Epilogue
ISABELLA
Spending the holidays with a baby might be one of the most wonderful experiences imaginable.
The entire season with my nephew felt more magical and a lot more meaningful.
From Halloween to Thanksgiving and then Christmas, every celebration was special because we were seeing it through Jude’s eyes for the very first time.
I loved everything about it—the tiny costumes, the traditions with our family, the photos with Santa, the excitement of decorating the Christmas tree, and everything else that comes with a baby's first holiday season. There’s something unforgettable about watching your family create new memories while sharing traditions you’ve always enjoyed.
I soaked up every second I could with Jude and the rest of my family, knowing these would be memories I’d treasure forever.
The holidays were even better because I was able to visit Austin a few times throughout the season.
And the best part was wrapping up the year with the most amazing New Year’s celebration with his family.
It was the perfect way to end such a memorable year.
Being with Austin and getting to know his family better has been one of the greatest gifts.
I’ve been back in Los Angeles for a week now.
And as difficult as it was to leave my family, it’s been so great being back with Elise and reconnecting with my friends.
The team at Ballroom Dance America even put together a welcome-home party for me.
It was such a thoughtful gesture and a reminder of how lucky I am to have such supportive people in my life.
Knowing I was missed and that I still have a place here has meant so much to me.
At the same time, part of my heart is still back on the East Coast. I miss my family, Jude, and all the new friends I've made over the past several months. Thankfully I won’t have to wait too long before I see everyone again.
In just a few months, Austin and I will be heading back to North Carolina together for Nick and Abby’s wedding, and I’m already counting down the days.
Wedding season is upon us. With Logan and Ivy’s wedding approaching, there have been showers, planning events, and bachelorette celebrations filling up the calendar.
Through it all, I’ve been overwhelmed by how warmly Austin’s family has welcomed me.
They have made me feel included from the very beginning.
In some ways, it feels I’ve reconnected with people who have always been a part of my life. It’s strange yet still feels right.
Not everything has been easy though. Physical therapy continues to be one of the biggest challenges I’m dealing with.
There have been days when progress feels horribly slow and discouraging.
I know recovery isn’t easy, and I’m learning to be more patient every day.
Something that has tested me more than I expected.
As much as I wish things were moving faster, I know healing takes time.
I’m still proud of how hard I’ve worked, and I’m committed to continuing it until I’m dancing again.
Some days are tougher than others, but I’m still pushing forward.
Life has felt chaotic lately, and I feel like I’m torn between celebrating and navigating the challenges. But when I look back on the past few months, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. My life is filled with people I love and so many reasons to feel hopeful about what comes next.
And then there’s Austin.
He’s the man I never expected to meet, the person who came into my life when I was at one of my lowest points and somehow changed everything.
What started as an unexpected connection has become one of the greatest things to ever happen to me.
Even from a distance, he continues to make my world brighter and better than I ever imagined.
Of course my mother still takes full credit for this, and I just stopped arguing with her.
Austin and I have spent the last several months adjusting to the reality of a long-distance relationship, and somehow it has only brought us closer together.
The miles apart have taught us not to take a single moment for granted.
This difficult obstacle has strengthened the foundation we’re building together.
When Austin got the news of his trade, I had so many doubts and fears about what it would mean for us. Looking back now, those worries have completely faded. If anything, this experience has made me even more confident in us and more excited about the future we’re creating together.
I know this season of being apart won’t last forever, and I find myself counting down the days until we’re living in the same city and building our everyday lives side by side.
There is so much to look forward to, and possibilities are endless.
No matter what challenges come our way, I know everything will be okay if we face them together.
The End