Epilogue
Coco
Music hums through the rafters, laughter bounces off the walls, and the scent of pine lingers in the air. Frosty Pines’ Holiday Hoedown is officially underway, and it’s even better than I imagined.
My bar station is the busiest corner in the place. Every ice rattle, glass clink, and pour feels like magic. The cocktails I dreamed up are a hit—bright, festive, and a little dangerous, just how I like them.
“Excuse me.” A woman leans on the bar and smiles politely. “I’m from the ski resort in Nutcracker Ridge. Did you come up with these drinks on your own?”
“Yes, ma’am.” My heart swells with pride.
“Our menu could use a little… umph, holiday sparkle.” She slips a card across the counter. “If you’re available.”
“Yes. Absolutely.” I’ve dreamed of this, but she’s taken me by surprise.
“Give me a call next week. We’ll chat.” She grabs a drink, then drifts off into the crowd, leaving me staring at the card like Santa placed it there himself.
Beau appears at my side with his irresistible dimple on full display. I grab the business card and clutch it to my chest. “Did you hear that?”
“I did,” he says, eyes glinting with pride. “Sounds like we oughta celebrate. May I have this dance, Miss North?” He holds a hand out, the perfect gentleman.
I nod for my barback to take over and slip my hand into Beau’s, eager for a spin around the dance floor with my favorite cowboy.
He tugs me into his arms and we two-step across the tinsel and hay covered floor.
He spins me and the crowd blurs, the lights swirling above.
When he brings me back into his chest, we’re exactly where we’re meant to be—under twinkling lights and mistletoe.
Our lips meet. The music fades, and all I can think of is we’re both exactly where we’re meant to be. Right here in this barn, beneath twinkling lights and too much tinsel, surrounded by friends, family, and the magic of Christmas. Only this time, it’s not just a beginning.
We’re both finally home.