Epilogue - Declan
T onight’s the night I’m going to ask Riley to marry me. My heart races just thinking about it, and I can’t help but smile at the thought of her reaction. It’s been almost a month since everything happened, and while the memories of that terrible day still linger, we’ve settled into a routine that feels almost… normal. But it’s more than just normal—it’s something I’ve come to cherish deeply, something I never realized I was missing until now.
Every morning, Riley takes Nicholas to her parents’ house while she heads into her office to work. Nicholas loves spending time with his grandparents, and Lois and Daniel are thrilled to have him there, filling their home with laughter and energy. It’s a place that, not too long ago, was filled with pain and chaos. Over the past month, Riley’s kickball team and the guys from Hooplas all pitched in to help renovate the Ashford’s home. It was badly damaged, and even if the structure was sound, the emotional weight of what happened there made it impossible to feel at home. So, we tore out the kitchen, knocked down a few walls, painted, and did a whole lot of updating.
The transformation is incredible—the once dark and broken space is now bright, open, and full of life again. Lois and Daniel are beyond grateful, and seeing them smile in their newly restored home makes all the hard work worth it. This is where they raised their children, and now it’s where they can help take care of their grandchild. It feels like we’ve all come full circle.
Riley, being Riley, threw herself back into work almost immediately. She insisted on getting that birthday party organized for her client, despite the entire town knowing what happened. Her client even tried to convince her to postpone the party, but Riley wouldn’t hear of it. She kept saying that getting back to a routine was what was best for Nicholas—and for her. She’s always been strong like that, always putting Nicholas first, always pushing forward no matter what.
As for me, I haven’t been back to work yet—not at Hooplas or the police station. I had a lot of PTO saved up, and I’m taking full advantage of it. I want to spend as much time as possible with the three loves of my life—Bella, Nicholas, and of course, Riley. This time together has been a gift, and I’m making sure I don’t waste a single moment of it.
A few days ago, I sat down with Nicholas and asked him if it was okay for me to ask his mom to marry me. His reaction was everything I could have hoped for. His little fists shot into the air, and he shouted “yes!” with all the enthusiasm a four-year-old can muster. It was the kind of pure, unfiltered joy that only a child can express. God, how did I ever have a life before I met him? He’s brought so much light into my world, and I can’t imagine my future without him in it.
I also took the time to ask her father for his blessing. It felt like the right thing to do, even though it’s a bit old-fashioned. After everything his only child has been through, I wanted to show him that I’m committed to taking care of her and Nicholas, to being the man they deserve. He appreciated the gesture, and while he gave me his permission, it was ironic that he wasn’t quite as enthusiastic as Nicholas was. But I understand—he’s a father who’s seen his daughter go through more than anyone should have to. He’s protective, and I respect that.
Now, as I stand in the living room of the home we’ve started to build together, I feel a sense of anticipation bubbling up inside me. I’m so excited to ask her, to finally put a ring on her finger. I’ve spent weeks planning this moment, making sure everything is perfect.
I glance at the clock, knowing that in just a few short hours, Riley will be home. Tonight, we’re having a quiet dinner, just the two of us. I’ve made sure Nicholas is staying with his grandparents, and Bella is curled up on the floor.
The table is set, the candles are ready to be lit, and the bottle of champagne is chilling in the fridge. Everything is ready. All that’s left is for Riley to walk through that door, and for me to ask the most important question of my life.
Tonight’s the night. And I can’t wait to start the rest of our lives together.