Epilogue
Wren
Two Months Later
The day I’ve been waiting for is finally here.
Two weeks ago, Tom and his team finished the renovations on the old barn, and after passing county inspections, we’re ready to host. So today, we are celebrating with a vendor expo.
There’s no better way to welcome a new event center than by having a party with vendors from all over the tri-county area who specialize in weddings and events.
Standing off to the side, I admire the warm light pouring in from every corner, welcoming the early fall sunlight.
Booths line the dining and dance floors, offering opportunities for attendees to learn about different floral arrangements, taste bakery samples, and admire calligraphy on handmade signs and invitations.
I take a few moments for myself, admiring the transformation. The bones of our one-hundred-year-old barn are still here but revitalized with new rustic-modern touches for generations to come.
I rap my knuckles on a century-old beam as I pass by, stepping over the threshold from a side hallway into the main space.
My chest tights as pride blossoms. The realization hits me slowly as I observe the space, watching guests mill around, appreciating the hard work that went into this project.
I’ve faced more challenges than my eighteen-year-old self could have ever imagined.
Heartbreak and loss. Abuse and kidnapping.
A cross-country move…and back. But at the end of the day, I’m fortunate.
I survived. This old barn is a testament to all I’ve overcome.
We did it, Mom.
She’d love it, there’s no doubt in my mind.
Not because it’s beautiful.
But because it’s ours.
I saw her dream and picked up where she left off as if I silently told her I’ve got it from here.
Even without her earthside, I feel closer to her than I have in years. She’s in the details. The warmth in the wood tones. The glimmer from the string lights scattered. The glistening of crystal chandeliers. And most importantly, in the laughter of the people I get to share this space with.
In picking up her journal and seeing her dream written in detail, I discovered we shared the same passion. As much as this business is mine, it’s hers too, and I couldn’t ask for a better business partner. I know she’s going to be guiding me on every path I take from this moment forward.
“This space is incredible, Wren. You should be so proud of yourself,” Julia praises from behind her table. Shoreline Sips set up a refreshment stand near the entrance, providing their delicious coffee, lattes, and tea for guests to sip on as they meander.
I chuckle. “I was thinking the same thing.”
Julia smiles warmly, handing me a paper cup. “Matcha, on the house.”
I wrap my hands around the warm paper cup, the matcha grounding me. We both look over the space as voices ripple and echo gently off the walls. The town showed up in true Silo Bay fashion. We support locals and their businesses, even with gossip walking hand-in-hand.
Let them talk. At the end of the day, people will have their opinions, but they showed up, and that’s all that matters.
A small bundle of pink and pigtails barrels into my legs.
“Cupcake!” a tiny voice shouts.
I laugh, crouching down to be at eye level with the adorable three-year-old.
“Marigold Pierce, where’s your auntie?” I ask as she throws her arms around my neck. I scoop her up before standing, resting her on my hip as I scan the hall.
“Pwease,” Goldie begs, sticking her bottom lip out in an adorable pout.
I tickle her side as her giggle bubbles from her chest. “One more.”
Julia hands Goldie a mini vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting. “Less mess,” she explains with a wink as I thank her.
“There you are,” a familiar voice says as she reaches us. “She snuck away from me.”
“Weny gave me a cupcake,” Goldie tattles on me as her aunt takes her from my hands.
“I see that. Let’s go find your sister.”
Goldie waves goodbye as they walk away. I spot Clem, the youngest Pierce, being wheeled around in her stroller, where a pink balloon is tied to the handle.
I’m still smiling when a shadow falls across me.
“There you are,” a voice I haven’t heard in a while greets me.
I turn and fling my arms around Collin, my lawyer and friend. “You made it.”
“Wouldn't have missed it.” His hug is a little tighter than usual. “I’m glad to see you in this capacity.”
I chuckle as I push him away. Collin’s dressed in an expensive suit, one that doesn’t belong in this barn. His polished shoes shine in the light as his city confidence rolls off him in waves.
“Well, this should be good,” Julia mutters behind us.
I feel the shift in the air before I see him.
Jett appears at my side, one arm sliding around my waist possessively.
“Hey, baby.”
I grin, stifling a laugh. “Jett, this is Collin, my lawyer.”
He chokes a cough, extending a hand. “Shit, man. Nice to meet you.”
