Epilogue
Sunny
"Look at you, sunshine," he murmurs low in my ear, his rough voice sending delightful shivers down my spine. "Smiling like you hung the moon yourself. You know what that does to me."
I lean into him with a bright laugh, my fingers tracing the buttons on his shirt.
The chemistry between us still crackles like it did the very first day, charged and on fire and absolutely perfect.
"It makes you want to carry me back inside and remind me who I belong to, Daddy. I know. And I’m very much hoping you’ll do exactly that later. "
He growls softly, pulling me closer so I can feel the solid heat of him against my side.
Life with Harlan is everything I never knew I needed.
Mornings making pancakes together while he grumbles about my terrible coffee pouring skills.
Afternoon rides across the fields where he teaches me more about the horses and steals kisses that leave me breathless.
Nights wrapped in his arms where he whispers dirty praises and holds me like I am the most precious thing on this mountain.
He’s my safe place. My protector. My Daddy in every wonderful way.
Today the whole Haven 7 crew has gathered at the main lodge for one of our big Sunday dinners.
The long tables outside are loaded with food.
Harper's fresh salads, Kayley's famous cornbread, and Eli's grilled meats that smell absolutely heavenly on the breeze.
Laughter fills the air as the children run around chasing each other through the grass.
Little Poppi toddles after Aidan with the cutest giggles while the adults talk and tease and enjoy the peace we have all fought so hard for.
I spot Rafe and Harper sitting close together, his arm around her as she nurses Poppi.
Gavin and Kayley are chasing after their little one with matching smiles.
Rhett and Emma share a quiet moment by the fire pit, her head on his shoulder.
Chase and Fiona are laughing with Silas and Hannah, while Boyd and Piper argue playfully about fence repairs.
Wyatt and Junie look so happy and healed, holding hands like they never want to let go.
Thorne, Sadie, and Lily wave me over with bright smiles.
Eli and Daisy are passing out drinks, their easy affection making my heart full.
Everyone’s here. Everyone’s happy. This found family that welcomed me with open arms has become my whole world. No more running. No more fear. Just love and laughter and the kind of belonging that makes every day feel like magic.
Harlan presses a kiss to my temple, his stubble scraping deliciously against my skin. "You did good, sunshine. Bringing all this light to the mountain."
I beam up at him, rising on my toes to steal a quick kiss that promises so much more for later. "We did it together, cowboy. My favorite grumpy Daddy."
The afternoon stretches beautifully with stories and teasing and the kind of warmth that only comes from people who have been through hard things and chosen each other anyway.
As the sun starts to dip lower, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges, we hear the crunch of footsteps on the path leading up to the lodge.
At first I think it’s just someone arriving late for dinner.
Then the figure comes into view and my heart clenches.
A woman stumbles into the clearing, disheveled and clearly terrified.
Her clothes are torn and muddy, her dark hair tangled with leaves and dirt.
Tears streak down her flushed cheeks as she hugs herself tightly, eyes wide with panic.
She looks like she has been running for days.
The whole group falls quiet, the easy laughter fading into concerned attention.
"Please," she says, her voice breaking as she stops a few feet from the porch steps. "I didn’t know where else to go. They’re after me. I saw your lights... I just need somewhere safe for one night."
Harlan tenses beside me, his protective arm tightening around my waist. I feel that familiar spark of worry mixed with the instinct to help that everyone here shares.
The woman looks so scared, her whole body trembling as fresh tears spill down her face.
She cannot be much older than me, with pretty features hidden behind the exhaustion and fear.
Silas steps forward first, his sheriff voice calm and steady. "Easy, ma'am. You’re safe here. Can you tell us your name?"
"Riley," she whispers, glancing over her shoulder like she expects someone to burst out of the trees any second. "Riley... I do not know how much time I have. They found me again. Please."
The men move with quiet efficiency, the way they always do when one of their own needs protecting.
Harlan gives my hand a squeeze before joining them, his presence solid and reassuring even with his arm still healing.
I watch my cowboy take charge alongside his brothers, that protective fire burning bright in his eyes.
This is who he is. This is the man I love.
After a quick conversation, Silas makes a call on his phone. "Mason Cole’s nearby. Marshals office. He can take her in and figure out what’s going on. Get her somewhere secure."
Riley's eyes meet mine across the gathering, desperate and pleading. There’s something in her gaze that tugs at my heart. She looks like I did when I first arrived. Scared. Running. Hoping against hope that this mountain might be different.
Harlan comes back to my side and pulls me close again, his warmth chasing away the sudden chill in the air. "Mason will handle it. She’ll be safe."
I nod, leaning into him as the crew helps Riley inside the lodge for something warm to eat while we wait.
The sun sets fully, painting the sky in deep purples and golds, and the mountain feels alive with possibility once more.
Our happy ending is secure. But as headlights appear down the trail, bringing Mason Cole to take Riley to safety, I can’t shake the feeling that another story is just beginning.
Whoever is chasing her, whatever danger she carries, Haven 7 has her back now. And as I look around at all these strong, loving people who have become my family, I know we will face whatever comes next together.
Just like we always do.
The mountain keeps its secrets. And sometimes it brings new hearts in need of healing right to our doorstep.
I squeeze Harlan's hand tighter, feeling that spark of forever between us, and smile softly into the gathering twilight.
Our story may be complete, but the mountain is never truly finished writing new ones.