Epilogue

EPILOGUE

FOUR YEARS LATER

There was a new tradition in the Stoker household—one that they’d started three years ago, the Christmas after Margo and Spencer had gotten married. With all of the grandchildren that had become a part of the family, Rhonda had had the idea of going Christmas Eve caroling that year.

It had been a wonderful time, with other neighbors joining in until there was a huge group going from house to house, and it had been declared a success later, over mugs of eggnog and hot cocoa. And so, a new Stoker tradition had been born.

Now, they were all bundled up in their Christmas sweaters, hats and scarves, gloves and boots, getting ready to go out.

Nora couldn’t help thinking, looking at them all, how much everyone had grown.

Madison was five, walking along with everyone else in her furry-collared coat and snow boots, her cheeks pink from the cold. Toby was toddling along next to her, wearing a mini Carhartt-style coat similar to the one his grandfather always wore. Jay was a teenager now, and ever the good big brother, making sure to help the kids stay nearby, and holding Chessie—who was a full-grown dog now, out along with the rest of the family in her sweater and booties—on her leash as they walked.

And there was a new addition too, one that made Nora smile so widely her face hurt every time she thought of it. Margo was standing along with everyone else, holding her new daughter Lila, who was looking wide-eyed at all of the houses covered in Christmas lights, with all of the wonder of a child experiencing her first Christmas.

Of the three of them, Margo was the one Nora would have thought the least likely to want kids, but she had been over the moon last year when she’d found out she was pregnant. And now, she was glowing with happiness as she stood next to Spencer, pointing out the snowmen and reindeer to her daughter.

“I’m cold,” Toby said a little while later, as they made the last of their rounds to the houses, singing Silent Night at the end of their route. “I can’t feel my nose,” he added, announcing it loudly, making the adults all laugh.

“Well, we have hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows waiting back at your house,” Rhonda informed him. “Your mother and I got it all ready before we left. So how about we head back there, hmm?”

“Good idea,” he agreed, and Rhett chuckled as he took his son’s hand, the group turning to head back to The Mistletoe Inn, and Caroline and Rhett’s small cottage further back on the property.

Once there, they all trooped inside, knocking off the snow and piling out of boots and coats and cold-weather accessories. There was a pile of it all by the time everyone had gotten down to their actual clothes, and Caroline and Rhonda headed to the kitchen to start gathering up hot drinks and cookies, as Margo put Miracle on 34th Street on for the kids to watch. All of the cousins piled onto the floor, where throw pillows and blankets were spread out in front of the fire, eager to watch the movie in the warm coziness of the cottage with the fireplace flickering nearby.

Nora hung back, watching them all, feeling a warm happiness that she had grown to associate with being here with her family for the holidays. Every year, something else wonderful happened, something to remind her that being here, living here, was the best choice she had ever made.

And she had some exciting news for this year too. She just hadn’t decided when she should share it with Aiden, yet.

She was standing near the doorway, watching as little Lila fell asleep in Donovan’s arms in the recliner, Chessie curled up in a ball near the fireplace snoozing as well. She could hear the clinking of mugs from the kitchen as Rhonda and Caroline started to carry out drinks and cookies, and she started to go and help, when she felt Aiden slip his arm around her waist.

“Are you all right?” he asked, leaning in to give her a quick kiss. “It’s a good night, isn’t it?”

“It’s a perfect night,” she assured him. “And I’m fine. I just—” She bit her lip. “I have your first Christmas present for you.”

Aiden raised an eyebrow. She saw the wooden watch that she’d gotten him a few years ago on his wrist, one of his favorite gifts he’d ever received, he’d said. But she was pretty sure this one would top it. “Oh?” he asked with interest, and Nora nodded nervously, leaning down to reach into her purse.

“Here,” she said softly, holding out the gift between them. She saw Aiden blink, taking a moment to be sure of what he was seeing.

It was a positive pregnancy test.

He looked up at her, a smile spreading across his face. “Really?” he asked, joy already filling his voice, and Nora nodded, feeling momentarily choked up.

“This is the best Christmas present,” he said, pulling her into his arms. “You’ll never top this one.”

“That’s what you said last year,” Nora said with a smile, her eyes misty. “You never know.”

“If I’d known you were in the mood to switch up our routine again, I would have bought you a Christmas puppy.” Aiden grinned, his face full of joyful mischief.

“It’s not too late.” Nora laughed. “You can still do that too.”

He pulled her closer at that, kissing her under the sprig of mistletoe hanging above the door, and Nora felt a wave of happiness as she melted into him. This Christmas was perfect.

But then again, they all had been—ever since she’d come home to Evergreen Hollow.

Thank you so much for reading the Evergreen Hollow Christmas series!

Still in the holiday mood? Then you’ll love The Christmas Lodge ! And if you’re looking for more uplifting women’s fiction, dive into the Marigold Island series!