27. Epilogue
Chapter twenty-seven
Epilogue
Mia
I never thought I’d find myself calling Fairbanks home, but here I am, feeling more rooted than I have in years. The past few months have been a whirlwind. After the harrowing ordeal with my ex, Noah and I decided to stay here while everything settled. The DEA pulled in the FBI in the manhunt for Carter. They found him a few weeks after the incident, and he’s now in jail awaiting trial for murder in Colorado, but Alaska also wants a go at him. I’ve been assured he will never see the light of day again.
I’m safe.
We’re all safe, I think to myself with a hand on my belly.
Noah has been amazing. He’s shown me parts of Alaska I never dreamed of seeing. I’ve captured some of the most breathtaking photos of my career. His new plane, though used, is a reliable workhorse, and flying with him has become one of my greatest joys. There’s a sense of freedom and adventure in the skies, a perfect contrast to the fear and uncertainty that once gripped us.
Today, we’re up early, prepping for another flight. The morning air is crisp and clear, perfect for capturing the elusive beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. As we load our gear into the plane, I glance at Noah, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. He catches me looking and winks.
“Ready to find some new shots?” he asks.
“Always,” I reply, smiling back.
We take off, the ground disappearing beneath us. The landscape sprawls out in a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and winding rivers. It’s a beautiful summer day. Noah handles the small plane expertly. His face is focused but calm, his hands steady on the controls. I admire his skill and his confidence. I never worry when he’s at the helm.
“Down there,” I point to the herd of caribou leisurely grazing on a green patch.
He nods and slowly starts to descend, landing far enough away not to startle the animals. Together, we walk to the clearing, carefully moving slowly and quietly. I quickly aim my camera and start clicking away. I focus on the attentive eyes of a watchful mother guarding her young calf.
Something startles the herd, and they take off running in the opposite direction.
“I guess that’s that,” Noah chuckles. “Did you get what you needed?”
“I think so,” I nod.
We get back aboard the plane and set off to our destination—Eric’s cabin. His wife signed it over to me. I understood it was too painful for her ever to go back there. It was difficult for me, but it was also where Noah and I fell in love.
We land near the cabin, and Noah carries our suitcase inside while I grab the groceries for our short stay. The place has become our getaway. I want to make new memories to get rid of the dark ones. After settling in, we sit on the porch, sipping hot coffee and appreciating the beauty.
Noah gets up from his chair and turns around to kneel in front of me. “What are you doing?”
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box. My heart skips a beat as he opens it to reveal a simple, elegant ring. “I’ve been carrying this around for a while, waiting for the right moment. I knew this was where I wanted to ask you a very important question. The last few months have been a whirlwind—the best kind. Every day, I fall in love with you a little more. Our relationship started out in the most extreme ways, which makes me appreciate these little moments all the more. I know that together, we can survive anything. We’ve withstood the test of fire. You are the only woman I ever want to walk through life with. Will you marry me?”
I nod, my voice catching in my throat. “Yes, Noah. Yes!”
He slips the ring onto my finger and gets to his feet, pulling me up with him. We share a kiss that seals our love and our future together. I feel a sense of completion. We’ve come through so much together, and now, we’re starting a new chapter.
I decided it was time to tell him my news as well. I’ve been holding it in, unsure of the right moment, but now, I know it’s right.
“Noah,” I begin, my voice trembling slightly. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“What is it, Mia? ”
I take a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”
For a moment, he just stares at me, and I can see the shock register. But then, his face breaks into the most radiant smile I’ve ever seen. “Mia, that’s amazing!” he exclaims, pulling me into his arms.
“I thought you said you weren’t?” he asks with confusion.
I laugh. “Well, I wasn’t then. At least the pregnancy tests didn’t show it, but I went to the doctor a couple of days ago. Our baby was conceived right here in this cabin. Turns out that once or twice or maybe three times is enough.”
He grins. “Or I’m just really potent.”
I playfully roll my eyes. “Yeah, yeah.”
“I love you, Mia. And I love this baby already.”
I smile through the tears that have started to fall. “I love you too, Noah.”
Thank you for reading “Stuck with my Bossy Protector”