Epilogue
FIVE MONTHS LATER
I unpacked a box with my bedding inside, tugging at the sheets until they stretched over the edge of the mattress. Next, I pulled out a blanket and pillow shams. Momma had always said that if the kitchen and bedroom were livable, a new place would look much brighter.
As I fluffed the comforter and spread it across my bed, I wondered what Momma would think of my decision to live and work here.
Just as quickly, I reminded myself of what Aunt DeeDee and Momma had poured into me for more than a quarter of a century: they would both want me to direct my own life now.
“These are the last of them,” Charlie said, setting three more boxes down and coming behind me with his strong arms. He reached around my body and clasped his hands together, nuzzling into my neck. “I don’t know how I’m going to get any work done with you just down the road.”
We were standing in the Carriage House of The Rose, where I’d decided to live upstairs while opening my practice downstairs, caring for animals of all sizes in and around Aubergine.
“I’ll be busy too,” I said, playfully. “And if you show up without an appointment, you’ll have to wait for me like everyone else.”
Charlie’s expression suddenly turned serious. “I’d wait forever for you, but I’m really, really glad I don’t have to.”
I knew it seemed crazy to some that I’d given up the fellowship, but I’d decided that I wanted a small life. I craved to be in a place where I could know and be known, love and be loved. As Momma would have said, I knew my own mind.
Charlie kissed me in a way that continued to make my head spin, and when he pulled back, I folded myself into his chest, tears surprising me by springing to my eyes.
“Hey, you okay?” he asked, putting his chin against the top of my head.
I nodded into him, thinking of all the things and people I was so grateful for: Lacy’s very small wedding ceremony this evening in the garden, my aunt begging to make her wedding cake since it would be such a small guest list this time; Savilla delighted to have me living so near; and this man who was holding me.
Momma had not only given me life—she’d given me a life here in Aubergine, tucked in between my mountains.
I kissed Charlie again, and I knew I was exactly where I wanted to be.