’m here.”
“Oh?”
He stepped towards me, taking my hand in his. The dappled sun highlighted the reddish tints in his dark hair only visible in certain light. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he smiled down at me. “I’ve got another bargain for you, sweetheart.”
“Should I feel special?” I quipped. “You kept making deals with Italia’s after all.” We’d been back to the Italian restaurant where we’d had our first official date a few times, and we’d been eating our way through the menu. But the lobster ravioli was still my favourite.
Nash smirked, dimple popping. “This is an exclusive deal, so it’s special all right.” Releasing my hand, he sank down on one knee and opened a ring box.
Where had he hidden that? My hands flew to my mouth. This was real. It was happening. “Nash,” I whispered hoarsely.
He smiled up at me tenderly, a steady presence. “Stephanie Addams, you are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I’ve loved you for years. Will you do me the honour of being my wife so I can love you for a lifetime?”
Cue the waterworks. I sniffed, swiping at a tear that pushed past my defenses.
And once again, no waterproof mascara in sight.
“Yes! Yes, of course I’ll marry you!” I threw myself into his arms, landing on his knee.
Half laughter and half tears shook my frame as he held me tightly.
“Thank you,” I whispered against his neck.
Nash pulled back slightly and held the ring box out. I peered at the ring for the first time since I was paying more attention to the man than the ring in the actual moment. It was exactly what I’d dreamed of. A single circular diamond solitaire set in a silver band. Classic and elegant.
“It’s perfection,” I breathed as he slid the ring over the knuckle of my left ring finger. A perfect fit. No doubt my friends were to thank for that.
Nash lifted my hand wearing his ring to his lips, pressing a kiss there. “I love you.”
I looped my arms around his neck, gazing into those rich, soulful eyes, overflowing with love and emotion.
For me. I’d spent my life trying to feel accepted and wanted, only to find a man whose steadfast, present nature was beyond what I’d ever dreamed.
“And I love you. Forever and always.” Feeling impish, I added, “Shake on it?” I held out my hand to shake, like we’d sealed our previous bargains.
Nash ignored my proffered hand and his dimple deepened with mischief. “I can think of a better way to seal the deal, darlin’.” And he kissed me, long and slow. Full of promises.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I smiled into the kiss. I was home.