Page 76 of The Leaving Road

“I love you,” she whispered back. “Show me how much.”

I showed her how much until the darkness gave way to light.

I’d show her forever.

Epilogue

Magnolia

One year and a few months later…

It was amazing what you could accomplish in a year. I had tears in my eyes, and I took in the clinic, which was finally finished. Doc had “gifted” me an area of land that he owned, which was a few miles up from the clinic, but still close enough to be connected by the main road and a few trails. Sloan enlisted Jace and Dexter, and with Lexie’s software, they constructed and built my dream clinic from the ground up.

“You did it, baby.” Sloan’s voice sounded from behind me.

“We did it.” I turned to face him. “We all did.”

I looked around and a sense of wonderment filled me. I was so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by these people.

Doc and Louise were inside stocking up on the last few supplies. Momma and Papa Tuck brought enough pancakes, bacon, eggs, and coffee to feed a small village. Sloan’s parents were handing out plates and food and flyers, explaining the clinic’s process to those coming to the open house.

Our relationship was growing and becoming stronger than ever. Lori and I shared many glasses of wine and quite a few tears over the last year, and I was eternally grateful for it. Lexie was across the way, scrubbing something while actively trying to ignore Jace, who helped Lori hand out food, shooting heated glances in her direction. I shook my head, making a mental note to catch up with her later.

Sloan and his dad built the “TheBar-kery” that was attached to the clinic, which also helpedfundthe clinic. You’d think a few million went a long way, but unfortunately it did not. Sloan had reached out to the state to find out exactly what he would need to be able to put it together, and after he did that, he was the one who talked to Doc about the land he had but didn’t use. He’s the one who got together with Jace and started making blueprints. He came up with the idea of the bar and grill to help fund the clinic. It was perfect. He’s the one who madeallmy dreams come true.

Every. Last. One. Of. Them.

He hired someone to take over Montgomery’s full time, and another assistant manager for Yuliana’s so he could spend the majority of his working days near the clinic,near me.

Barks and yips had me turning to Peaches, Sweet Potato, and Pie, running through the open grassy area, making sure to stop and say hello to everyone they came across. The smile on my face couldn’t be any larger.

This was where I was always meant to be, where I was meant to wind up.

“You look happy, baby.” Sloan’s voice broke through the fog of happiness again.

“You know how much I love you?” I asked him, and he grinned at me.

“I know.” He scooped me up in his arms and planted a kiss on my lips before setting me back down. “You know how much I love you?”

“I know,” I replied as he sank down on one knee in front of me, in front of everyone who mattered.

“Will you marry me, Magnolia?” he asked simply.

Tears clouded my vision, my heart was bursting with love and happiness. “Yes.”

“Forever, baby.” Sloan slid the perfect, pear-shaped solitaire ring on my left hand.

“Forever.”

The end

---