Epilogue
Two years later
W ho knew salted caramel chews would change her life?
Jovi stood outside Evergreen Candy Company, basking in the sunshine on an unseasonably warm June day.
Local residents, tourists and extended family members had gathered to celebrate the opening of the company’s expanded facility, complete with a retail store, tours of the facility so customers could see their favorite products coming off the line, and a larger factory to accommodate the substantial demand for Lois and Carol’s salted caramel chews.
After Jovi had discovered the recipe with goat’s milk as the secret ingredient—which had produced the stellar results she’d been looking for—she’d persuaded her parents not to sell the company until they saw at least one quarter’s worth of sales.
Then five-star reviews and demand for small batches had been more than they could handle.
Jerry and Irene had hesitated about adding a third shift to the factory’s workforce.
Jerry had even threatened to retire early.
But he’d settled down. Eventually. He and Irene had worked together to make adding the new shift a palatable transition for everyone. Jovi smiled as her twin niece and nephew toddled toward the inflatable bouncy house tethered to the emerald lawn nearby.
Darby Jane followed after the twins, gently offering instruction.
She sounded more like she was bossing them, to be honest. Her leadership skills had developed at a fast clip ever since she’d discovered her passion for theater.
She’d recently starred as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz for the elementary school’s spring production and had drawn a packed house.
“It’s a beautiful day to celebrate people’s undying devotion to sugar, isn’t it?” Burke’s voice made her heart beat faster, like it always did every time her new husband came close. His hands slid around her waist, and he nuzzled her neck.
“Easy there, handsome. Children are watching,” she teased.
“Oh, Mrs. Solomon, you know I’ll keep this family-friendly. For now.”
Goose bumps danced across her skin as he held her close and gently brushed her cheek with his lips. The aroma of his aftershave sent a swirl of attraction dancing around her knees. She leaned into his embrace, unable to resist returning his kiss.
They’d married four months ago, on the beach in Mexico on Valentine’s Day. The ceremony had included their families and a few close friends. Burke had wept through the whole thing. Jovi had shed a few happy tears of her own.
Their wedding also served as the first gathering of both sides of their families, and today marked the second. So far everyone was getting along well.
Burke’s brother, Shane, stood with the Solomon clan not far away, holding a full plate of food from the picnic tables and chatting with Jovi’s parents, who had never looked happier.
Or more tan. Retirement suited them. Thanks to the incredible royalties from Burke’s bestselling novel, he’d been able to buy their share of the candy company.
They’d just flown in yesterday from Florida.
From what her mother had shared, it seemed like all they did was play golf.
But if that was what made them happy, then Jovi was glad her parents had found a lifestyle that suited them.
Because she had definitely found what suited her.
“I’m so proud of you, my love,” Burke said, sweeping his arm in a wide swath. “This is impressive, what you’ve done.”
“What we’ve done.” She nudged him with her hip. “We both own stake in this company, remember?”
“I know, but you mostly have been working with Isabel and the longtime employees to put this whole thing together.”
“It was your decision to show up with goat’s milk and sweep me off my feet,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to take credit for that swoonworthy grand gesture.”
“If I had known goat’s milk was the way to win your heart, I would’ve bought you your own herd the same week we met.” He kissed her one more time, then pulled away, his fingers twining through hers.
She laughed. “That might’ve been a bit much.”
Burke’s second novel had been a bestseller, as well as his third, and he’d just finished writing his fourth.
The two families had become equal partners, and Jovi ran the candy company alongside Isabel.
Burke had sold his home in Charleston to the family that had rented it when he and Darby Jane had moved out.
The funds were more than enough to pay for Grammie’s care.
Yet another generous gift she’d always be grateful for.
Love, courage and fierce determination had been the key ingredients that had helped them find their way forward.
She’d maintained her nursing license but didn’t work in health care anymore.
Between helping run the company and caring for Darby Jane, her life in Evergreen had brought more happiness than she had ever anticipated.
And if her suspicions were accurate, she was fairly certain she was in the early stages of building a baby.
She glanced at Burke. That was a piece of news she’d share later when they were alone, if she could manage to keep the secret for another hour or two.
Hand in hand, they strode across the lawn to fill their plates and mingle with their friends and family.
Isabel and Mason walked toward them. Isabel, battling morning sickness due to her second pregnancy, had rallied to make an appearance.
She had a can of ginger ale in one hand and a baggie of saltine crackers in the other.
Mason pushed Grammie slowly in her wheelchair.
With her white hair styled in smooth, bouncy curls, and her lavender blouse paired with bright white pants, she looked positively radiant.
Dementia had taken a lot from her, and her lucid moments were few and far between, but Jovi and Isabel always made sure to bring her back to Evergreen for major family events.
“I hope Grammie knows that none of this would’ve been possible without her,” Jovi said softly. “I’m so thankful that she’s still around to see her dream live on in a new generation.”
Burke smiled at her, his expression brimming with affection. “What a gift to see God make something beautiful from the bitter ashes of our heartache.”
“Oh, my. That is a lovely turn of phrase, Mr. Solomon. Are you by chance a best-selling author?”
“Indeed. But I much prefer my role as your husband.”
“Aww, you are the sweetest,” she said. “I love you.”
“I love you more.”
* * * * *