Epilogue

Ellie sat curled up on the couch, her brow gathered in concentration as she worked the knitting needles, a tangled mess of yarn in her lap. She'd been at it for hours, determined to finish the darn sweater she was making for Reed as a wedding gift.

Molly had been teaching her to knit, patiently guiding her through the basics of casting on, knitting, and purling. But despite her best efforts, Ellie's creation was looking more like a misshapen lump than a sweater.

"I don't think this is quite right," Ellie muttered, holding up the sweater and squinting at it critically. One sleeve dangled several inches longer than the other, and the neckline was decidedly crooked. "It looks weird, doesn't it?"

Molly glanced over from her own knitting and giggled. "It's not bad for a first attempt," she said diplomatically. "I'm sure Reed will love it, no matter what it looks like."

Ellie sighed, setting the sweater aside. "I just wanted to make something special for him, you know? Something to show how much I love him."

Molly reached over, patting Ellie's hand. "Honey, that man would love you even if you gave him a potato sack to wear. It's the thought that counts." She raised her brows. "Besides, you made him the most special gift of all." She stared pointedly at Ellie's tiny bump. "It's still baking."

Ellie couldn't help but laugh at the image of Reed in a potato sack. "I suppose you're right. I just hope he doesn't decide to leave me when he sees this monstrosity."

The day of the wedding arrived, and after the ceremony, they stole away to spend a few minutes together before their reception. She'd wrapped the sweater in tissue paper and tied it with a ribbon, hoping that the pretty packaging would distract from the contents.

"I made this for you," she said, biting her lip. "I hope you like it."

Reed's eyes lit up as he tore into the package, pulling out the lumpy, misshapen sweater. He held it up, his expression a mix of surprise and delight.

"Ellie, did you make this yourself?"

Ellie nodded, her cheeks flushing pink. "I've been learning to knit. I wanted to make something special for you."

Reed grinned, immediately pulling the sweater over his head. The longer sleeve dangled past his hand, and the neckline sat askew, but he looked absolutely thrilled. He truly owned her heart.

"I love it." He wrapped Ellie in a tight hug. "It's perfect."

Ellie couldn't help but giggle as she pulled back, taking in the sight of her husband in the ridiculous sweater. "I don't think you should wear this ugly thing again. What was I thinking?"

Reed struck a pose, one hand on his hip and the other extended dramatically. "I think it's quite fashionable," he said, his voice mock-serious. "I'm going to wear it to all the town meetings. Show off my wife's handiwork."

Ellie burst into laughter. "You will not go around looking like that on my watch. I'll have to try again." She sighed at the idea of a second attempt at knitting but then laughed at his raised brows.

"Don't knit if you don't enjoy it, love."

She leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I want to learn. I'll get it right. I want it to be perfect."

"Everything you do is perfection."

Ellie smiled, her heart swelling with love for this ridiculous, wonderful man. "I'll keep that in mind for your birthday present." She rose onto her tiptoes and pulled his head down. "How about we get started on this honeymoon business?"

"Now that is an idea I can get behind."

The end…for now.