Epilogue
Adrian
The diesel engine roars under the hood as I rest my elbow against the frame of the open window. My other hand tightens around the wheel as the radio blares through the speakers. I’m heading toward the Richards’ family home to pick up Hazel before making our way to the retirement village.
Just as I turn onto their street, my phone rings. I glance at the screen before pressing the button on my steering wheel. “Issac. What’s going on?”
“Not much.” His voice makes me feel like I’m back in the city for a second. “Just figured I’d call, see what you’re up to. It’s been a while since we talked. How’s life treating you?”
Slowing as I near the house, I nod even though he can’t see me. “I’m really happy here. Things with Amelia are going really well. And I’m settling into the new place.”
A low whistle comes through the speaker. “Damn, that’s serious. Guess I’ll have to come down, check out this place of yours, see how domesticated you’ve gotten.”
“That’d be good.”
“I’ve missed your ugly face.”
Hazel steps onto the porch, waving to me. I pull up to the curb and shift into park. “Hey, I gotta go, man. Picking someone up to do some yard work.”
“Yeah, yeah. Yard work, huh? You are getting your hands dirty?” He laughs like the idea is absurd.
“Calm down. It’s for my girlfriend’s sister and the retirement home. Feels good to give back, you know?”
“Look at you, all charitable. Must be that town air.”
“Something like that,” I say, watching Hazel jog down the steps. “Talk soon.”
I hang up as Ms. Richards steps onto the porch. “I’ll bring her back soon.”
“That’s fine, Adrian,” she says, smiling. “Take your time. Thanks for picking her up.”
“Anytime.”
“Oh, and Amelia mentioned dinner. Do you need me to bring anything?” Ms. Richards asks.
“Nah, just yourselves.”
“Looking forward to it,” she says brightly. “Can’t wait to see your new place.”
“Thanks,” I say. “And you’re bringing Monopoly, right?”
“Of course.”
“Mom, don’t forget,” Hazel calls over her shoulder as she comes to stand beside me.
Ms. Richards laughs. “I won’t. Now go on, so you can get back in time.”
Hazel hops into the truck, running her hand over the dashboard. “Nice ride.”
“Figured it was time for an upgrade.”
“The other one was a bit snobbish.”
“Gee, thanks.”
We laugh as I drive the short distance to the retirement home. When we step inside, the familiar scent of fresh linen and brewed coffee greets us. We check in at the front desk, then make our way down the hall to Mr. Gideon’s place.
“Well, well, well,” a warm voice calls out. “Look who’s back.”
“Thought I’d give her a hand today.”
Mr. Gideon’s eyes crinkle at the corners as he nods approvingly. “Good, son. Come on in.”
Something about the way he says it—son—makes my chest tighten.
It’s been a long time since anyone called me that.
It reminds me of my dad. I didn’t garden with him, but we spent plenty of time together.
And right now, standing here, I feel like he’s around, watching over me.
I miss him more than I usually let myself admit, but there’s something peaceful about feeling his presence here, in this quiet moment with Mr. Gideon.
I shake it off and follow Hazel outside, whistling as I get to work. The maintenance isn’t too bad today, just a few hours’ worth of pruning and clearing, but it’s enough to make me feel useful. Once we’re done, we share a cup of coffee with Mr. Gideon before heading out.
I drop Hazel back home and head straight to the hospital, opting to change there rather than disturb Amelia. As I make my way inside, I nearly collide with Violet in the hallway.
“Hey,” she greets.
“Are you doing the interview today?”
“Yeah, gonna get the photo and write it up,” she says, then grins mischievously. “Hey, can I take a picture of you and send it to Amelia?”
She snaps the photo before I get a chance to answer, and her phone buzzes almost immediately. She smiles, showing me the message.
Amelia: I’m jealous of you. But also, that’s my favorite photo. Thanks.
That makes me smile.
Soon, we gather to witness the hospital’s brand-new CT scanner in action. Dr. Wilson greets me with a nod. “Come meet the patient.”
I hesitate. “Oh, I’ll just stand over here.”
“No, no. You helped bring this here. They should meet you.”
