Epilogue
HARPER
Isit quietly in the bedroom.
I’ve missed this, the silence of being in the country, the fresh air, nature. I didn’t realise how much until now.
New York is amazing. The shopping, the nightlife… even work. But there’s something magical about coming home. Especially here. The peace and quiet. No car horns, no shouting, the roar of the subway. How had I forgotten?
Sneaking into the house wasn’t hard, especially when no one is expecting me. Secret passages, hidden door keys. Betsy nearly discovered me, but I managed to hide in the wall panel.
The family is all gathered downstairs. It’s not what I was expecting when I came here. Everyone leads such busy lives these days, but I should know. We’re Frazers. With all the children, it’s the more the merrier. I can’t wait to meet the new additions.
My hands drop to my still flat stomach, cradling what I know is nestled and growing deep inside me.
I suck in a shuddering breath. Missing Kat and Jaxson’s wedding was unavoidable, and I’ll forever be grateful to Pen for making it possible for me to attend.
Seeing everyone laughing and smiling together.
Seeing Kat truly happy. Jaxson was always the man for her, even my much younger self could see that. Knew they should be together.
I hear voices approaching in the corridor.
“I love you,” I hear Kat say outside the bedroom. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of saying those words.”
Silence descends, and I cringe.
Kat’s going to kill me, talk about baby sister, passion killer.
The door opens and my sister and a man I’ve loved, like another brother enters. Their arms wrapped around one another, their lips fused.
I click on the bedside light, wanting to stop them before things get too heated. They spring apart, turning sharply.
I get up from the edge of the bed, allowing Kat and Jax to see my face.
“What the… rebel, is that you?” A wide grin lights up her face, as her eyes travel over me, her delight palpable.
She steps forward pulling me into a sisterly bear hug.
“Surprise—” I say, relaxing into her hold and allowing her strength to seep into me, shoving aside the stress of the past couple of months, at least for this one moment. Knowing there’s no more hiding and that I’m going to need all my strength for what’s to come.