37. Epilogue
Epilogue
Rebecca
M any years ago, I wondered what it would be like to be considered a Baker. It’s nothing like I ever could have imagined. There’s so much more to it than just the name.
This family is so tight knit that sometimes they know what you need before you do. They’re always happy to lend a hand, an ear, or a cup full of sugar. I’m beyond lucky to have been so completely and easily welcomed.
And it’s not just into the family, but into the café as well. They even considered changing the name to include me, but I refused. This is their legacy, not mine. I’m just happy to be included.
But probably the best part of being part of this family, of living in Juniper Grove and being so close to Eli’s sisters, is watching all our kids grow up together. And there are a lot of them. They’re so used to seeing each other, to being around one another, that you’ll see the oldest from one family carrying around the youngest of another as though it were their sibling.
Cousin sleepovers are a regular event, at least for the older ones.
Sunday dinners are like they’ve never been. Thankfully, Liv and Jameson don’t mind hosting indefinitely while Alina insists on continuing to cook, even though it’s gone from a family of four to a group of over twenty.
Strong arms wrap around my waist from behind me as I lean against the wall and watch all the kids playing in the giant basement playroom. I lean my head back against the familiar shoulder and rest my hand on his forearm. A heavy sigh releases from my chest.
“You okay?”
I turn in Eli’s hold to face him. It’s been fifteen years, and he’s just as devastatingly handsome as the day I met him. Maybe more so. The gray peppering through his hair suits him. I reach up and run my palm down his cheek as a smile spreads across my face.
“I’m great. Just reflecting on how amazing my life is.”
“Even having an old man for a husband?” He hasn't taken to the grays quite as well as I have.
“Oh, stop. You know I like this.” I run my fingers through the side of his hair, where the most grays exist. “And you know that I don’t like you calling yourself old.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” He drops his forehead to mine. “I’m glad you’re happy.”
“You know I am. I’m pretty sure I tell you at least a few times a week, if not daily.”
“I just never thought I’d get so lucky.” His gaze traces my face. “And I still hate thinking of what you gave up for me.”
“Nothing. I gave up nothing. I got a great education, I have amazing kids, I adore where I work. My husband is starting to get on my nerves a little…” I stick my tongue out at him as he scowls.
“Your parents—”
“It’s their loss, Eli. You know where I stand on that. Your parents aren’t here because they can’t be. Mine are making a choice.” At first, it hurt. I thought that having kids would have changed things. They seemed to be turning a corner when I told them about Josephine. But it faded quickly. Mom’s been too far gone to even care. But Dad could be around.
“You just deserve to have everything.”
I huff out a laugh. “Oh, you silly man. Don’t you see that I do? I have everything I could have dreamed of or hoped for. Beyond that. I never even could have thought up all the amazing parts of my life. You included. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on a single thing.”
Somehow, despite all these years, all this time, and so many life experiences, he still doubts himself, doubts his worth. And one thing I vow to do for the rest of my life is to show him exactly how special he is. Like he makes me feel every single day.
The End