Epilogue - Paige
Seven years later
Dear Paul,
It’s been one of the hardest winters for fifty years.
Well, that’s what that old soothsayer Carl likes to tell people in Friar’s Bar. Along with there being something in the water in Snowflake Falls that makes people more disposed to fall in love and that there’s a vampire living on Sleekton Drive. So we don’t pay too much attention to him anymore.
It has been cold though, and Callan’s had his work cut out chopping up wood for the fire...
Ezra and Sawyer stay at a safe distance watching him in absolute awe, then help him carry the pile of wood back to the house.
They idolize their daddy and it looks like they’ll both take after him, as they’re both the tallest in their class.
I’m so inspired by living up here surrounded by the elements.
Callan insisted on extending the cabin, so we have an extra bedroom now and a much bigger kitchen.
He and his brother also worked on the roof, making sure this old cabin can withstand anything the weather throws at it.
Once you guys are back from your travels, come up here and stay?
I’m glad the adoption process is going well and I can’t wait to meet your twins.
We’ll have two sets of twins between us - who would have thought? !
I did have a moment of wondering what would happen in my career once I was working here full time, but it’s worked out great. Callan and I have even collaborated on a few articles, his photographs of the mountain landscape complementing what I’ve written.
Ace is an old dog now, but he’s still got plenty of zip in him.
He goes to work every morning with Callan, but after lunch he helps me out here at home.
He comes in the car with me to pick the twins up from school, and he has his own little fan club of kids who stand outside the car window wanting to give him dog treats.
We miss you and can’t wait to see you when you’re back home.
Paige xxx
I stop writing and flex my fingers. I’ve dropped the twins off at Taylor’s house for a sleepover, so it’s just me and Callan at home tonight.
I run down the stairs when I hear him come in the door.
He’s cold from the outside and I gasp as he kisses me.
He shrugs off his coat and starts kissing me again.
“Come and warm up by the fire before dinner.” I lead him over to the sofa and we snuggle up together under a blanket.
His kisses become more insistent and I break away for a second, wanting to say something before we get carried away.
“I have some news.” I’m trying not to smile.
He looks back at me. “You do? Has Ace learned how to talk?”
I laugh. “That would be useful. No, you know I’ve been feeling kinda tired recently? I took a test and...I’m pregnant.”
The broadest smile spreads across his handsome face as he whirls me into a hug. “Let’s hope it’s twins again.” He says, laughing.
“Don’t say that, Callan. It’ll probably be triplets! We’re due in October.” I squeeze his hand.
I didn’t expect to end up back in Snowflake Falls with my high school crush, but I’m so glad I did.
By the time fall rolls around, we will have our new baby - or babies. The seasons change and my life is getting richer every year.
A wonderful family and a wonderful life.
This was worth waiting for.