Epilogue
3 months later
Sage Valley has been my home for 3 months now. And I wouldn't change a single thing. Charlie's Antiques has become the number one antique shop in the town, which isn't too hard considering there’s only one other, but still. It feels like a huge accomplishment.
Mr. Reeves orders his clowns once a week, and I hand deliver them to him, just like I promised.
I was nervous, at first, about such a huge change. Mainly because I was worried I wouldn't be able to feel Sam's presence anymore if I left the town where everything happened.
The town where we found love, and found loss.
But I do, feel him. Especially in my field of marigolds.
It still amazes me how the field just maintains itself. I don't have to water or fertilize any of them.
Today is the anniversary of Sam's death, and I decided I’d finally go see him. I know it's long overdue, I just haven't been able to make myself.
But now I have Logan at my side; and that’s all I need to be able to stay strong.
I’m walking through the field, looking for the perfect batch of flowers to take to him. Finally, I spot them.
I grab my scissors out of my pocket, and cut the bundle full of rich oranges, and beautiful green leaves.
As I walk back up to the house, I see Logan outside playing with Pudding.
The house still isn't perfect, but we've been working on it as we go. There’s power finally, and the toilets work, so that's all I’m worried about.
I looked at some apartments, but after I thought about it, I didn't want to live somewhere Logan wasn't.
“I got the flowers.” I announce as Pudding comes running over to me.
“Perfect, I’ll get them tied and then we’ll go.” Logan says as he kisses my temple.
I smile at him, then go sit on the steps that lead to the porch.
Looking out over the town, I don't understand how this all happened.
I never thought I’d lose my shop to a fire.
I never thought I’d move towns.
And most importantly: I never thought I’d find a love like I had with Sam again.
But every day Logan makes sure he reminds me how much he loves me. Whether it's simple gestures like massaging my feet after a long day, running a hot bath, or letting me cry in his lap.
Logan never fails me.
He comes out of the house, flowers tied with a ribbon, and smiles.
“You ready?”
“I think so.” I let out a breath, and he grabs my hand, squeezing gently.
“You’ve got this. And I’ll be right by your side.”
“Promise?” I ask, and smile up at him.
He smiles, sending butterflies to my stomach once again.
“Pinky Promise.”
I tell Sam all about the shop. How the fire spread faster than it could be caught, but we managed to save some things.
I tell him how I reopened the new shop, and have had a jump in success since day one.
And most importantly, I tell him about Logan.
“You would love him.” I say, smiling lightly at his grave that has fresh flowers, and a few cards on it.
“He’s strong, and he’s kind. I wish you two could have met. I think you would have gotten along perfectly.” I chuckle, “You know he calls me ‘Charlie girl’? He started doing it right away, and it caught me off guard, but every time he does, I feel like it's a little reminder that you're still here somehow.”
I look back, and Logan is leaning against the truck, looking out at the mountains in the distance.
I asked him to give me a minute alone, and he didn't protest one bit.
“I just wanted to come talk to you for a minute. I’m sorry..” I stop, letting out a shaky breath, “I’m sorry it took me so long.”
I sit in the quiet for a moment, taking a minute to enjoy the silence, and to just be with him for a moment.
After a second, I feel Logan's warm hand land on my shoulder.
I wipe my eyes, then stand, dusting my legs off.
“You ok?” he asks me while he brushes a strand of hair from my face.
“Yeah. I actually feel a little better, getting to talk to him.”
“I’m glad. We can come back anytime you want to.”
Smiling up at him, I’m taken aback for a minute at how grateful I am to have him.
I genuinely don’t know where I’d be if he hadn't come into my life when he did.
Logan pulls me in for a hug, then says, “Are you ready to go see your mom?”
I nod my head, “Yep. Let’s go.”
My mom moved here a month ago. She ended up buying the cute little cottage she came to look at awhile ago, and it's been absolutely amazing having her here.
She and Logan have also developed a bond that makes my heart so happy. I love that he loves her.
I shoot her a text, letting her know Logan and I are on our way, and she sends a thumbs up.
My life has changed so much over the course of the last few months, and mainly for the better.
I don’t know where I’d be if Logan hadn’t walked into my shop that day. Or if the fire never happened. But here we are; living in a new town, with a new shop.
And most importantly, with Logan.
And I am so freaking happy.
Logan wraps me in his arms, kissing my forehead.
I smile up at him.
“Thank you for coming into my life and helping me find happiness again.”
Logan meets my eyes, “Thank you for letting me.”
He smiles, and gives me a kiss. “You have bewitched me, body and soul.” he quotes, and my heart flutters.
“I give you all of my days, Logan Henderson. All of my days and more.”
“Promise?” he asks with a smile.
“Pinky promise.”