Epilogue
Two weeks later
JOEL APPROACHED Cassie’s red door, joy bubbling inside. Their first date. Well, their second first date, but what it officially was he didn’t care. As long as he was with her, he was happy. Not to mention the fact that Devon would never bother Cassie again.
Reeling from the loss of close friends and Talbot’s cousin, Izzy and Talbot cancelled their large wedding at the resort and instead had a small candlelit ceremony at their local church.
Now, having had more than enough mountains and snow, it was time for him and Cassie.
They were planning a trip to the Florida Keys for some tropical time, with Jayce and Mia tagging along.
He hadn’t seen that coming, but apparently, they’d been spending time together outside of the group.
Regardless, it was a new adventure—one that would be spent with long walks on the beach, soaking up the sun and watching beautiful sunsets next to the woman he still loved and who still loved him.
Joel knocked, and Cassie answered in a cheerful yellow sundress.
“Wow!”
She smiled. “I figured I could dress for the islands and bring this”—she grabbed her navy overcoat—“so I don’t freeze.”
“This is for you.” He handed her a canvas bag.
“What is it?”
“Just a little care package for our trip.”
She fingered the drawstring. “Can I open it?”
“Of course. We have time. Jayce said he and Mia won’t be here for another fifteen. We figured we’d all ride over to the airport together.”
“Sounds great. Come on in.” She stepped back from the door, and he entered her place for the first time since they’d split. He smiled. Just like coming home.
“So what do I have here? Come, sit down,” she said, leading him to the couch.
She reached inside the bag. “Sunglasses. Very nice. And sunscreen. A good essential. A little umbrella.” She laughed.
“For those frozen, fruity things you like.”
“I see, and . . .” She reached to the bottom of the bag, curiosity dancing across her face. She pulled out the mask and flippers. “Snorkeling gear?”
“I figured it’s as adventurous as we’d get on this trip.”
“Maybe a little more adventurous.” She winked, and his heart fluttered as she lowered her lips to his.