Epilogue
A Few Months Later
Tug stepped off the resort shuttle and took a deep breath of crisp air on the frosty February evening. The two-hour trek even farther north from the Duluth airport hadn’t sounded that long when he booked the trip, but added to the flight to get here, it had made for one long day.
He turned to help Rosemary down the steps, and she gave him a teasing smile. They stepped to the side to wait for their luggage as the other guests disembarked. A row of shiny, colorful golf carts were at the ready to transport guests to their cabins.
“This is so swanky,” Rosemary said.
The resort even had a champagne toast on the shuttle for everyone to start the adventure.
“You know, Tug, when I started that whole bucket list thing, I never expected we’d actually get to do these things,” she said. “Even as a Christmas present, it’s extravagant. I still feel bad for just buying you that smoker.”
“I love that smoker, but I hate to break it to you—I’d have been just as happy with a bag of beef jerky if you were the one giving it to me.”
“You’re silly.”
“Besides, since I didn’t rebuild the diner and am getting into the groove of this retirement thing, I wanted to celebrate. This is a splurge, but the way I look at it, it’s my bonus for working all those years.”
“You deserve it. I’m glad I’m here to enjoy it with you, but I still say you went above and beyond.”
“Nothing is too above or beyond when it comes to you.” He kissed her on the cheek. “It’s the northern lights, baby! We’ll only see them once. Besides, I wanted to make this extra special. You woke something in me with all that bucket-list talk, and I want to experience the aurora borealis with you. I think that discussion is when I knew, really knew, that I never wanted to be without you.
“And look at me.” Tug spread his arms wide. “I’m over fifteen hundred miles from Whelk’s Island. This is a first, even if we don’t get lucky enough to experience the northern lights on this trip!”
“You’re right. How’s it feel to be so far from home?”
“Like the air is a little thin and missing something.” He pretended to taste the air. “Mm-hmm. Salt. The air is missing salt.”
Rosemary’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “We’ll trade the salt for the colorful lights. Seems fair enough.”
He danced from foot to foot to stay warm. “I’m not sure our warmest beach clothes are going to be warm enough for this place.”
“We’ll snuggle.”
“Yes, we will.” He gave her a slow nod that made her giggle. He loved her laugh.
A young man named Ethan hooked the dolly with their luggage on it to the back of his golf cart, ready to take them to their cabin. The sun had set. The only light was the lanterns that lit the path.
Tug hadn’t given Rosemary the complete lowdown on this resort. He was excited to surprise her. Since there was no way to guarantee a northern lights experience, they were hedging the bet on satisfaction with a memorable list of amenities.
Each cabin lay nestled in a perfect spot, providing privacy while still being part of the larger community of eager northern lights–seeking resort guests.
The scent of grilled food wafted through the air, making their stomachs rumble. “It smells like someone is grilling out.” Rosemary’s nose twitched. “I’m starving.”
“We know getting here is a trip in itself,” Ethan said. “That’s why we start these packages with a private dinner in your cabin upon arrival. Everything is waiting for you. I think you’ll be very pleased with the food. We have one of the best chefs working here this winter.”
“Wow,” Rosemary mouthed.
“A full schedule of your visit and plans are outlined on the desk in your cabin. If you need to change it, just let us know. I see you’ll be here for three nights, but actually tonight is the best chance to see the northern lights. NOAA is getting pretty good with these forecasts. I have an app on my phone to help me help you not miss a thing. Oh, and if you want I can call or text if they are out tonight, to be sure you’re not sleeping through it.”
“Yes,” Tug and Rosemary said in unison.
Ethan grinned. “I’ll take that as a yes. I know you’re probably beat, but maybe put on a pot of coffee to be sure you’re ready. If there’s anything I can do for you on your visit, my card is on the counter. You can call me twenty-four seven.” He deposited them at the cabin and carried in their bags.
“We’re here, and isn’t this the most adorable little cabin?” Rosemary walked around, touching things.
It was rustic yet luxurious at the same time. A kitchenette and a stone fireplace in the middle, with bedrooms off each side.
But the real gem was outside—the open-air glamping setup. Cushy lounge chairs, thick blankets, and a clear view of the sky awaited them.
After unpacking, they sat down to the prepared meal, which was as wonderful as Ethan had promised.