I shuffle forward, feeling slightly awkward but also proud. This second machine will save lives. And I had a part in that.
After talking with the patient, Violet pulls me aside for the interview. Once she’s got what she needs, we pose for a group photo. She announces that the article will be up within the next twenty-four hours.
Before heading home, I text Keith, who’s checking on the offices. In a few months, they’ll be completed and I’ll be finished at the hospital. I’m excited about. I’m ready for this new chapter.
Me: You busy tonight?
Keith: No, what’s up?
Me: Come over for dinner. Ameila and her family are coming over. Join us.
A pause. Then a new message.
Keith: Yeah, okay. That actually sounds good.
Me: Good. See you soon.
Nothing beats a family dinner and game night. And I want this to be a thing. A real tradition. Maybe we can rotate houses. One week at Keith’s, one at Ms. Richards’s, one at ours... Mine and Amelia’s. Because this is my home now. My town. My family. And I’m never looking back.
A few of us stick around to chat. Dr. Harrison mumbles something, and I barely catch it. “Sorry?”
He sighs. “There’s a new resident starting. Dr. Thomas wants me to mentor them.”
I frown. “Is that a problem?”
“I have a feeling it might be.”
“Right. So, give her to someone else.”
“Can’t. He insists it has to be me.”
I shake my head, amused. “Guess that makes you the old, wise one, huh?”
He groans, rubbing his face. “I’m not that old.”
“If you say so.”
I like the way he carries himself… calm, confident, like a man who’s seen enough to know when to step in and when to step back.
He gives off a solid, fatherly presence, the kind that makes people listen even when he’s not raising his voice.
And I guess if this new resident might be difficult, maybe Dr. Thomas figures they’ll be easier to manage under Harrison’s watch.
I pat his shoulder as I take a step back. “I’ve gotta get out of here.”
“You’re not working today?” he asks, glancing at the clock.
“No, I just came in to check out the CT scanner and, you know, get my picture for the front cover of the article. Not that it hasn’t been there enough,” I joke.
For the first time, he actually chuckles. “Fair point. I like you.”
“Thanks.” I grin. “I’ll be thinking of you when I see you mentoring the new resident.”
“Yeah, great for me,” he mutters dryly.
I wave him off and head out.
As I drive to the store, it still hits me sometimes how different my life is now.
The streets are quieter, the air cleaner.
People wave when they see me, even if we’ve only met once or twice.
I never got that in the city. Back there, it was all about moving fast, getting ahead. No one slowed down just to be nice.
But here? Here, I belong.
I grab a cart and move through the aisles, picking up everything I need for dinner.
More silverware, since I don’t have enough for this many people.
I get a pie from Genevieve’s instead of making it from scratch.
I’m a solid cook, but baking has always been hit or miss for me.
Why risk a disaster when Genevive’s pies are better than anything I could make anyway?
I pull into the driveway at 4:30. She’s still at work in the office, so I let myself in and get started on dinner. The roast goes in first, then I chop the vegetables, setting everything up just right. The house smells incredible already… salty, buttery, and garlic.
Next, I set up a charcuterie board with all the favorites: cheese, dips, meat, and fruit.
It’s stupid how much I love doing this. How much I love making a home for her.
A few minutes later, I hear footsteps. I turn just as she walks in, heading straight for me. She looks a little tired but beautifully happy, in the same clothes, and her hair messy from the day.
I open my arms, and she steps right into them, fitting against me like she was always meant to. My hands settle on her back, and hers glide over mine.
This here. This is everything.
I press a kiss on her forehead. “How was work, beautiful?”
She sighs against me. “Good. Day one done.” Leaning back, her brown eyes meet mine. “And now I’m ready to eat and hang out with you and my family.”
I smile, brushing my thumb over her jaw. “Keith’s coming too, if that’s all right.”
“Of course. I assumed ‘family’ included him.”
I pull her in again. “Thank you. I love you.”
She lifts onto her toes, kissing me softly. “I love you too.”
We stay like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, before finally pulling away to set the table together.
For once, I don’t feel like I’m making up for past mistakes.
I’m finally where I’m meant to be.
The End.