Epilogue
Good Girl
Rachel Williams
The Virginia sun is warm on my shoulders. The forest and mountains surrounding the valley a perfect backdrop in the sunset.
I’m standing somewhere safe.
I’m standing next to Bishop.
His hand is wrapped around mine, thumb brushing slow circles against my skin like he still can’t believe I’m here, like he still needs the reassurance of touch. I lean into him, letting my shoulder rest against his arm as Katie walks down the aisle toward Caleb.
Katie looks beautiful, strong, steady, and a little overwhelmed. Caleb looks like he’s about to combust from emotion. It’s sweet. And intense. A lot like them, since I have gotten to know them.
Gemma sniffles loudly in the front row, eyes on Liam who stands beside Caleb looking faintly amused.
I smile and it feels good.
Bishop glances down at me, the corners of his mouth lifting. “You okay?”
I nod. “Yeah. I really am.” I have a family now.
He squeezes my hand, and something warm unfurls in my chest. Not pain. Not fear. Something softer. Something hopeful.
When Katie and Caleb say their vows, Bishop’s arm slides around my waist, pulling me closer. I don’t think he even realizes he’s doing it. He’s just… holding me. Like it’s instinct.
When the officiant pronounces them married, the crowd erupts. Caleb kisses Katie like he’s waited his whole life for it. Katie laughs into his mouth. It’s perfect.
We walk toward the reception tent, Bishop’s arm still around me, my fingers still tangled with his. The mountains rise in the distance, green and endless.
I stop him just outside the tent.
He turns, brows lifting. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I slide my hands up his chest, feeling the steady beat beneath my palms. “Everything’s right.”
His eyes soften. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I rise onto my toes and kiss him.. His hands settle on my waist, gentle but sure, like he’s afraid to break me.
When I pull back, I whisper, “We made it.”
He brushes his thumb along my cheek. “We did.”
“Come with me.” I tell him quietly, pulling him away and onto the path to the woods. With a smile, he allows me to pull him into the trees.
Beth is gone. The danger is gone. The fear is gone.
And Bishop?
He’s here.
He’s mine.
I get down on my knees.
“I need you to tell me what a good girl I am.”