The two shake hands and exchange pleasantries, but I’m focused on the news Collin said he had, which he wanted to tell me in person.
“I know you’re busy, but do you think we can talk”—Collin glances around the crowded area—“privately?”
I nod, leading both men toward a side hallway where a small office is situated. The door closes with a snick as Collin pulls out his phone.
“The network agreed with the settlement price you set.”
My eyes widen as a whoosh of air escapes me. “What’s the catch?”
“You sign an NDA.”
Jett grips my shoulder as I shake my head. “I refuse to silence my story.”
A knowing smile tugs at his mouth. “I told them that.”
I quirk my eyebrow, since he’s obviously dragging this out. “Out with it, Collin.”
He huffs a laugh. “They agreed with your second price. You’re free, Wren. The show, the brokerage, all of it. You can walk away clean.”
Relief crashes through me as I slump forward. Jett’s there to keep me standing. “I can’t believe this.”
“Believe it, Wren.” Collin taps away on his phone as a whoosh sounds. “Emailed you everything. Sign it when you get a chance, but everything’s how we wanted it.”
I slip out of Jett’s hold and wrap my arms around Collin’s waist. “Thank you for everything.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t get it done sooner.”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s over.” But something doesn’t feel right. “Why now?”
“Turns out, one of the filming crew members had brought the issue to production, saying he felt like something was happening between you and Elias. Production brushed it off, and when he got footage and took it to the network, they tried to bury it. When the guy heard about your case, he brought me the footage, and I used it against them”
“They knew,” I whisper, voice shaking.
Collin nods. “I’m sorry, Wren.”
“You did everything you could to get me out of it.”
“I promised you I would.” The corners of his mouth tug in a soft smile.
Jett gently pulls me away from Collin, hugging me in celebration. “Stay,” he tells Collin. “Grab a drink and enjoy the fashion show.”
“You never know, you might find love in Silo Bay.”
Collin snorts. “The Midwest isn’t for me.”
I shrug. “You never know.”
The three of us leave the office and move to the main room.
Someone passes me a flute of champagne as I step through the doorway. It’s time to get this party started.
Slipping from Jett’s side, I saunter across the floor and around the makeshift runway. The fashion show will start soon.
“Pumpkin,” Dad’s voice startles me as I turn toward him. “If it’s alright, I’d like to say a few words.”
I had an entire speech planned to welcome everyone, but I’ll let my dad do the announcements.
Clearing his throat, he taps the microphone as feedback sounds on the speakers. “Good afternoon, everyone,” he begins as I step off to the side.
“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Mark Drummond, Wren’s father.” Dad pauses as the crowd claps.
“When Wren arrived back in Silo Bay, I knew she was going to create something magical in our town, but I underestimated the power of my daughter. She approached me with the idea of turning our old barn into an event center. I was a little skeptical, but when she laid out her plans, along with journal entries she’d found of her mother’s, I was impressed at the thought she put into every detail.
“Wren, sweetie, your mother would be incredibly proud of the woman you’ve become.
I know I am. You took heartbreak and turned it into something magical—a place people can gather and celebrate.
Here’s to The Haven.” He begins raising his drink.
“Oh, don’t forget to like and follow us on social media. ”
Laughter erupts as glasses are hoisted into the air. I cannot believe my dad told a room full of people to like our pages. The man doesn’t even have social media.
He steps off the stage, wrapping me in a warm embrace. I wipe my eyes as the lights begin to dim for the fashion show put on by our local boutique, Ember & Ivory.
Dad steps away, mumbling about heading back to the main barn to check on a tractor. But I’m not alone for long. Jett’s at my side as we watch the first model take the stage.
I built something beautiful from a life that tried to break me.
Jett
“Today was incredible.
“So incredible,” Wren says, bouncing in her seat as I shift the truck into drive. “I cannot believe the turnout.”
“I’m proud of you.”
She blushes at my praise.
Her voice fills the cab as she rides the high of the day.
Every word spills into the next as she recounts her favorite moments.
Vendors had never ending lines. Too many guests to count praised her renovations and gushed over the space, promising to book with her soon.
The runway show featured locals who modeled for Ember & Ivory.
We laugh at her dad encouraging the crowd to like and follow The Haven on social media when the man doesn’t even have the first account.
I soak in every word because seeing her happy is everything to me.
She shined as she worked the room and started taking reservations for new bookings.