Epilogue
A melia–one week later
The Phantom River flows in the distance, its gentle rush blending with the murmur of laughter and conversation. The old barn has been transformed, strung with fairy lights that cast a golden glow over the weathered wood. The scent of wildflowers fills the air, mingling with the crisp bite of Devil’s Peak in early autumn.
I smooth the front of my dress for the hundredth time, staring at my reflection in the antique mirror that Ridge’s wife, Quinn, lent me. The dress is simple but beautiful—ivory lace with a high neckline and a soft, flowing skirt that feels like a dream against my skin.
“Stop fidgeting,” Indie, King Steele’s wife, teases from where she’s perched on the old loveseat. “You look perfect, Amelia. If Fox doesn’t drop to his knees when he sees you, he’s an idiot.”
I laugh, but my hands keep smoothing. “Thanks, Indie. But Fox isn’t exactly the drop-to-his-knees type.”
Emma, Slate Warner’s wife, pokes her head into the room, her blue eyes sparkling. “You’d be surprised. He’s been pacing like a caged animal out there, muttering about how he doesn’t deserve you.”
My heart skips. Fox, pacing? That’s new.
“He’s got it bad,” Emma adds with a grin. “Now hurry up. The man looks like he’s about to tear down the barn if we don’t start soon.”
I glance at the mirror one last time and take a steadying breath. This isn’t just a wedding. It’s a new beginning. A home.
The barn doors creak open, and the chatter hushes. My heels click against the wooden floor as I step out, and the world seems to pause. Fox stands at the end of the aisle, looking every bit the rugged, grumpy mountain man who stole my heart.
His black suit is tailored but understated, his tie slightly askew like he couldn’t be bothered to fix it. His dark hair is combed back, but the faint shadow of stubble on his jaw softens the edges. And those eyes—stormy, intense, locked on me like I’m the only person in the world.
My heart pounds as I walk toward him. Every step feels like closing a chapter of uncertainty and opening one filled with promise. My dad sits in the first row, wiping tears from his eyes. We’ve had a few conversations in the days since Fox spoke to him, and while our relationship is far from healed, it’s on the path to it.
When I reach Fox, he takes my hand, his grip firm but trembling slightly. His voice is a low rumble. “You look like a damn angel.”
“And you look like you were dragged here against your will,” I tease, my voice soft but playful.
The corner of his mouth quirks up. “Only because I don’t deserve this. You. Any of it.”
Before I can respond, the officiant clears his throat, and the ceremony begins.
Later, under the glow of the fairy lights, Fox pulls me aside, away from the laughter and clinking glasses. The river sparkles in the moonlight, and the barn’s music fades into the background.
“You’re quiet,” I say, tilting my head to study him.
He leans against an old wooden fence, his hands stuffed into his pockets. “Just thinking.”
“About what?”
“About how I got here.” His gaze drops to the ground, his voice low. “About how much of a bastard I was before you came along. And how much better you make me.”
I step closer, placing a hand on his chest. His heart beats steadily under my palm. “You weren’t a bastard, Fox. You were just... guarded. I get it. I’ve been there too.”
He lets out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “You make it sound so simple. But it’s not. I’ve been carrying this weight for so long, Amelia. Regrets, mistakes... I didn’t think I deserved to feel happy again. But then you show up, messy and chaotic, turning my life upside down.”
“I prefer adventurous,” I correct, a small smile tugging at my lips.
His eyes meet mine, soft and unguarded in a way that takes my breath away. “You’re everything I didn’t know I needed.”
I lean up, pressing a kiss to his lips. “And you’re not so bad yourself, Fox Miller. Even if you are a grump.”
He pulls me closer, his arms wrapping around me as he rests his forehead against mine. His kiss is slow and deliberate, stealing my breath and sealing our vows.
The reception is a blur of laughter, teasing, and dancing. Zane gives a toast that has everyone in stitches, recounting how Fox once swore he’d never get married.
“And yet, here we are,” Zane says, raising his glass. “Turns out, all it took was the right woman to break down his walls.”
Fox grumbles something under his breath, but his hand finds mine, squeezing gently.
Grady leans over, smirking. “Guess you’re officially one of us now, Amelia. Welcome to the chaos.”
I laugh, feeling the warmth of their acceptance. These men, this town, this life—it’s more than I ever dreamed of.
As the night winds down, Fox and I steal away to the riverbank. The air is cool, the sound of the water soothing. I kick off my heels, letting the soft grass tickle my feet.
Fox sits beside me, his arm draped over my shoulders. “You happy?” he asks, his voice gruff but tinged with vulnerability.
I rest my head against him, my fingers lacing with his. “Happier than I’ve ever been.”
He presses a kiss to my hair, his voice a low whisper. “Me too, Amelia. Me too.”
Our foreheads touch, his lips barely grazing against mine. “Still can’t believe you said yes.”
My cheeks flush a deep shade of crimson at his words, and I sheepishly look away. He gently wipes the happy tears from my face, making me cherish every moment with him even more. “I guess I did say that,” I murmur.
His grin widens, “I love seeing you flustered and declaring your feelings for me.” He leans in to kiss me tenderly. “I've loved you since the moment you and your pussy turned my world upside down.”
“Are you sure about that?” She giggles.
“Maybe you need a reminder.”
“I might need a few reminders,” I whisper seductively in his ear. His erection twitches against me at my words.
“I'm happy to give daily reminders,” he murmurs back.
We stand there in comfortable silence, no words left to say as he shows me how much I mean to him.
“I can't believe how deeply you sank yourself inside of my soul the first time we met, Mrs. Miller.” He holds my face in his hands, placing soft kisses along my hairline and over my closed eyelids.
My arms wrap around his waist, my fingers tracing the skin just above the waistband of his jeans, sending shivers through my body. Our connection is undeniable and I’ve never felt this way with anyone before.
“I still can’t believe you said yes,” he groans.
“You know I'm wild and chaotic, right? My organizational skills are nonexistent,” I giggle.
He just laughs and pulls me closer. “I want your beautiful chaos in my life, baby. With you here, it won't just be a house, it will be a home.”
I shake my head in disbelief but can't hide the smile on my face. I nod and say those four small words that crack open my heart: “I love you, Fox.”
“Thank you,” he whispers, his voice filled with emotion. “You could have walked away from us earlier, but you stayed with a grumpy old mechanic.”
Tears of joy form in my eyes as I push them away and nod again. “My grumpy old caveman mechanic.” I grin, my heart feeling whole again.
“I love you with every breath in me...even if you are a roommate from hell. Nothing about you could push me away. You’re mine. Forever.”