Epilogue
Winter
Two months later, I'm standing in the ground floor atrium of Tribeca Sterling Tower. The project is complete.
The grand opening event is in full swing. About seventy people fill the space—investors, realtors, brokers, press, staff, and high society figures who want to see what Knox Sterling built.
The atrium is stunning. Thirty-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, the custom chandelier I designed hanging in the center like a piece of art. Every detail came together exactly as I envisioned.
I'm wearing an elegant navy dress that conceals my growing bump. At three and a half months pregnant, I'm starting to show, but the cut of the dress hides it well.
Knox is beside me, his hand resting on my lower back as we move through the crowd. He's in his element—confident, composed, shaking hands and accepting congratulations.
Tom approaches us with a wide smile.
"Winter, the design is incredible. You outdid yourself."
"Thank you, Tom. It was a team effort."
Fletcher appears next, clapping Knox on the shoulder.
"Congratulations, both of you." He glances at me with a knowing look.
"On everything."
Knox smirks. "Thanks, Fletcher."
I see Kate and Amy arrive through the main entrance and excuse myself. They rush over and pull me into a hug.
"Oh my god, you look amazing," Kate says, stepping back to look at me.
Amy grins. "And this turnout is incredible. Look at this place!"
"Thank you both for coming," I say.
Kate leans in and lowers her voice.
"How are you feeling? The baby?"
"Good. Tired, but good."
Amy squeezes my hand.
"We're so happy for you."
We talk for a few more minutes before they head off to grab champagne and I return to Knox's side.
About an hour into the event, I see them arrive:
Conrad and Diane Sterling.
My stomach flips with nerves but I keep my expression calm. This was my doing. I invited them.
Knox is mid-conversation with an investor when he glances toward the entrance and freezes. I watch his face go pale.
Diane spots us first and approaches, Conrad following a step behind.
"Winter invited us," Diane says gently, looking at Knox.
"I hope that's okay."
Knox turns to me slowly. "You did this?"
I nod. "They should see what you built."
Conrad steps forward, his expression unreadable. Then he extends his hand toward Knox.
"It's impressive, Knox. Truly."
The handshake is stiff but genuine. Knox doesn't speak right away. He just stares at his father like he's trying to decide if this moment is real.
"We're so proud of you," Diane adds, her voice thick with emotion.
Knox finally finds his voice.
"Thank you for coming."
I notice immediately that Rowan isn't with them. That wound is going to need a lot more time to heal.
Diane turns to me and takes my hand.
"Thank you. For doing this."
"Family should be together for moments like this," I say simply.
Knox looks at me and I see something shift in his expression. Gratitude. Understanding. He realizes what I've given him—an amicable path back to his parents.
Conrad and Diane stay for another twenty minutes, walking through the lobby, asking questions about the design, complimenting the craftsmanship. It's not perfect, but it's a start.
By evening, the event transitions into the celebratory portion. Knox excuses himself and walks to the small stage at the front of the atrium where a microphone is set up.
He taps it twice and the room quiets.
"Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate the completion of Tribeca Sterling Tower." Knox pauses as applause fills the space.
"I want to thank my team, my investors, the contractors, and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life."
More applause.
Then Knox's eyes find mine in the crowd.
"But there's one person I need to thank specifically. The woman who played a big role in making this project what it is."
My heart starts racing.
"Winter Hayes, can you come up here?"
The crowd parts and I walk toward the stage, my legs shaking slightly. When I reach him, Knox extends his hand and helps me up the steps.
"Winter Hayes is the most talented designer I've ever worked with," Knox says, looking at me.
"But more importantly, she's the strongest, kindest, most incredible person I know."
My eyes widen as I realize what's happening. Knox gets down on one knee. The crowd gasps collectively.
"I know this isn't conventional," Knox says, his voice steady and clear.
"I know we haven't been together long. But when you know, you know."
He pulls a ring box from his jacket pocket and opens it. The ring is stunning—a large solitaire diamond on a platinum band.
"Winter Hayes, you've given me more than I ever thought possible. You've given me love, a future, and a family. Will you marry me?"
Tears spill down my cheeks and I can barely get the word out.
"Yes."
Knox stands and slides the ring onto my finger. Then he pulls me into his arms and kisses me. The crowd erupts in applause. I hear Diane crying happy tears somewhere in the audience. When I glance over, I see Conrad actually smiling.
Cameras flash.
Knox pulls back and rests his forehead against mine.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
***
Later that night, Knox and I stand on the terrace of his penthouse.
The city lights stretch out endlessly in every direction. It's quiet up here, peaceful, far removed from the chaos of the event.
I look down at the ring on my finger, watching it catch the light.
"No regrets?" Knox asks.
I look up at him and smile. "None. You?"
"Not a single one."
I take a deep breath and turn to face him fully.
"There's something else I need to tell you."
Knox's expression shifts slightly. "What?"
"I found out today. Right before the event." I pause.
"It's a boy."
Knox goes completely still.
"A boy?" he repeats, his voice barely above a whisper.
I nod. "We're having a boy.”
Knox's face breaks into the biggest smile I've ever seen. He lets out a laugh that's half disbelief, half pure joy.
"A son," he says again, like he's testing the words.
"Yes."
Knox steps forward and cups my face in his hands, kissing me deeply. When he pulls back, he drops to his knees and places both hands gently on my small bump.
"I love you," he says quietly, his voice thick with emotion.
"Both of you."
I run my fingers through his hair as I lean forward and smile down at him.
"We love you too."
Knox stays there for a moment, his hands on my stomach, his forehead resting against me.
This wasn't the plan. None of this was.
But somehow, it's exactly what we both needed.
A future. A family. A love that defied every expectation.
And as we stand on that terrace overlooking the city, I know with absolute certainty that this is just the beginning.
THE END.