Epilogue Two

Garrett

The sun is setting over Pine Hollow, casting a golden hue across the field where we set up the ceremony. Lights twinkle from the trees, the dance floor creaks with music and laughter, and I’m standing off to the side, watching my wife spin in a circle with Sadie and Annie, laughing like a damn angel.

“Hard to believe, huh?” Sawyer says beside me, handing me a beer. “That we ended up here?”

I shake my head slowly, watching Callie move with grace and mischief. “I never thought I’d get married. Not really. Figured I’d die a grumpy old man in that store.”

Reid chuckles, joining us. “And now you’re all soft and sentimental. Callie did a number on you.”

“I think she just uncovered what was always there,” I admit.

Ben grins from nearby, toasting the air. “It’s always the sunshine ones. They wreck us in the best ways.”

I nod, glancing at each of them. “You’re not wrong. She’s changed everything. For the better.”

Sawyer claps me on the shoulder. “Then don’t just stand here, man. Go dance with your wife.”

I drain my beer and cross the lawn. Callie sees me coming, and her whole face lights up. God, that look never gets old.

“Well, well,” she says, placing her hand in mine. “Are you going to dance, Mr. Pierce?”

“I’ll do anything if I get to hold you.”

She lets me pull her close, her body molding to mine as the music slows. We sway gently under the string lights, her head resting on my chest.

“You nervous?” she asks, teasing.

“About the future? Not at all.”

Her smile softens, and she kisses me sweetly. “Good. Because I plan to keep you falling for a very long time.”

The reception is winding down, and the string lights twinkling above the outdoor patio cast a golden glow over everything. I can still feel Callie’s body pressing against mine from our first dance, her cheek on my chest, her laughter bright and full.

Now she’s mine. Completely. Officially.

She’s radiant in white, her dress hugging her curves, and the soft waves of her hair still tousled from my fingers slipping through them earlier. My hand rests on her back as I guide her through the inn’s hallway, past the last of the well-wishers, until we reach our suite.

The moment the door clicks shut behind us, her arms are around my neck, lips on mine, hungry and unrestrained.

“I still can’t believe you danced,” she breathes against my mouth.

“Didn’t want to. Still did.”

“Because of me?”

“Because I’d do anything for you.”

She pulls back, eyes shining, and then she grins. “At least this time, there’s no tent involved.”

“Don’t tempt me. I could still lay you out on the balcony floor.”

The reception is winding down, and the string lights twinkling above the outdoor patio cast a golden glow over everything. I can still feel Callie’s body pressing against minefrom our first dance, her cheek on my chest, her laughter bright and full.

Now she’s mine. Completely. Officially.

She’s radiant in white, her dress hugging her curves, and the soft waves of her hair still tousled from my fingers slipping through them earlier. My hand rests on her back as I guide her through the inn’s hallway, past the last of the well-wishers, until we reach our suite.