Epilogue
Rosie
One year later
“Look at her. Our girl is gorgeous, isn’t she?” Sylvia crowed, taking in Emma in the stunning wedding dress the three of them
had picked out in Portland months ago. Rosie’s heart swelled with joy as she adjusted Emma’s veil.
“Oh, sweetheart. You look absolutely beautiful,” Rosie whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Emma turned to face her mother and grandmother, her own eyes shining. “I can’t believe this day is finally here.”
Rosie cupped her daughter’s face gently. “Your dad would be so happy to see you marrying a good man like Bryce. He would be
so proud of the woman you’ve become.”
A moment of understanding passed between them, healing old wounds and forgiving past mistakes. They embraced, careful not
to wrinkle Emma’s gown.
Sylvia, not to be left out, wrapped her arms around both of them, making Emma laugh and hug her grandmother.
When Rosie pulled away, she looked out the window of her house toward the flower-covered arbor where Emma and Bryce would
shortly exchange vows overlooking the Pacific.
She spotted Olive in her flower girl dress sitting by Zara and Finn, the three of them with their heads together, probably
concocting some mischief or other.
Her heart warmed at the sight of her granddaughter laughing with Andrew’s children. Then she saw him, tall, handsome and hers, saying something to the children, who laughed in response.
After chatting for a while, he ushered Olive back inside, most likely for her to get ready for the bridal procession. As they
walked inside, the little girl let go of Andrew’s hand and immediately rushed to her mother. “You look like a princess, Mama.”
Emma hugged her daughter, who couldn’t be happier to be gaining a new stepfather in Bryce.
Rosie went to Andrew’s side, seeking his steadying presence.
“Everything okay with the bride?”
“She’s nervous. I’m nervous. We’re all nervous, except maybe Olive.”
Andrew’s eyes softened as he took in the sight of her. “No matter how lovely a bride Emma will be,” he murmured, “she doesn’t
hold a candle to her mother.”
He leaned in and kissed her softly, making Rosie’s heart swell with love.
The past year had been a time of healing and growth for both of them. Andrew’s latest book had stayed on bestseller lists
for months, and the second movie made from The Starbound Chronicles books had been an even bigger hit than the first.
He and the children had already made Stormhaven a home. The house was elegant and graceful but it was no showplace. It was
filled with school calendars and toy clutter and a media room that was the envy of all their friends.
The bookstore renovation was done as well. Rosie had overseen the work herself, with input from Emma, Bryce and Sylvia. Newly
reopened, The Rainy Day Bookshop was now bright and spacious, a haven for everyone in town.
She loved running it—and loved more seeing Bryce and Emma thrive under the challenge of taking over most of the operations of Lucas Construction.
Everything was perfect.
Well, almost perfect.
Rosie’s mind drifted to the burning question Andrew had posed to her a month ago, the one she had asked him to put on hold
until after Emma and Bryce were married.
Now, with her daughter about to walk down the aisle, the time felt right.
“Do you remember that question you asked me on the beach last month?” she began.
Andrew froze, then his eyes gleamed with mischief. “Hmm. I think so. Didn’t I ask whether you wanted to go out for Chinese
or Indian food?”
Rosie made a face at his teasing. “Ha ha, no. The other one. I told you I wanted to wait until after Emma and Bryce were married
before I gave you my answer. They’re not quite married yet, but they will be within the hour. I want to give you my answer
now.”
Andrew’s expression shifted into one of anticipation. “Okay, what will it be? Chinese or Indian, then?” he joked, but his
voice held a hint of nervous exhilaration.
“You know what I mean,” Rosie said, her heart racing. “My answer is yes. How could it ever be anything else? I love you with
all my heart. I want to marry you. I want to help you raise Zara and Finn. I want to live in Stormhaven with you. I want to
build a future together.”
His features lit up with delight. With a radiant smile, he pulled Rosie close, kissing her with a tenderness that stole her
breath.
As he drew his head away, Sylvia cleared her throat. “Um, guys? Isn’t this supposed to be Emma’s big day?”
Rosie felt her face heat. “Yes. It is. You’re right. This is her day, and it’s going to be perfect.”
The rest of the day was a whirlwind of emotion and celebration. As Rosie watched Emma and Bryce exchange vows, her hand firmly
clasped in Andrew’s, she didn’t cry. She was too happy for that, filled with a sense of incomparable peace.
While the newlyweds shared their first dance, Rosie leaned into Andrew’s embrace, her heart full to bursting. She knew that
whatever the future held, they would face it together, surrounded by books, laughter and an abundance of love.
*****