Epilogue
CORALYNN
TWO MONTHS LATER
“Holy shit, it’s incredible.” We had high hopes to have LITHE completely transformed after the first of the year.
It was wishful thinking, for sure. The delay in materials, the holidays, and red tape from the historic society pushed us back.
It sucked because it felt like we were trampling on one another, which is dumb to even voice into existence.
We didn’t even use the upstairs to full capacity to begin with.
The hopefulness Shae and I have had is what I think really put it into perspective.
“It looks damn good, trouble,” Tony says, placing his hands on my hips, coming up from behind and nearly scaring the shit out of me.
Our relationship has grown. We still bounce back and forth between each other’s places, depending on our schedule.
And since Shae and Luke’s wedding, we’ve only slept apart a couple of nights.
Not my doing. Tony’s career sometimes comes with things we can’t ever prepare or plan for, it’s okay, though.
On those rare occurrences, there are impromptu girls’ nights, making rounds to my parents’ house, or sitting on the couch being a potato.
“Thank you,” I say over my shoulder. Tony came directly from work to the grand re-opening party. Everyone and their family are here, along with a lot of the community.
“Show me upstairs?” We’ve congregated near the new stairwell and elevator. I’ve been up and down the stairs multiple times to make sure everything was ready to roll for the party.
“Of course.” I take a stride toward the first step when Tony’s hands tighten on my waist.
“Elevator, Coralynn.” My spine tingles when the tips of his fingers blaze along the curve of my back.
I don’t second-guess his reasoning. Any time we get a moment alone after being away from one another for a length of time, such as today, I’m all for it.
Last night was one of those nights when we were apart due to his work schedule and mine as well, preparing the last-minute details for the event.
“Okay.” He guides us toward our destination, presses the up button, and the door opens automatically.
I step inside first, and he follows me in.
The hum of being enclosed with the man I love is all I hear, too engrossed in looking at the handsome man who owns all of my heart and soul.
“I missed you.” The admission is easy when it comes to Tony.
“I missed you, too.” His hands cup my cheeks as he walks me backward until I’m pressed against the cool metal wall.
Tony loves to have me like this, caged in and helpless, or so he thinks.
There was a time when I’d look for the nearest escape plan.
Not anymore, though. Nope, I want to be anywhere he is.
“Did…did the elevator just stop between floors?” A sense of déjà vu hits me in the stomach when the elevator gives a soft lurch, barely noticeable unless you’ve been in this situation before.
“Maybe.” Try as he might, he’s failing at hiding the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“Oh, are we reliving a moment in time?” My neck arches, seeking his lips. I’m assuming this is Tony’s way of getting a few minutes of alone time. He’s sneaky, too, because in no way, shape, or form did I notice him hitting the stop button.
“Fuck yes, only this is better.” My expression softens as he takes a step closer, allowing me to feel the hard ridge of his cock against my lower abdomen.
“The last time we were stuck, you said a few important words before I could. This time, that’s not happening.
I figured it was only fitting to stop time again, long enough to ask you something that’s been on the tip of my tongue for months. ”
My breath hitches, hands sliding up his chest, my right hand feeling every thump of his heartbeat.
“Every hour with you has been more than I could ever hope or dream of. Being away from you only makes me want to get back to you as fast as possible. To hear your sweet voice, to feel your body against mine, and to have your taste on my lips.”
“You’re impossible. How am I ever going to voice the depth of what I feel for you?” My eyes go glassy, tears appearing as he takes my hand off his heart and slowly slides an engagement ring of all engagement rings on my finger.
“Impossibly in love with you. Marry me, trouble. Make me the happiest man.” He doesn’t ask, that’s not Tony’s style. Instead, he makes it more of a statement.
“Yes. God, yes,” I whisper, breathless and more than ready to feel his mouth against mine.
Tony does exactly what I want without me saying a single word.
Our kiss is warm, intense, and full of emotions.
It’s the kind of kiss where two people are completely and totally in love with one another.
The sole focus is on this moment and nothing but this moment.
The world fades, leaving the feeling of falling more in love with the man in front of me.
Somewhere along the way, he must have hit the button on the elevator, because the doors open, and applause greets us.
It’s then that I really see the ring he placed on my finger.
A center-cut diamond, set in a four-prong mounting, yellow gold in color, adorned with a row of pavé-set diamonds that add extra sparkle and elegance.
It’s delicate and modern yet timeless. I’ve never once brought up any ideas of what I’d like in a ring, yet he nailed it.
“Why did the elevator stop, Mom?” I hear Briar ask Kennedy. I nuzzle closer to Tony, unsure if making an appearance right away is a good idea with the hard-on he’s packing.
“Oh, don’t worry. One day, you’ll understand.” Our friends and family join in on the laughter. Once Tony’s dick is tucked away with his jacket, we move out of the elevator and celebrate for a different reason entirely.
I hope you enjoyed Tony and Coralynn’s story and will consider leaving a review.
Coming next is When He Falls, the first book in the series Whispering Oaks: Steel & Seduction and will be Colt and Sable’s story!
Releasing Jan 11th, 2026
The last thing Colt expects to find on his doorstep in the middle of the night is a stranded stranger.
Colt doesn’t do complicated, and Sable has complicated written all over her.
His life is simple: run his mechanic shop, raise his daughter, and take care of his mom.
Everything changes with Sable. She slams into his life—stubborn, gorgeous, and fiercely independent. His quiet world starts to shift.
He swears this is temporary. She’s just passing through. But every heated glance, every accidental brush of her body against his, only pulls him deeper.
He’s not supposed to want her.
She’s not supposed to stay.
Some falls are impossible to resist.