Epilogue
EPILOGUE
MACKENZIE
A year and a half later.
“Congratulations, you did it!”
The words ring in my ears over and over again. From every speech, every toast, every well-wisher at my nursing pinning ceremony, You did it is the one phrase that sticks. And standing here, surrounded by friends and family on the back patio of our house, I finally believe it.
I did it.
I run my fingers over the nursing pin displayed proudly on my cap, a symbol of every sleepless night, every moment of self-doubt, every test that nearly broke me.
“You ever going to wear that sexist relic again?” Jill eyes my nurse’s cap like it personally set back feminism fifty years.
I laugh, setting it down on the counter and accepting the wineglass she offers. “It’s not that bad.”
She snorts. “ It’s atrocious.”
“Well, no worries. This thing won’t be touching my head again. It’s purely ceremonial. ”
“Thank God. Those poor old-time nurses must’ve had bald spots from all the bobby pins.”
I sip my wine as my gaze shifts across the patio and lands on Nate. He’s mid-conversation with Mark, throwing his head back in laughter, his carefree expression making my heart stutter. Damn, he wears happiness well.
Jill follows my line of sight. “So when do you start your job?”
“In three weeks. But I still have to pass my boards.” I exhale, rolling my shoulders to shake off the nerves. “I’ll be starting in Naperville General’s ER.”
Her brows lift. “ER? Thought you wanted Medix-Lift?”
“I do. But Nate and Carson think getting some ER experience first is better.”
Jill raises her glass. “Smart. And for what it’s worth, you’ll crush your boards.” Her voice softens. “I’m proud of you, Mack. You’ve come so far.”
I don’t take my eyes off Nate. “I couldn’t have done it alone.”
He believed in me before I believed in myself. He helped me navigate the guilt I carried over, not mourning Ethan as I thought I should . And most of all, he never judged me for any of it.
“Sure, you could’ve,” Jill argues. “Would’ve just been harder.”
I smirk, finally looking at her. “You’re right. I am a badass bitch.”
She grins. “Glad you finally came around to seeing that.”
“Lead by example, right?”
“True that. Speaking of example, is Liam excited about playing for the Strikers?”
“Oh, yeah. He’s pumped. It’ll take time for him to build back up, but he’s determined.”
“I wonder where he gets that from.” She smirks.
I laugh, shaking my head.
She studies me for a second, then leans in conspiratorially. “So, any big plans during your vacation?”
I roll my eyes. “If you’re fishing for wedding talk, I hate to disappoint you. No proposals, no rings—just a relaxing getaway to Kauai.”
“Hm.” Jill sips her wine, glancing toward Nate. “You sure about that? Because the way he’s been eyeing you all night, I don’t think you’ll be waiting too long.”
I don’t respond right away, but my pulse picks up. Could he?
“We haven’t talked much about marriage,” I admit. “School complicated things. He didn’t want to push.”
“But now school’s over.”
“Yeah,” I murmur, stealing another glance at Nate. He catches my gaze, and his slow, knowing smile sends warmth straight to my toes.
Jill hums. “Oh, yeah. He’s definitely gonna propose.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
Just then, Mom approaches, effectively shutting down our conversation. “Mackenzie, dear, Stan’s getting tired. We’re going to head home.”
I smile, setting my glass down. “Thanks so much for coming.”
“We’re so proud of you.”
The sincerity in her voice squeezes my chest. I could kid myself all day, pretending I don’t need her approval—but having it feels so damn good. I kiss her cheek, then Stan’s, and watch them leave with a full heart.
The party winds down soon after. As the last guest disappears down the driveway, I turn to my boys. “Alright, guys. Time for bed.”
“No.” Nick’s face blanches. His wide-eyed horror has me freezing mid-step. “We can’t go to bed yet!”
I frown. “Okay…” I drag out the word. “Did you need to do something first?”
“Yeah, we haven’t?—”
“Nick!” Liam cuts him off, eyes flaring in warning. He shakes his head, motioning for his little brother to shut up.
I narrow my eyes. Something’s up.
“What exactly is going on? ”
Silence.
Both boys zip their lips, doing their best to look innocent. But Nick’s face cracks first. His eyes dart past my shoulder, and his mouth stretches into a wide grin.
Behind me, Nate chuckles, his deep, throaty amusement sending a ripple of anticipation down my spine. I twist around—and the second I do, my breath catches.
My heart stops.
My hands fly to my mouth.
Nate is kneeling.
Oh my God.
One knee on the ground. A black velvet box in his hand. His expression—strong, steady, and filled with so much love it makes my knees weak.
Tears prick my eyes.
I’ve seen this man in every state imaginable. Shirtless, sweat-drenched, lost in passion. I’ve seen him vulnerable, his haunted past weighing him down. I’ve seen him carry my kids, soothe their fears, show up for them in a way no man ever has.
But this?
Nate Dixon, down on one knee, looking up at me like I’m his whole damn world?
It’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.
His voice is steady but thick with emotion.
“Mackenzie Gillman. Ever since I pulled over on the side of the road and you gave me hell, you’ve had me. You’ve touched my soul like no one ever could. I love your fire. Your stubbornness. Your drive. The way you fight for what you want. The way you love your boys. But most of all, I love the way you love me —like I belong. Like I finally have a home.”
He exhales, slow and steady. “You once asked about my roots. Well, my roots are right here. With you. With these boys. Nothing would make me happier than making us official.”
He pops the box open, revealing a stunning princess- cut diamond.
Nick gasps.
Liam smacks his arm. “Dude, quiet.”
Nate smirks, his signature cocky grin competing with the ring’s sparkle. But as breathtaking as the diamond is, it doesn’t come close to the man holding it.
“Mackenzie,” he says softly. “Will you marry me?”
I blink back my tears, my heart swelling to the point of pain.
I nod frantically. “Yes. God, yes.”
He stands, slipping the ring onto my finger, and then his arms are around me, his lips crashing into mine. When he pulls back, his smile is one I’ll remember for the rest of my life—pure, unfiltered happiness.
“He asked our permission, and we said yes!” Nick says proudly.
A laugh bubbles up. “You did?”
“Yeah.” Liam shrugs, playing it cool. “I mean, who else buys us ice cream?”
I turn to Nate, my voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for including them.”
His hands cup my face. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
I smile against his lips as he kisses me, slow and deep. A promise. A vow.
I silently thank Ethan for sending me this broody, stubborn, perfect man.
Our future starts now.
And I love how it looks.