Epilogue
Thanksgiving approached. In Charlotte’s home, the air was filled with the warm aroma of roasting turkey and savory side dishes. Martha, Charlotte, Sophie, Molly, Isobel, and Ruth Everhart bustled about the kitchen, their laughter mingling with the clatter of pots and pans as they prepared the feast.
Jackson, with a mischievous grin, took charge of making his famous pumpkin pie. His hands, now free of their sling with the doctor’s permission, expertly worked the dough as he hummed a cheerful tune. Liv watched him fondly.
When the feast was placed on the table, Turk and Luke joined the friends and family who had gathered together. Charlotte stood at the head of the table and said, “As we gather around this table, let us count our blessings, large and small. May our hearts be filled with gratitude, for the love that surrounds us, for the gifts we”ve been given.
“On this day of Thanksgiving, let us cherish the moments we share and remember those who are not with us, but whose presence is felt in our memories and in our hearts. May this meal nourish our bodies and souls, and may we be mindful of those in need, extending a hand of kindness and generosity to spread love and compassion. Amen.”
While they ate, they shared stories and laughter, their voices filling the room with warmth and joy.
* * *
Molly headedhome after Thanksgiving dinner, anticipation bubbling up inside her. Tomorrow morning, she was heading to a West Coast swing dance festival at the Waverly Junction convention center. The thought of spending a weekend immersed in dance, surrounded by the living instead of the dead, filled her with energy.
In her bedroom, Molly quickly packed her dance shoes, a couple of outfits for each class she planned to take, and a dress she wanted to wear for the culmination dinner. She checked her phone one last time, making sure she had all the necessary details and directions for the event.
As she settled into bed, her mind buzzed. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the incredible weekend that awaited.
* * *
After the celebrationdrew to a close, Liv and Jackson found themselves alone in the quiet living room in Liv’s apartment, the flickering light of the fireplace casting a soft glow over the room. She snuggled closer to him on the couch, her head resting on his chest. The sound of her contented sigh mixed with the crackle of the flames.
A smile played at the corners of Jackson’s lips as he reflected on the terrific Thanksgiving dinner they had just shared with friends and family. “That was amazing,” he remarked, turning to Liv with a glint of surprise in his eyes. “I had no idea Molly was such a fan of swing dancing.”
Liv chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She explained that, for Molly, dancing wasn”t just a hobby. “It’s her escape, her way of relieving the stress and getting exercise.”
Jackson wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as he pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. “I love the serenity,” he murmured, his voice filled with affection. “Just you and me.”
Liv smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “Me too,” she agreed softly.
They sat in companionable silence for a while, lost in their own thoughts as they watched the flickering flames dance in the fireplace. Eventually, Jackson broke the silence, his voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness. “I wonder what things will be like when we go back to work,” he mused, his fingers idly tracing circles on Liv”s arm. “I”ll miss these lazy hours with you.”
Liv had taken leave after Michael’s arrest, but it was coming to an end. She squeezed Jackson’s hand reassuringly, a smile curling her lips. “I”ll miss them too,” she admitted. “But I know we”ll find the time. We’ll just have to work at it a little harder.”
With a tender smile, he leaned in to press a lingering kiss to her lips. Then, breaking the kiss, he dropped to one knee and took her left hand in his own, his eyes shining with love. “Liv,” he began, his voice soft, “I fell for you from the moment I met you, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Will you marry me?” He opened his palm to reveal a ruby and diamond engagement ring.
Tears erupted as she gazed into Jackson”s eyes. “Yes,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “Yes, a thousand times yes! You are the only man who has ever made me feel safe. And I love you so much.”
They sealed their love with a tender kiss as their embrace deepened. With a gentle touch, he caressed her cheek, his eyes filled with an unwavering tenderness. “You are my everything, Liv,” he whispered.
More tears of joy welled in Liv”s eyes as she gazed up at the man she loved. She leaned in to place a tender kiss to his lips. He scooped her into his arms, carrying her to the bedroom. The world faded away, leaving only the sounds of their lovemaking floating through the apartment.
The End
Molly and Ethan’s book,Swing of Death, is next in the series.