Epilogue
Everything about my life had changed dramatically over the past three months since I moved to Windermere. After becoming officially bonded, our pack took a month off as was customary. We decided to go on vacation for two weeks and leave everything behind. It was clear we’d needed the time away to focus on our pack and deepen the bonds we’d created.
When we got back, the media had forgotten all about us, being more focused on Mira Chambers being arrested and charged for her crimes. With life in prison as her punishment, there was nothing more to fear from that woman. However, the even bigger news was our government had decided to create an oversight committee to ensure nothing like what Bailey-Rose and our pack had gone through would happen again. The Scent Matchers had gone too long without anyone checking up on them. Eli was pleased with the outcome since all he wanted was for those who’d done wrong to be held accountable.
During the last week of our time off, Jolene hosted a party at their home to celebrate Eli finding his pack. His mother didn’t do anything half-assed, in fact, Jolene made sure to invite not only their friends but ours as well. How my new mother-in-law managed to know who was important to all of us and got them to show up was pure magic. Although, I’m beginning to learn when it comes to Jolene Thatcher, there is nothing that woman wouldn’t do for her family. A common trait she’d passed to all her children.
Of course, Bailey-Rose and her pack were at the party, along with Crew. It turned out I didn’t need to make any special effort to introduce Crew to Elora, he was just as excited to meet her. Since Elora had planned to stay for a few days, it was decided we’d come by his studio the day before Elora was leaving.
As the party was drawing to a close, another huge announcement was made. Rawlins and Jolene were going to put a pause on their travels to take some of the load off Eli.
“Son, you’ve put your life on hold to look after your sister and our company. Now it’s time for you to take a step back and be with your family,” Rawlins shared as he gripped Eli’s shoulders and smiled proudly. “There is nothing I can do or say to thank you for shouldering everything you have since Adrian died. He would be as proud of you as I am for what you’ve accomplished. Now I’m going to tell you the same thing he did before he passed. Never let a moment of joy pass you by because, in the end, those are the memories you’ll treasure the most.”
“Thank you, Father,” Eli murmured as he hugged his father tightly.
I was trying to hold back my tears when Jolene came over to me, cupped my face in her delicate hands, and smiled. “I knew you’d be perfect for my boy, sweet girl. And if I may be so bold, he’s also exactly what you needed.”
She paused, reached out to Fawn standing next to me, and cupped his cheek. “The universe knew how much Eli had sacrificed for others, so the universe blessed him with you two. I’ve never seen my son happier or so in love as when he looks at the two of you. May your pack be blessed with a love that will last generations and be full of happiness.”
No longer able to hold back my tears, I let them fall as the three of us hugged each other. Nugget let out an excited bark when he nudged my leg, wanting to get in on the hug. Laughing, I scooped him up, and he immediately licked the tears off my cheeks before settling his head on my shoulder in his own form of a hug.
“You are a little nugget of pure gold, aren’t you?” I chuckled. “Just how lucky can one woman be to deserve all this?”
Nugget didn’t have an answer for me, but all I needed to do was close my eyes and reach out through my bonds to get my answer. Instantly, I was flooded with feelings of love, joy, and contentment to be reminded I will never have to earn what my pack freely gives.
The End…