Then they moved outside, scooched the two lounge chairs together, and settled into them, bundling up in the thick blankets provided. Tug’s hand found Rosemary’s.
“You don’t think there are bears out here, do you?” she asked. “I don’t think I’d like being attacked by a bear.”
“I don’t imagine it’s on anyone’s bucket list. Wouldn’t they be hibernating?”
“Hope so. Do you think we’ll really see the lights?” Rosemary asked, her voice a mix of hope and wonder.
Tug squeezed her hand. “I think we will.”
They sat there in comfortable silence, scanning the sky. The stars twinkled brightly, a few shooting stars streaking across the expanse. Rosemary shifted to rest her head on Tug’s shoulder.
Tug turned to look at her. “Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn’t it?”
“Mm-hmm. In a beautiful way.” She took his hand, then all of the sudden pointed to the sky. “Look, Tug, I think I see something.”
“I can see your breath in the crisp night air,” he teased.
“I’m serious. See it. There’s a faint shimmer of color rippling across the dark horizon.”
He leaned in, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks. But it grew ever so slowly—brighter, bolder—until the sky came alive in the colors.
“I see it too.” Tug whispered as if speaking louder might disrupt the fragile beauty above as the northern lights unfurled in a breathtaking display of green, pink, and purple.
“The colors twist and dance like ribbons in the wind.” Rosemary tilted her head back, her gloved hand brushing Tug’s.
He wrapped his hand around hers and squeezed it. The cold bit at his nose, but there was no place he’d rather be. This moment would be hard to surpass. “The colors move as if carried by a current.”
Rosemary giggled. “All things lead back to the beach with you, don’t they?”
“Maybe. But it’s a nice place to be, especially with you.”
She laid a soft kiss on his cheek. “It is.”
They sat in quiet awe as the heavens painted a masterpiece just for them.
Captivated by the sky, she finally whispered, “It’s incredible.”
“Even better than incredible.” Tug couldn’t tell which glow was brighter—the one in the sky or the one blooming between them.
In silence, they watched until the lights began to fade, slowly retreating until the sky was once again filled with only stars. Tug and Rosemary stayed in their chairs, still holding hands, reluctant to leave the magic of the moment behind.
Eventually, they made their way back into the cabin, where the warmth of the fire welcomed them. They settled onto the couch, wrapped in a blanket, and sipped the hot cocoa that Tug had prepared earlier.
“You know,” Rosemary said, leaning against Tug, “I think this might be the best night of my life.”
Tug kissed the top of her head. “Mine too.”
They sat there in contented silence, absorbed by the dancing flames.
“I have something for you,” Tug said.
“You do?”
“This is what I think is missing.” He reached into his pocket. Between his thumb and forefinger, he held a ring.
“Does this mean—”
“It means whatever you are ready for or want it to mean. Why not let the world know my intention to be there for you forever, every day forward?” He picked up her hand. “May I?”
“Of course, yes.”
He slipped the ring on her finger.
Rosemary’s hand shook. Softly she said, “?‘Life takes you to unexpected places. Trust the light to lead you home.’?” She looked at him. “I had no idea what that quote meant when I found that shell. I do now. The light is love.”
“Like I’ve never imagined,” he said. “Do you love me too?”
“I do.” She reached for his hands. “I know you’ve never married.” Her voice was barely a whisper. Her eyes never left his. “Are you asking me to be your wife?”
“Please don’t say no.” His heart raced.
“Ask me,” she said with a smile.
“I better do it right, if I’m going to do it.” He looked into Rosemary’s eyes, then took a knee. “You might have to help me up after this,” he joked, though part of him knew it wasn’t entirely untrue. He glanced at the ring already on her finger, the symbol of everything he wanted. “You’re wearing the ring. Will you be my wife, Rosemary? My forever? My partner through every tide?”
Her eyes sparkled with that familiar warmth that had always drawn him in. “I’d be so honored to be your wife,” she whispered, and before he could speak, she leaned down and kissed him.
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
“This is it—the start of our forever.” No grand speeches were needed, just the quiet understanding between them.
He kissed her again, slow and tender, feeling a youthful spark as he thought of the countless moments still waiting for them. They’d mark off the items on their bucket lists together, one by one, hand in hand.