Bonus Epilogue
Anya
The sun is shining so brightly today that it feels like the entire world is bathing in a golden glow, as if the universe is celebrating this moment with me. It’s my wedding day—the day I’ve been dreaming about for years.
I stand on the back porch of my parents' house, looking out over the garden where the ceremony will take place.
The backyard is a flurry of activity. My brothers, all of them, are gone—Callum, Shepherd, Paxton, Brock, and Tripp.
They're at the brewery, getting ready for tonight.
Griffin's there too. Griffin. My future husband. I still can't believe it.
The breeze ruffles the edge of my hair as I take in the sight of the chairs being set up, the flower arrangements being adjusted by Violet, Hartford, and Willow, Felicity, and Millie overseeing the details of the reception.
Everyone is pitching in, doing their part to make today perfect.
There’s so much love in the air, it's almost overwhelming.
I glance at my dress hanging nearby, the soft white fabric glowing in the sunlight.
It's stunning. I know it will look even more beautiful once I’m wearing it.
But for now, I feel a mix of calm and excitement, my heart fluttering like crazy.
I’ve been with Griffin for a while now, but today it feels real.
Today, I’m about to marry the man who’s been my brother’s best friend, my coworker at the brewery, my partner in crime.
He’s the one I’ve laughed with, fought with, and loved more than I ever thought possible.
I laugh softly to myself, shaking my head at how it all came together. Who would’ve guessed that love could blossom from something so simple—working together, side by side, in a place so familiar?
“Anya, you doing okay?” Willow’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. She’s standing at the base of the stairs, her bright smile as comforting as always.
“Yeah, just taking it all in,” I say, walking down to join her. “It’s a little surreal, you know? That I’m about to marry Griffin.”
Willow grins and links her arm through mine. “I know! It feels like it was just yesterday you were complaining about how much he annoyed you.”
I snort, remembering those days long ago when Griffin’s teasing would send me into a fit of frustration. But now, it feels like nothing could be more right than this. “I don’t even remember why I was mad at him half the time.”
Willow raises an eyebrow. “I remember why. He was a pain, and you were trying to ignore the attraction.”
I laugh, squeezing her hand. “I wasn’t trying to ignore it, it just took me forever to admit it.”
“Well, now look at you,” she teases. “The bride. The woman about to marry the love of her life.” She pauses, looking out over the yard. “Do you think your brothers are all going to survive the reception?”
“Oh, please,” I joke. “They’ve been running the brewery together for years. There’s no way they won’t make it through a wedding reception.”
“Right,” she says with a wink. “Because they’re all so mature.”
We both laugh, and I take in the scene around us. The decorations are gorgeous, and I feel a rush of gratitude for everyone here today. The setup is almost complete, but there’s one thing missing—Griffin.
The thought of Griffin standing at the altar with me, looking as handsome as he always does, makes my stomach do flips.
Willow winks and pats my arm. “You’re going to be just fine.”
“Thanks, Willow. I think it’s going to be perfect.”
I take a deep breath, letting the sound of my family working together calm me. I know Griffin is out there—at the brewery, helping with the last-minute touches—but all I want is to be with him, here, in this moment, where everything feels like it’s falling into place.
The wedding might not have started yet, but it already feels like the happiest day of my life.
Griffin
The smell of hops and malt lingers in the air as I stand in the back of the brewery, adjusting my cufflinks.
The sound of my best friends—Anya's brothers—arguing over who’s tying the best tie fills the room, and I can’t help but chuckle.
It’s a familiar sound, one I’ve grown used to over the years, even if it’s all a bit more chaotic today with the wedding looming just a few hours away.
I’ve spent the whole morning here, getting ready with the guys.
Paxton and Shepherd have been running the show, making sure everything’s on track for the evening.
Callum, as usual, is the one barking orders, while Brock and Tripp are.
.. well, Tripp’s probably written an entire scene for his next book in the middle of all this, while Brock just goes along with whatever anyone else says.
Typical. Pretty soon I’ll be able to call these men my brothers.
I glance in the mirror, adjusting my tie for the third time.
I still can’t believe I’m standing here, getting ready to marry Anya.
That sweet, stubborn, fiery woman who somehow managed to sneak her way into my heart.
