Epilogue

Emotional irregularities.

Difficulty getting to sleep.

Queasy stomach.

It had taken Ariel several days past Valentine's to realize that all the signs that had made her weekend more fraught were pointing to one thing—she might be pregnant.

Ariel had been pushing the thought of taking a pregnancy test to the back of her mind, wrapped in layers of justification and procrastination. From her perspective, there were myriad reasons to delay. Part of her hesitated out of a deep-seated anxiety, an apprehensive whisper suggesting the vast changes that such a result could bring to her already complex life. But alongside this trepidation, there was a more hopeful, optimistic strand of thought, one that dreamily pondered the potential joy and fulfillment of new motherhood.

As she busied herself with the daily operations of Cliffside Bed and Breakfast, Ariel found herself inventing a plethora of excuses to avoid taking the test. There was always something more pressing to attend to – a guest needing assistance, a meal to be prepared, or a sudden maintenance issue that demanded her attention. She told herself that these were valid reasons, that her responsibilities as a hostess and business owner simply couldn"t be put on hold. After all, the BB was her dream, her passion, and it required her full dedication.

On a deeper level, Ariel realized that her reluctance was partly rooted in fear. The possibility of pregnancy, with all its implications and responsibilities, was a daunting prospect. It signified a shift in her life"s trajectory, a step into a new chapter that she wasn"t sure she was ready to embark upon. The thought of such a significant change filled her with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. What if she wasn"t prepared for motherhood all over again? What if it affected her ability to run the BB? These questions swirled in her mind, each one a reason to postpone the inevitable.

Yet, beneath these layers of practicality and fear, there was a part of Ariel that clung to the hope and wonder that a positive result could bring. The thought of bringing a new life into the world, of nurturing and loving a child, was a deeply embedded desire, one that she couldn"t entirely ignore. This softer, more tender part of her heart yearned to embrace the possibility, to revel in the magic and mystery of creating life.

It wasn"t until the snowstorm had passed and Ariel made her first trip into Endless Harbor that she finally caved to the mounting pressure of her own curiosity and concern. She purchased a pregnancy test in secret, a small and unassuming box that held within it the answer to so many of her unspoken questions. It was a decision made quietly, almost furtively, as if acknowledging her actions too loudly might make them more daunting.

As she'd returned to the BB, the test tucked away discreetly, Ariel felt a mix of nervous anticipation and relief. It was time to face the truth, whatever it may be. In her heart, she knew that no matter the result, she would embrace it with the same strength and grace that she applied to every aspect of her life. But for now, in the quiet moments before the revelation, Ariel allowed herself to dwell in the realm of possibilities, where hope and fear danced delicately around the edges of her future.

Now, Ariel sat on the closed toilet lid, pregnancy test in hand. Her knuckles were white from clutching it so tightly. She took a deep breath, but it did little to calm the frantic beating of her heart.

This was the moment of truth. In just a few minutes, those two little lines would determine the course of her future. Would she be starting a new chapter at forty-four? Or simply closing the book on having more children? Which was it that she was hoping for?

Ariel glanced around the small, dimly lit bathroom. The floral wallpaper and seashell-shaped soap dish were so familiar, yet now seemed foreign. Endless Harbor was supposed to be her refuge, but today these four walls felt like they were part of a funhouse. Her head spun.

Ariel looked down at the test again. It was time. With trembling hands, she followed the instructions, then set it on the counter. The next two minutes stretched into an eternity.

She paced the length of the tiny room, chewing on her bottom lip nervously. So much hinged on what happened next. Ariel squeezed her eyes shut, praying for the right result.

Ariel paced back and forth, her heels clicking on the tile floor. She glanced at her watch - only a minute had passed since she took the test, but it felt like an hour.

Her mind raced with "what ifs." What if it was positive? A baby would change everything. But it would also be a blessing - a new life she could nurture and guide.

What if it was negative? She wasn"t sure her heart could take the disappointment. And Miles would have made the absolute perfect father. Now, here she was, waiting to see if their family would grow.

Ariel wrung her hands, anxiety coursing through her veins. She placed her hand tentatively on her still-flat stomach. A baby would be the perfect addition to their cozy life in Endless Harbor.

She checked her watch again. Thirty more seconds. Ariel held her breath and closed her eyes. Please, she begged silently. Let the test be positive. Let everything work out the way it"s meant to.

At last, the timer on her phone beeped. This was it. Hands shaking, Ariel walked over and looked down at the test.

Ariel"s breath caught in her throat as she stared at the two pink lines on the pregnancy test. Positive.

She was going to have a baby.

"Oh my God," she whispered, tears of joy and relief filling her eyes. She placed both hands on her stomach, as if she could already feel the tiny life growing there.

After only six months of marriage, it was really happening - she and Miles were going to be parents. Visions of the future flashed through her mind. Telling Miles and seeing his face light up, buying tiny clothes and decorating the nursery, feeling their baby kick for the first time.

Ariel imagined the pitter patter of little feet running through their cozy home. She thought of fall afternoons spent on the porch, sipping cider and watching her child play in the leaves. There would be so much love and laughter ahead.

Wiping her eyes, Ariel took a deep, steadying breath. She wanted to shout her joy from the rooftops, but contained herself. There would be time for that later.

For now, she allowed the happiness to wash over her in waves. The test still clutched in her hand, she rested her other hand on her belly.

"Hello, little one," Ariel whispered. "I can"t wait to meet you." Her heart was overflowing. This new life was the greatest gift she could imagine. Ariel left the bathroom, eager to share the wonderful news with Miles. Their journey together was just beginning.

