Epilogue 2
ROSE
Months later
“It’s a perfect night.” I’m slightly biased. I say that every time Reed brings me to his family’s cabin. Even on trips when we get unexpected snow or when coyotes serenade us with their yowling in the trees. Possibly because despite those surprises, we always wind up like this.
Reed’s cuddling me in his lap next to the campfire. The double camp chair he bought is almost as good as my couch. I don’t approve of the bland tan color, but it makes evening snuggles out here much more comfortable than sitting on a log.
And let’s be honest. I’m addicted to the snuggles.
He nuzzles my cheek, wrapping his arms tighter around me. “Pretty perfect.”
I love how relaxed he is out here. Now that he’s no longer duty-bound to work a job he doesn’t enjoy, there’s practically no gargoyle left in him. He still has resting grump face, but smiles come more easily than they used to. Even if I secretly like it when he grumbles.
“Hmm.” I pretend to grouse. “Only pretty perfect?”
He made us a delicious dinner, bats flew overhead at twilight, and we’ve counted half a dozen shooting stars. It’s just us out here tonight, and as much as I love being here with his family, I like being alone with him even more.
The best part? No bunk beds tonight.
He kisses the spot where my neck meets my shoulder, sending tingles radiating over my skin. “Maybe you need dessert.”
“I could go for dessert.” Of any variety.
He slides me off his lap, tucking the blanket around me before getting up. “I’ll fix us s’mores.”
Another thing I’ve grown addicted to over the last year.
We’ve tried a dozen versions of the classic campfire treat, but I think we’ve found my favorite.
Caramel-filled chocolate bars paired with banana slices make a decadent dessert, even if half of it winds up on my fingers by the end.
And as Jovie points out, the fruit makes it healthy.
“Don’t forget the—” Words die out on my tongue as Reed turns around and drops to one knee in front of me, a tiny box in one hand glowing in the firelight.
My heart leaps into my throat, and my whole body sings with awareness. Praise everything good in this world that I’m sitting down because I doubt my legs have enough ambition to hold me upright for this. My eyes fill with happy tears before he even says a word.
“Rose.” His voice cracks, and he smiles as if in apology.
Never apologize for one second of this. “I love you. So much more than I ever thought I could or was even possible. You are light and love and happiness and sunshine in human form. I want to spend the rest of my life giving you all the love you deserve. Will you marry me?”
I’m off the camp chair and in his arms in a heartbeat, repeating a combination of “Yes, Reed, yes” in between kisses. He slips the ring on my finger and hefts me back into his lap in the chair, settling us once again. The gems shine in the firelight as I admire it.
“It’s a Montana green sapphire, with lab grown diamonds on the sides,” he says. “I thought you’d appreciate something with color.”
“I love it.” I twist in his arms so I can take his face in my hands. “I love you.”
His eyes sparkle. “What do you say to a small wedding? Just us and family.”
I scratch my fingers through his beard. “That’s all I want.”
My parents will probably be dismayed we won’t add to the couples throwing lavish weddings at Moonlight Lodge.
Mom’s done better these last months about not giving me unsolicited opinions, but she lapses sometimes.
If she had her way, we would already be married by now and working on babies, but as I gently remind her, she’s not part of this relationship.
“What about soon?” he asks.
“How soon?” I swear, his beard has hypnotic properties. I get a little woozy every time I touch it.
“As soon as we can arrange it. I’d marry you out here tomorrow if we could swing it.”
“You want to get married here?” I can see it. An arch at the edge of the tree line with a dozen or so chairs set up for the witnesses. Jovie, the exuberant flower girl. My burly, smiling man waiting for me at the end of the aisle. I want that, too.
He pins me with the intense gaze I can’t get enough of. “Firefly, I want you to be my wife. The details don’t matter much, as long as it ends with you and me saying ‘I do.’”
“Then we’d better start making plans.” I lean in for a kiss. “I’m crazy about you, Reed.”
“I’m a fool for you, firefly. Always.”
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Keep reading for a peek at which Bridger sibling finds love next…