It feels surreal, but it’s the kind of surreal that makes you feel like you’re living a dream you never want to wake up from.
“Hey, Griffin!” Paxton’s voice calls out from across the room, dragging me from my thoughts. “You gonna stare at yourself all day or actually get dressed?”
I roll my eyes, but it’s with a grin. “I’m just making sure I look good for my future wife.”
“Let me guess,” Brock adds, his voice full of teasing. “You’re gonna break her heart when she sees you in that tux.”
“Shut up, Brock,” I chuckle, shaking my head. “You’re lucky you’re not the one getting married today.”
“Not yet, anyway,” Shep pipes up. “We’re still holding out hope that he’ll settle down before he turns 50.”
“Ha ha. Very funny,” Brock quips, while Shepherd and Paxton laugh, clearly enjoying the friendly ribbing.
I can’t help but feel a sense of pride as I watch these men, who have become like brothers to me over the years. But today? Today’s different. Today, I’m about to marry Anya. The woman I’ve been in love with for longer than I care to admit.
“All right,” Paxton says, clapping his hands together. “Time to head to the house. You’re not gonna make Anya wait too long, are you?”
“No chance,” I reply, pushing myself off the wall and straightening my jacket. But just as I’m about to head out with the guys, Callum steps in front of me, his expression serious.
“Griffin,” he says, his voice softer than I expected.
I raise an eyebrow, looking at him. “Yeah?”
“Can we talk for a second?”
“Of course.”
The others start walking out, not paying us much attention, as Callum motions for me to follow him to the side of the brewery, away from the chaos. I can tell something’s on his mind.
“You know,” Callum starts, his hands tucked into his pockets, “I wasn’t exactly thrilled when you and Anya started... whatever it was.”
I nod, remembering how we had to keep our relationship a secret from him.
Callum has always been protective of Anya, and at first, I don’t think he was sure I was the right guy for her.
Hell, I wasn’t sure either, at the start.
We worked together at the brewery, so seeing each other every day meant keeping things professional—until it didn’t.
And once that line was crossed, there was no going back.
“I know,” I say. “But I love her, Callum. I always have.”
Callum’s gaze softens, and for the first time today, I see a hint of emotion behind his usual stoic expression.
“I know you do. And that’s what matters.
I’ve seen the way you look at her. I’ve seen the way she looks at you.
I wasn’t sure you were the right guy at first, but I’m proud of you, Griffin.
You’re the man I’ve always hoped Anya would end up with. ”
The weight of his words hits me harder than I expected. I’m used to joking with the guys, used to the teasing, but hearing this from Callum? It means the world.
“Thanks, Callum,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.
He pats me on the shoulder, giving me a rare smile. “Take care of her, okay? She’s been through a lot. But with you? I know she’s gonna be okay.”
“I will. I promise.”
Callum’s smile widens, and for a brief moment, I see the big brother who just wants what’s best for his sister.
He steps back and slaps me on the back. “Alright, let’s go get you married, man.
The sooner you get to her, the better. I’m sure she’s already imagining you standing at that altar looking like a damn movie star. ”
I chuckle, the nerves still there but now tempered by the weight of Callum’s approval. “Thanks, Callum.”
“Anytime, Griffin. Let’s go make sure Anya has the best day of her life.”
As we head out, I feel like my chest might burst with love. Today’s the day. The day I marry the woman who has captured my heart in every way. And I’m about to spend the rest of my life showing her just how much I love her.
It doesn’t get better than this.
Anya
I can hear the soft hum of voices, the rustle of fabric as my family and friends shuffle in their seats.
The gentle sway of the tree branches above us, the buzz of excited chatter, and the crisp scent of fresh flowers floating through the air all make my heart race with anticipation.
The day I’ve been dreaming about has finally arrived. My wedding day.
I stand behind the wooden arch, the entrance to the ceremony, hidden by the soft curtains that have been pulled across.
The world feels like it's holding its breath, and for a moment, I wish I could just stay in this bubble forever.
The sky is a perfect shade of blue, the sun dapples through the leaves above, casting playful shadows over the guests seated in the garden.
The air is warm but not too hot, the breeze making the strands of my hair flutter around my face as I take deep breaths, calming my nerves.