Epilogue
SUMMER
Pebbles and sand massage my feet as I make my way down to the lakeshore. High in the sky, the sun beats down on my bare arms and legs. Wearing jean shorts and a tank top, my hair is in a french braid under my wide brimmed, floppy hat.
The water laps at the shore, cool and gentle against my toes. I sink down onto the warm sand, tucking my legs up to my chest as I stare out across the glittering surface of the lake. It’s only been about a month since I’ve come out here. Life has been busy—in the best possible way.
Closing my eyes, I tip my face toward the sun, letting the warmth soak into my skin.
“Hey, sissy.”
My heart soars, and I open my eyes to see my sister sitting next to me.
Bare feet stretched out before her, she’s wearing a light blue sundress dotted with tiny dark blue flowers.
Her white-blond hair is loose, catching the summer breeze as she gives me that same mischievous, knowing grin she always had when we were kids.
Each time she’s come to visit, she’s gotten a little older.
The first time she appeared, she looked about the same age she was when she died.
The second time, she was maybe around fourteen.
The third, it was eighteen. Now, she looks the same age as me.
Like we’d grown up together instead of her life ending before it ever truly began.
The pain of losing her has faded to more of a dull ache. I know I’ll always carry it, that pang of missing her. But it doesn’t gut me anymore. Doesn’t drag me under the way it used to.
“Hey, Becca,” I say softly.
“Hey. Time to get me up to speed,” she says, leaning back on her hands and wiggling her toes. “What’s been going on? Feels like it’s been forever.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you know these things already? I mean, with you being on the other side and all? Don’t you have, like, cosmic surveillance or something?”
She shakes her head with a snort. “You think I want to watch you and your boys getting it on? No thanks.” She gives an overdramatic shudder. “One time, I tried popping in, and you were on your kne—”
“Oookaay!” I hold up both hands, heat flooding my cheeks. “That’s enough. I get it. Boundaries.”
Becca cackles, bright and carefree. “You should see your face right now. So red. It’s adorable.”
“Shut up,” I grin, nudging her shoulder with mine.
“So? Tell me. I’ve been dying to know what’s happened since the last time we talked.”
I lean back on my palms, digging my fingers into the warm sand. “Where do I even start?”
“Start with the good stuff.”
“The good stuff,” I murmur as I watch a pair of ducks paddle across the surface of the lake.
“Well, Noia and Ryder had their baby. A girl they named Nina.” I smile at the memory of holding their tiny, new little bundle in the hospital, with her thatch of dark hair and perfect little fingers.
“She’s got Noia’s eyes and Ryder’s hair.
And of course, she’s already got him wrapped around her finger.
As long as I’ve known them, I’ve never seen Ryder so gooey and soft. Even with Noia.”
Becca’s face lights up. “Aww. That’s so sweet.”
“Rowan and Lizzy got a dog. A big, goofy golden retriever named Max.” I can’t help but laugh.
“But here’s the best part. Lizzy has this iguana, Slash.
Ever since they got Max, she refuses to leave him at home when they go for walks.
So they had this custom harness made that has this little pouch where Slash rides on Max’s back. ”
Becca’s mouth drops open. “Stop.”
“You should see it: Max trotting down the sidewalk with a green iguana perched on his back like some kind of tiny, scaly cowboy. People stop and take pictures. It’s kind of ridiculous, but amazing.”
She doubles over, tears in her eyes. “That is the most Lizzy thing I’ve ever heard.”
“Right? And Sasha and Jax got married.” My chest warms. “They had their wedding at Cedar Ridge Lodge with tons of white flowers and fairy lights. It was gorgeous. I was one of her bridesmaids.”
“Well, duh. She’s one of your best friends.”
“As soon as Jax saw her, he cried like a baby. It was the sweetest.”
Becca sighs. “That sounds perfect.”
“It was.” I pause, watching the sunlight dance across the water. “And Logan and Brex... God, Becca. They’re so incredible.”
Her eyes soften. “You love them.”
“Other than you, I don’t think I’ve ever loved two people more in my life.”
Becca reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I’m so happy for you, Rey.”
I nod, tears filling my eyes, knowing it’s almost time for her to go. “Thanks.”
Her smile is soft as she lets go of my hand. As she gets up, brushing sand from the back of her dress, I follow, dusting off my shorts, and for a moment we just look at each other.
“Don’t worry,” she says softly. “I’ll be back. Maybe not soon, but someday. When you need me the most.”
My throat tightens. I’ve known this moment was inevitable. Lately her visits have been more sporadic. With every visit, her energy feels more and more like she belongs somewhere else. But hearing her say it out loud?
“I know,” I whisper.
She opens her arms and I step into them, pulling her close. She smells like summer—coconut and wildflowers. It reminds me of how we would take turns sneaking into each other’s beds, giggling and whispering secrets in the dark.
“I love you, Becca.”
“Love you too, sissy.” Squeezing me tight, she steps back and laces her fingers with mine. “Live your life. All of it. The messy parts, the scary parts, the beautiful parts.” She wrinkles her nose and giggles. “The sexy parts.”
Her expression sobers as she rests her forehead against mine and sighs. “But live it for you. Not for me. Okay?”
I nod, tears sliding down my cheeks.
Letting go of my hands, she gives me one last brilliant smile before turning and walking away.
My world feels cozy and soft as I blink my eyes open, warmth enveloping me like a cocoon.
Sunlight streams through half-open blinds as Logan’s arm lies heavy over my waist, breath warm against my forehead.
Nudged against my back, Brex’s chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm, fingers curled possessively against my hip.
With a happy sigh, I snuggle deeper into the tangle of arms and legs.
“Mmmm. Morning, Pretty,” Brex murmurs, voice rough with sleep.
Logan stirs, pressing his lips to my forehead with a contented sigh. “Angel.”
“Becca came to visit.”
I look up to see Logan gazing at me with hearts in his eyes as Brex kisses my shoulder.
“What did she have to say this time?” Logan asks softly.
“Goodbye.”
“Shit,” Brex mutters, tightening his hold.
“No. It’s okay,” I assure them, feeling strangely at peace.
Propping himself up on one elbow, Logan tucks his other hand in mine, studying my face with emerald eyes. “You sure?”
“I am. I have both of you. And my friends. You’re my family. All of you. I love you.”
Brex’s lips brush the sensitive spot behind my ear. “Love you, Pretty. Never gonna let you go.”
Logan lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to each knuckle. “Love you, Angel.”
“Prove it,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.
And they do.
THE END