Epilogue
It’s my favorite time of year again. The golden leaves are singing to me in the breeze, framing our newly remodeled Inn that’s just a week away from opening.
I finished my business degree in the spring, and we’ve been working on renovations all summer.
Jameson has been my rock through it all, and I really couldn’t have done it without his level-headedness and confidence in our project.
He was the voice of reason many times when I was having doubts or on the verge of a mental breakdown.
I couldn’t have imagined a better week to start this journey. The weather and the foliage are at the peak of their autumn glory. It feels like magic is in the air as I stare up at the house with Jameson beside me, tucking me closely into his arm that has become my safe place.
Jess is sitting on the porch on the brand-new furniture, a book in hand. Everything feels perfect.
“So, is this how you imagined your ‘quiet’ new life going?”
“No.” I glance at him as he takes it all in. “It’s better, obviously.”
He smiles down at me with those lips that still make me weak and pulls me in closer.
“You did create a bit of chaos this summer, though, with all of those last-minute changes you threw at us,” he teases.
“Oh, am I the one who demanded two sheep and a small barn? Please. Besides, that’s nothing for a retired CEO. Just a Tuesday morning. And you handled it with ease.”
“How right you are,” he muses.
“So, everyone should be here in about an hour for the trial run,” I say, though he already knows.
I start reciting our list—not that he needs it, but it helps my nerves.
“My dad and Ella are in room one, my brother and his mystery girlfriend in room two, Layla, Liam and Jackson in room three, Dex and a very pregnant Daniela in room four, Dorothy in room five, Madeline and her husband, Duke, in room six, and Shannon, Conor, and the kids are in seven.”
Everyone who is important to us is here. And more importantly, they’re all healthy. Dad is officially in remission as of last month, and my brother is using his leave to come celebrate.
“You forgot the most important guests.”
“I did? Who?”
“You, Jess, and me.” He smirks as I roll my eyes.
“Okay, yeah. Then there’s the three of us in room eight. We’re a package deal for life now, right?”
“Yep. Just the three of us.”
**