Epilogue Aiden
I blink awake to sunlight spilling across soft sheets and the faint whiff of cinnamon rolls drifting in from the kitchen.
My stomach grumbles to life. Charlie must be up early, testing another new recipe.
Of course she is. Six months after opening her bakery in the heart of Main Street, she’s already been featured in more magazines than I can count.
I still can’t believe our little “mishap” led me to her.
She’s the piece I didn’t know I was missing—steady, grounding, endlessly understanding about my long shifts and late nights.
Always checking in, reminding me to eat, to breathe, and to rest. I make it a point to visit her and Everly Falls as often as I can.
I even started looking into clinic openings here for when I finish my program.
She’s thriving here, and this town, it’s beginning to feel like home for us.
I glance around her cozy bedroom, sunlight slanting across the picture of Charlie, Jake, and I at her grand opening. She’s smiling ear to ear as she cuts the ribbon. I couldn’t be prouder, and I’m grateful to have this weekend off from my residency to soak up some time with her.
I whistle for my little furball, Jake, but I hear no sign of him in the apartment.
Typical. You’d think Charlie was the one who adopted him, considering he only comes to me when he needs something—a potty break, treats, or belly rubs.
I’m pretty much the spare human to him. It doesn’t help that Mrs. Bennett spoils him every time he’s in town.
She always has a fresh bag of treats or another ridiculous seasonal outfit.
Honestly, he’s got a better wardrobe than I do.
The door creaks open and Charlie steps in, cheeks flushed from the morning chill. Jake’s tucked in her arm like a football. “Morning,” she says softly, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. “We took a walk before breakfast.”
I sit up, smiling as I motion her closer.
She puts Jake down, and he scurries into the kitchen.
Five dollars says she left him a peanut butter-filled Kong toy there.
When she settles beside me, I pull her into my arms, right where she belongs.
I squeeze her tight, inhaling her sweet vanilla scent.
“Good morning, princess. How was your walk?”
“It was nice. We ran into Mrs. Whittaker. She said her grandson’s moving back to town.”
“He’s the one that hasn’t been back in a while, right?”
“Yep, almost six years now,” she says with a grin. “He was Jade’s high school sweetheart. They didn’t end on good terms. If you’re okay with sharing me for a few hours, I want to check in with her after breakfast before our weekend festivities.”
I chuckle, nuzzling into her neck. “You know I would never share you willingly but I know how important this is to you. Jake and I will head to the dog park while we wait.”
She hums, tilting her head slightly, letting my lips brush the edge of her jaw. “Someone has been working on his bedside manner.”
I laugh softly. “Only for you.”
She slips out of my hold, brushing her fingers across my chest as she stands. “Alright, sleeping beauty, get up. Your cinnamon roll’s warming in the oven.”
“Is this the new recipe you were talking about?”
Her eyes light up. “Yes, the Ube cinnamon roll. It’s going on the seasonal menu if it passes your taste test.”
I inhale deeply, catching the scent of butter, sugar, and that hint of sweet purple yam. “You’re dangerous, you know that?”
Charlie laughs, nudging my leg with her knee. “You keep saying that.”
“Because it’s true,” I murmur, tugging her gently back toward me. “Between the baked goods and the way you’re looking at me right now—I’m doomed.”
She tries to look unimpressed, but her smile gives her away. “Maybe a little doom isn’t so bad.”
I grin, standing up and pulling her back into my embrace. “Depends on how sweet the ending is.”
Her breath catches, and before she can respond, I close the distance between us, kissing her slow and easy. She tastes like whipped cream, coffee, and everything good about mornings.
When she finally pulls back, her voice is soft, teasing. “You still want that cinnamon roll?”
“Later,” I murmur against her lips, already tugging her back closer.
Jake barks from the kitchen, breaking the spell, and we laugh.
“Come on,” she says, pushing at my chest. “Jake waits for no one.”
I watch her walk away, sunlight catching the edges of her hair, and I know for certain, this life is perfect.