Ariel tucked the pregnancy test into her pocket as she left the bathroom. She could barely contain the joy and excitement bubbling up inside her. Practically floating down the hallway, Ariel searched for Miles.

She found him in the living room, sitting on the couch reading a book. Miles looked up and smiled as Ariel entered.

"Hey, I was wondering where you disappeared to," he said, patting the seat next to him.

Unable to hold back any longer, Ariel rushed over. She grabbed Miles" hand and pulled him up from the couch, beaming.

"I have something to tell you," Ariel said, her voice overflowing with emotion. She led Miles over to the window, the late afternoon sun bathing them in a warm golden glow.

Taking both of Miles" hands in hers, Ariel looked deep into his eyes. "We"re going to have a baby!" she exclaimed.

Miles" eyes widened in surprise and disbelief. "What? Are you sure?" he asked.

Ariel nodded excitedly, unshed tears of joy shimmering in her eyes. She yanked the little plastic stick out of her pocket and waved it. "I just took a test. We"re pregnant!"

Miles whooped loudly and picked Ariel up, spinning her around. They were both laughing and crying, overwhelmed by the life-changing news.

He set Ariel down gently and cupped her face in his hands. "I can"t believe it. We"re going to be parents!" Miles said in awe. He pulled Ariel close and held her tight.

They stayed locked in a warm embrace as the reality sunk in. Their lives were about to beautifully change forever.

Ariel held Miles tightly, neither wanting to let go of the other. She could feel his heart pounding in his chest, matching the rhythm of her own racing heart.

After a long moment, Miles pulled back just enough to look into Ariel"s eyes. "A baby," he whispered, as if saying it out loud would make it more real. A wide smile spread across his face.

"We"re going to have a new member of the family," Ariel said softly, tears of joy welling up in her eyes. "And you were thinking we should get a puppy."

Miles gently brushed a strand of hair from Ariel"s face, his eyes full of love and wonder. "I can"t wait to meet him or her," he said. "The baby, that is. I think we should definitely wait on the puppy now."

"Just think, in a few months we"ll be parents," Ariel said, thinking ahead to the future.

"I hope they have your creative spirit," Miles said.

"And your kind heart," Ariel added, caressing Miles" cheek.

They shared a tender kiss, both imagining the new life now blossoming within Ariel. The setting sun cast an ethereal glow around them as they held each other close, treasuring this profound moment.

When their lips finally parted, Miles took Ariel"s hands in his own. "I promise I"ll be by your side every step of the way," he vowed.

Ariel"s eyes glistened. "We"re in this together," she said.

As they embraced again, Ariel knew that no matter what the future held, their love would guide them through it all. This child was a precious gift, one they would cherish forever.

Katie"s laughter echoed down the hall as she chased Ethan through the hallway. The two teens dashed around a corner, nearly colliding into Ariel and Miles locked in a tender embrace.

"Oops, sorry!" Katie exclaimed, skidding to a halt. Ariel had let Ethan extend his stay a week, and it had been a blast for all of them. He was really becoming part of the crew.

Katie craned her neck, trying to see what Ariel and Miles were up to. "Were you guys kissing again?" she asked, wrinkling her nose. "You know that's not allowed here."

"As a matter of fact, we have some wonderful news," Ariel said, beaming. She exchanged a knowing glance with Miles.

"What is it?" Katie asked eagerly, her eyes wide. Ethan blinked at them.

Ariel took a deep breath, savoring the moment. "You"re going to be a big sister. I"m pregnant!"

Katie"s mouth fell open in surprise. "What? Really?" She looked back and forth between Ariel and Miles.

Miles grinned and nodded. "It"s true. You"re going to have a little brother or sister."

"Oh my gosh!" Katie shrieked. She threw her arms around Ariel, hugging her tightly. "This is so exciting!"

Ethan was grinning, too. "Wow! That is awesome! You know, if you guys need help around here with the new baby, I could come back this summer…"

Ariel laughed. "Of course, Ethan. Anytime."

Letting go of Ariel, Katie turned to Miles and gave him a big hug too. "I can"t believe it. A baby. Wow." She stepped back, shaking her head in wonderment.

Katie bounced on her toes. "That"s so cool! When will the baby get here? Can I help take care of it? When? When?"

Ariel laughed softly. "Not for several more months. But of course you can help. We"ll need all the family support we can get."

Katie"s eyes shone with joyful tears. "I"ve always wanted a sibling. I can"t wait to meet him or her." She placed a hand gently on Ariel"s still-flat stomach.

Miles put his arm around Katie"s shoulders. "This little one is going to be so lucky to have you as a big sister."

Katie smiled up at him gratefully. A newfound maturity shone in her face, despite her youth. In that moment, Ariel truly felt like they were all a family.

Ariel drew Katie and Miles into a warm embrace. For a moment, the three simply held each other, relishing the love between them.

Katie felt like her heart would burst. She couldn"t remember the last time she felt so completely happy and at peace.

Ariel stroked Katie"s hair gently. "I know this has been a big adjustment for you, moving here to Endless Harbor. But I"m so thankful we"re together as a family. You bring me and your Miles so much joy, sweetheart."

Miles kissed the top of Katie"s head. "We"re going to make such precious memories here. And now with a new little one on the way..." He trailed off, overcome with emotion.

Katie snuggled into her parents" arms.

This was home. This was family.

The anticipation of the months ahead filled Ariel with hope and excitement. She couldn"t wait to meet her new child and for Katie to step into her role as big sister.

For now, Ariel treasured this perfect moment, surrounded by the people she loved most in the world. The future was bright. There would be challenges ahead, but their love would light the way.