Page 132 of Hot Knot Summer
I came to Whispering Grove broken and alone, just trying to survive.
Now, I’m staying as their mate, their family, their forever.
And for the first time in longer than I can remember, everything feels exactly as it should be.
EPILOGUE
EMMA
Istand outside the Flour & Fable Bakery, my hands trembling slightly as I stare at the transformed storefront. Three months ago, I stumbled into this quaint little bakery as a broken woman fleeing from the wreckage of my old life. Now, the windows are decorated with banners featuring my name and the cover ofMoonfire’s Daughter: Book Five,and people moving around inside.
My fifth book. My baby. The culmination of everything I’ve learned about writing, about love, about finding your place in the world. After everything Chad tried to destroy, here I am with a story I’m genuinely proud of.
“You look like you’re about to hurl all over those pretty decorations,” Jess observes from beside me, her flame-red hair practically glowing in the late afternoon light. She’s got curves that could stop traffic and thekind of confidence that makes her seem taller than her actual five-foot-six frame. Her emerald-green eyes are sparkling.
“I might,” I admit, pressing a hand to my stomach. “This is so much bigger than I expected. Why did I let them talk me into this?”
“Because you’re a badass author who deserves to have people celebrate her badass books.” Jess bumps my shoulder with hers. “I flew my ass all the way out here to see you in your natural habitat; you better not chicken out now.”
She’s been planning this visit for weeks, timing it perfectly with my book launch. Having her here feels like bridging two worlds, my old life and my new one, perfectly balanced.
“Besides,” she continues with a wicked grin. “I’m dying to finally meet these Alphas of yours in person. The FaceTime calls are great and all, but I want to see if they’re as stupidly attractive in real life as they are on camera.”
“They’re going to love you,” I tell her, though part of me is terrified they’ll team up and share embarrassing stories about me. “They already do, actually. River keeps asking when you’re going to move out here permanently.”
“Smart man. I like him already.” She strikes a dramatic pose that makes me snort with laughter. “Now, come on, before I have to physically drag you inside. Your boys told you to arrive with me so theycould help set up, remember? They’re probably wondering where the hell we are.”
Right. The plan. Something about wanting to surprise me, though knowing them, they probably just wanted to make sure everything was perfect.
The moment we push through the door, I’m immediately overwhelmed by warmth, laughter, and the most incredible smells. The bakery has been completely transformed. Lily and Hannah have outdone themselves. No, they’ve basically created magic.
The usual bakery display cases have been moved to create an open space with a small stage area, complete with a podium and microphone. Tables are scattered throughout with the most beautiful spread of food I’ve ever seen in my life.
There are Lily’s famous croissants, delicate petit fours decorated with tiny edible flowers that seem too pretty to eat, chocolate-dipped strawberries arranged like actual bouquets, and what appears to be an entire architectural marvel made of macaroons in every color of the rainbow.
Ruby’s contribution is obvious from the professional tap system she’s installed along one wall, flowing with what I know is her award-winning craft beer alongside pitchers of cocktails.
But what actually makes me want to cry are the decorations. My book cover, a stunning fantasy landscape with a badass female warrior silhouetted against a magical sunset, is blown up and displayed behind thestage as though I’m some kind of real author or something. Smaller versions are scattered throughout the space, along with fairy lights that make everything feel like we’re inside one of my fantasy novels.
And there, in the center of it all, is a table set up with stacks of my books and a sign that readsMeet the Author - Emma Collins.
“Holy shit,” I breathe, my eyes filling with tears. “This is...”
“Fucking incredible?” River appears at my elbow like he’s been summoned, sliding his arm around my waist and pulling me against his side. “You deserve incredible, beautiful.”
“More than incredible,” Atlas adds, materializing on my other side with that satisfied smile that means he’s particularly pleased with himself.
“Thank you. I’m nervous as hell. So, where’s Levi?” I ask, craning my neck to look around while trying not to cry and ruin my makeup.
“Arguing with Archer about optimal book positioning,” River says with a grin. “Apparently, there’s a whole science to author signing table arrangements, and they both have very strong opinions.”
“Of course, there is,” I laugh, some of my nervousness melting away just from having them close. Archer is one of Lily’s Alphas and possibly the biggest book nerd on the planet, so of course, he and Levi would bond over proper literary presentation.
“The infamous Jess,” Atlas states, turning to mybest friend with that charming smile. “It’s amazing to finally meet you in person.”
“The one and only,” Jess replies, grinning as she hugs him. “And you’re even more ridiculously handsome in person, which I didn’t think was possible. The camera really doesn’t do you justice.”
River snorts with laughter. “She’s exactly as advertised,” he tells me, dragging Jess into a hug.
