Page 91 of This Loving Feeling (Mirror Lake)

EPILOGUE

“I’m glad you’re engaged but when are you two going to get married?” Effie asked from her seat in the wicker rocker on Lukas’s front porch where she sat with many of the Rushford family and friends. It was nearly sunset, and the kids were running around on the lawn playing freeze tag while Ben and Tom were getting the fire pit started to roast marshmallows for s’mores. Everyone was relaxing, enjoying the good company and the fine summer evening. And celebrating Lukas’s and Sam’s engagement.

Lukas couldn’t believe the changes the past few months had brought. Or that the old house he’d bought would be brimming with people, kids’ laughter echoing though the yard. Mom and Pop Ellis would be really happy about that.

“I know you don’t approve of us living together before we’re married but at least we’re engaged,” Sam said, gently rotating her new engagement ring in the waning light.

“Wish you two were as old-fashioned as that beautiful ring,” Effie grumbled.

It was an antique European-cut stone with a filigreed setting Lukas had worked with a jeweler to create. But of course it didn’t nearly do Sam justice.

“I’m so glad you’re back to being sweet,” Sam said with a wink at Lukas.

Effie leaned over and tilted Sam’s hand so it caught the last rays of the sun. “It is a sparkler. And it’s vintage, like me.”

Lukas grinned at his beautiful fiancée. Once they’d decided to be together, they just couldn’t stay apart, and they hadn’t wasted a single minute. They had too much time to make up for. Sam had moved in and they’d set to making the house a home.

Despite not touring this summer, Lukas found that his new single was still skyrocketing. He’d managed to be creative about traveling, and had insisted on plenty of home time, take it or leave it, and they’d taken it. He hadn’t regretted a single second.

Neither, it seemed, did Stevie. He’d finally unpacked his backpack. Maybe it was because he loved having his own room. That was painted dark gray—not black—with flames. A compromise.

“I’d marry her tomorrow,” Lukas said, “but we’re waiting for Stevie’s adoption papers to be finalized. Then we can really celebrate.”

“And once we get married I’ll officially adopt Stevie, too,” Sam said.

“They found your brother yet?” Meg asked Lukas.

“Actually, the PI called me yesterday. Nico’s in Philadelphia. It’s a matter of getting him to go to a notary and sign. I’m flying there tomorrow. And I’m hoping maybe I can get my brother into rehab this time.”

“That’s great news,” Ben said, walking up to the porch with a plate of s’mores.

“Not until I hold the papers in my hand,” Lukas said, rubbing his palms together a little nervously. They were so close, and he was holding his breath until the feat was accomplished. What if Nico said no? What if he wanted Stevie back? Anything could happen.

“Stevie seems really happy,” Olivia said. “I thought it was so cute that Stevie bought Annabelle that little necklace.”

Lukas laughed. “He made me take him to Target to pick it out.”

Brad rolled his eyes.

“It’s okay, brother,” Sam said, patting Brad on the back. “Now that you don’t have me to worry about anymore, you can focus on your own children.”

“But until then,” Brad said, “I hope you’ll let me walk you down the aisle.”

Sam hesitated just a little before she answered. “You’ve been the only father I knew growing up,” she said. “And I’d be honored.”

“You know, Sam,” Joe Malone said, “I’m officially volunteering to be Stevie’s new grandfather. If that’s okay with you two.”

“As long as that doesn’t conflict with you being my boss,” Sam said. “Thanks for giving me my job back, by the way.”

“I’m thrilled my best art teacher’s coming back,” Joe said.

“I’m your only art teacher,” she said, giving him a hug.

“And thank you for giving the gift of an art endowment to the school,” Joe said.

“You know she gave the rest of that money to the theater,” Effie said. “Since our family donated so much, I think I want a bigger portrait.”

“No way, Effie,” Sam said. “It was hard enough to get you to sit for the first one.”

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