Epilogue - Jenny
T he breeze is warm and gentle, carrying with it the faint scent of saltwater. I close my eyes, letting the sounds of the day wash over me—the distant laughter of children playing, the soft murmur of conversations, and the rhythmic clinking of plastic cups cheering a huge accomplishment. It's the sound of life, of happiness.
Hooplas is officially on track to open in just over a year, and the groundbreaking party is in full swing. The empty lot is packed with friends, family, and curious locals, all eager to be a part of the experience. The bar and grille is going to be exactly as Ethan and the guys envisioned—warm, inviting, a place where everyone feels like they belong. It’s a testament to their hard work, their perseverance, and their unbreakable bond.
I watch from my spot near the makeshift bar as Ethan moves through the crowd, greeting guests with that easy smile that first drew me to him. He looks happy, truly happy, and it fills my heart with a warmth I haven’t known in a long time. After everything we’ve been through, we’re finally here—together, safe, and surrounded by people who care about us.
“Hey, there you are,” Brooke’s voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to see her approaching, a grin on her face. “You look like you’re a million miles away.”
“Just taking it all in,” I reply, smiling as she hands me a bottle of sparkling water. “It’s hard to believe we’re finally here.”
Brooke nods, her eyes scanning the crowded bar area. “You two deserve it. After everything that’s happened, you both deserve all the happiness in the world.”
I glance at Ethan again, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. “I know,” I say softly. “And I’m so grateful for it. For him.”
Brooke wraps an arm around my shoulders, giving me a gentle squeeze. “You’ve come a long way, Jenny. I’m so proud of you.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I blink them away, not wanting to cry in the middle of this celebration. “Thanks, Brooke.”
She smiles, her eyes bright with emotion. “That’s what best friends are for.”
We stand there for a moment, just enjoying the excitement, before Brooke nudges me with her elbow. “Speaking of your handsome man, I think he’s looking for you.”
I follow her gaze to see Ethan making his way toward me, his expression softening as our eyes meet. My heart skips a beat, the same way it always does when I see him, and I can’t help but smile as he reaches us.
“Mind if I steal her for a bit?” he asks Brooke, his tone teasing but full of affection.
Brooke laughs, waving him off. “She’s all yours.”
Ethan takes my hand, pulling me under a tree and into his arms as he leans down to press a kiss to my forehead. “You look beautiful,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin.
“Thank you,” I reply, wrapping my arms around his waist. “This place is going to be amazing, Ethan. You guys did it.”
“We did,” his eyes filled with love. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, baby.”
I lean into him, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my cheek. “I love you, Ethan,” I whisper, the words carrying all the weight of everything we’ve been through, everything we’ve overcome in the last six months.
“I love you too,” he replies, his voice full of emotion. “More than anything.”
We stand there, holding each other, the noise of the party fading into the background. It’s just us, in this moment, and it’s perfect.
Eventually, Ethan pulls back slightly, his eyes searching mine. “I have something for you,” he says, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
My curiosity piqued; I raise an eyebrow. “Oh? What is it?”
He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. My breath catches in my throat as he opens it to reveal a simple, elegant ring—a delicate band with a single, sparkling diamond.
“Jenny Dalton,” he begins, his voice steady but full of emotion, “I can’t imagine my life without you. You’ve brought me more happiness than I ever thought possible, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you’ve made me. Will you marry me?”
Tears spill over my cheeks, but this time, I don’t bother to stop them. My heart feels like it’s going to burst from the love I feel for this man, the man who’s stood by me through everything, who’s fought for me, who’s loved me with a depth I never knew existed.
“Yes,” I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion. “Yes, Ethan, I’ll marry you.”
His face lights up with joy as he slips the ring onto my finger, and before I know it, he’s lifting me off the ground, spinning me around as I laugh through my tears. When he finally sets me down, he kisses me—softly, tenderly, with all the love in the world.
The cheers of our friends and family fill the air, and I look around to see them all clapping, celebrating with us. It’s a moment I’ll never forget, a moment that feels like the beginning of something truly beautiful.
As I look up at Ethan, I know that this is just the start of our story. We’ve faced so much together, but now, we’re ready to build a future—one filled with love, laughter, and the kind of happiness that comes from knowing you’ve found your true home.
This is our forever, and it’s only just begun.