Epilogue
The Naked Moose stood transformed, its rustic charm now covered in twinkling lights and colorful banners.
Standing outside of the bar, Aubrey held the door open, greeting the arriving family members of the talent show kids with a warm smile.
Gunner had recently finished a tour across America, promoting his latest album, and Aubrey was happy that they were both back in Timber Falls for the summer months.
She loved her time traveling and the big cities, but Timber Falls was home.
“Welcome, Brooks! Anna, that dress is adorable,” Aubrey exclaimed, kneeling to admire a little girl’s frilly dress. As she stood, she caught sight of the Millers approaching. “John, how’s that leg healing up?”
The older man chuckled, patting his knee. “Right as rain, thanks to your famous chicken soup, Aubrey.”
“We’re so excited for the talent show,” a young mother gushed, her toddler clinging to her leg.
Aubrey nodded, a sense of pride washing over her. “It’s our favorite event here too.” She glanced inside the bar, catching a glimpse of Gunner setting up the stage.
Inside, he carefully tuned a small guitar, his strong hands moving with practiced ease. A group of wide-eyed children gathered around him, their excitement palpable.
Aubrey shut the door and headed toward the stage. The talent show was a yearly tradition now at the bar. And Gunner mentored all the musical kids every year, even when he was on the road.
“Alright, kiddos,” Gunner said, his eyes twinkling. “Who wants to give this beauty a strum?”
A chorus of “Me! Me!” erupted, and Gunner laughed, the sound rich and warm. He handed the guitar to a shy boy hanging back from the group.
“Here you go, partner. Give it a try.”
The boy hesitated, then plucked a string. The note rang out, clear and true, and a smile spread across his face.
“There you go!” Gunner encouraged, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. “You’re a natural.”
As Gunner continued to interact with the children, Aubrey found herself watching him, struck by the easy way he put everyone at ease. It was a far cry from the troubled man who had returned to Timber Falls seeking redemption and a fresh start.
“Alright, folks,” she called out, her voice carrying over the excited chatter. “Let’s get this show on the road!”
As the families settled in, Aubrey caught Gunner’s eye. He winked, and she felt a flutter in her stomach as she took in the moment.
Charly knelt down in front of her twins, Emma and Ethan, smoothing their matching cowboy hats and adjusting their little bolo ties. The five-year-olds fidgeted, their eyes darting nervously around the bustling room.
“Remember,” Charly said, her eyes radiating calm, “it’s just like we practiced at home. You two are going to be amazing.”
Jaxon squatted beside them, giving his easygoing smile. “And even if you forget the words,” he added with a wink, “just keep on singin’. That’s what real cowboys do.”
Emma’s bottom lip quivered. “But what if everyone laughs at us, Mama?”
Charly pulled her daughter into a gentle hug. “Oh, honey, they won’t. They’re all here to cheer you on. And you know what?” She leaned in close, as if sharing a secret. “Even if they did laugh, it wouldn’t matter. Because you’re brave enough to get up there and try.”
Ethan puffed out his little chest. “I ain’t scared,” he declared, though his trembling hands betrayed him.
Jaxon tapped his son’s hat. “’Course you’re not. You’re a Reed, through and through.”
Aubrey smiled at them, and then looked next to her at Willow, who turned to Eli, who stood stoically beside her, with his eyes fixed on their daughter, Sophie.
“You okay?” Willow asked softly, reaching for his hand.
Eli’s jaw clenched, then relaxed. “Yeah,” he said gruffly. “Just never thought I’d be here, you know? Watching my little girl recite poetry.” He gave a small smile. “No one better laugh at her.”
Willow slowly shook her head. “I’m sure they know better than to do that.”
Sophie skipped over then and looked up at them, her green eyes—so like her mother’s—wide with anticipation. “Do you think they’ll like my poem, Daddy?”
Eli knelt down, his usual reserved demeanor softening as he looked at his daughter. “They’re gonna love it. Just like your mama and I do.”
Aubrey’s heart melted into a puddle on the floor.
A hush fell over the crowd as Willow and Eli’s daughter, Sophie, stepped onto the small stage. Her auburn hair, braided neatly, swung as she adjusted the microphone. Aubrey held her breath, remembering how nervous the little girl had been during rehearsals.
Sophie’s clear voice rang out, strong and steady. “‘The Cowgirl’s Heart,’ by Sophie Cole.”
Aubrey’s gaze flicked to Willow and Eli. Willow’s fingers were intertwined tightly with Eli’s, her knuckles white. Eli’s jaw was set, but his eyes shimmered with emotion.
Sophie’s words painted vivid images, and Aubrey found herself transported. The crowd hung on every word, captivated by the young girl’s talent and poise.
As Sophie finished, silence lingered for a heartbeat before thunderous applause erupted. Willow let out a choked laugh, tears streaming down her face. Eli pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her temple, his own eyes suspiciously moist.
“Did you see that?” Willow whispered, her voice carrying to where Aubrey stood. “She did it, Eli. Our baby girl did it.”
Eli nodded, a rare full smile spreading across his face. “She’s got your spirit. And your talent.”
Aubrey felt a lump form in her throat. She remembered the day Willow had confided in her about her fears surrounding motherhood, worried her past trauma would overshadow her ability to love. Yet here she was, radiating pride and joy.
As the next act prepared, Aubrey slipped to the back of the room. She leaned against the wall, taking in the scene before her. The Naked Moose, once just a run-down bar, now pulsed with life and laughter. The bar hadn’t only become successful, it was magical.
Her gaze swept over her friends. Willow and Eli, their heads bent close together as they whispered words of love and pride. Charly and Jaxon, surrounded by their growing family. And Gunner, his eyes meeting hers across the room, a question in their depths that made her heart race.
We did it, Aubrey thought to herself, running a hand over the smooth wood of the bar. We turned this place into something beautiful. Something that matters.
As if sensing her moment of introspection, Gunner made his way to her side. “Penny for your thoughts, darlin’?” he drawled, his hand finding the small of her back.
Aubrey leaned into him. “Just thinking about how far we’ve come. How The Naked Moose has become…well, everything I never knew I needed.”
Gunner’s arm tightened around her. “It’s not just the bar that’s become something special, hmm?”
Aubrey felt a blush creep up her neck. She turned to him, keeping her voice quiet as the next act took the stage. “I need to tell you something.”
His eyes locked on to hers, concern flickering across his face. “Everything alright?”
Aubrey took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I’ve been watching you with the kids today, and it just melts my heart.” She placed a hand on his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat. “The way you connect with them, how patient and kind you are.”
Gunner’s brow furrowed slightly, a question forming on his lips. Before he could speak, Aubrey pressed on.
“I’m so glad you’re good with children, because…” She paused, her voice catching. “Well… I’m pregnant.”
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Aubrey searched his face, trying to gauge his reaction.
Until Gunner’s eyes widened, heady emotions flashing across his features. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face—one that reached his eyes and lit up his entire being.
“Aubrey,” he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. “We’re gonna have a baby?”
She nodded, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. “We are.”
In one fluid motion, Gunner pulled her close, enveloping her in his strong arms. “Oh, darlin’,” he murmured into her hair.
Aubrey melted into his embrace, relief and joy washing over her. “You’re happy?” she asked, her voice muffled against his chest.
Gunner pulled her in close, holding her face tenderly in his hands. “This is more than just happiness,” he whispered as he placed a hand on her stomach. “This baby is our future, our legacy. And I swear to you, right now, that I will love and protect both of you with every fiber of my being.”
She returned his smile with one of her own. “And we will love you endlessly.”
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