Epilogue

Sophia

W ilmington, NC, Six Months Later…

It's early when I walk to the community center. The sun is barely up, and the air is crisp with the promise of spring, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and new beginnings. It's a fitting day for what lies ahead—the grand opening of our Mobile Library.

As I round the corner, I see it. A converted school bus, painted a cheerful blue with "Wilmington Wishes Mobile Library" emblazoned on the side in swirling golden letters. I smile. Six months of hard work, countless meetings, and more than a few sleepless nights have led to this moment.

"There's my star reporter," a familiar voice calls out. I turn to see Jake jogging towards me, two coffee cups in hand. His smile, as always, makes my heart skip a beat.

"Ex-reporter," I correct him, accepting the cup with a grateful smile. "Though I suppose 'Community Outreach Coordinator' doesn't have quite the same ring to it."

Jake chuckles, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close. "How about 'Wish Granter Extraordinaire'?"

I laugh, leaning into him. "I like the sound of that."

Sipping my coffee and watching the early preparations for the launch, I think about how much has changed in the past six months. And for the better.

None of the hustle and bustle of New York and no big network job can beat the fulfillment I get from working on these community projects with the love of my life. I'd choose my life with Jake over the Big Apple any day.

The Wishing Wall has grown beyond our wildest dreams. And far beyond the confines of the Coffee Loft. What started as a simple corkboard in Coffee Loft has blossomed into a community-wide initiative. We've partnered with local businesses, schools, and government offices to set up Wishing Walls across Wilmington. Each one serves as a beacon of hope, a place where dreams are shared and, more often than not, realized.

And now, with the Mobile Library, we're taking our mission on the road. The idea is simple. Bring books, technology, and educational resources to underserved areas of the community. But it's more than just a library on wheels. It's a mobile hub for wishes and dreams.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Jake's voice pulls me from my reverie.

I smile. "Just thinking about how far we've come. Did you ever imagine when you first put up that Wishing Wall that it would lead to all this?"

Jake's eyes soften, his gaze full of warmth. "Honestly? No. But I'm grateful every day that it did. Especially because it brought you into my life."

"There you two are!" Elena calls, her arms laden with books, again. "We've got a big day ahead. Are you ready?"

The next few hours fly by in a whirlwind of activity. Volunteers arrive, helping to stock the Mobile Library with books, tablets, and educational games. Local news crews set up their equipment, eager to cover the launch. I slip back into reporter mode, coordinating interviews and ensuring our message comes across clearly.

As the crowd begins to gather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, I step inside the Mobile Library. The interior is even more impressive than I remembered—cozy reading nooks, state-of-the-art computers, and shelves upon shelves of books. But what catches my eye is the small Wishing Wall at the back, ready to collect the hopes and dreams of everyone we'll meet on our journeys.

"It's pretty amazing, isn't it?" Jake's voice startles me. I turn to find him leaning against the doorway, a big smile on his face.

"It's perfect," I reply, my voice thick with emotion. "I can't believe we actually did it."

Jake crosses the small space, taking my hands in his. "We did it together. Just like we'll do everything else."

"Time for the ceremony," someone calls and we head back out, taking our place beside the local dignitaries lined up in front of the ribbon.

The mayor's speech is mercifully brief, focusing on the importance of community initiatives like ours. When it's our turn to speak, Jake and I tag-team the presentation, our words flowing seamlessly as we explain the Mobile Library's mission.

"And now," Jake says, his voice carrying over the crowd, "we have a special surprise. Sophia, would you do the honors?"

Confused, I step forward. Jake hands me a book—a beautiful, leather-bound volume I've never seen before. "Open it," he urges softly.

With trembling fingers, I lift the cover. My breath catches as I realize what I'm looking at. It's our story—from the first day I walked into Coffee Loft to this very moment. Each page is filled with photos, news clippings, and handwritten notes chronicling our journey.

"Jake," I whisper, overwhelmed.

"Keep going," he encourages.

I turn the pages, reliving our adventures, our triumphs, and even our brief separation. And then I reach the final page. Instead of a photo or a clipping, there's a single question written in Jake's familiar scrawl.

Will you marry me?

I look up, tears blurring my vision, to find Jake down on one knee. In his hand is a small, velvet box containing a ring that sparkles in the sunlight.

"Sophia Martinez," he says, his voice carrying clearly despite the gasps and murmurs from the crowd. "You've made more of my wishes come true than I ever thought possible. You've brought light and laughter and love into my life. You've been my partner in all things—in granting wishes, in building this community, in creating a life together. Will you be my partner for the rest of our lives? Will you marry me?"

For a moment, I'm speechless. Then, with a joy so profound it feels like my heart might burst, I nod. "Yes," I say. "Yes, of course I'll marry you!"

The crowd erupts in cheers as Jake slips the ring onto my finger and pulls me into a kiss. It's a perfect moment—one I know I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

The rest of the day passes in a blur of congratulations, well-wishes, and tours of the Mobile Library. As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the community center, Jake and I finally find a quiet moment alone.

"So," he says, his arms wrapped around me as we watch the last of the volunteers pack up. "What's our next adventure, future Mrs. Harrison?"

I laugh, leaning back against his chest. "Well, Mr. Harrison, I was thinking we could start by taking this show on the road. Maybe expand the Wishing Wall concept to other communities?"

Jake nods, his chin resting on top of my head. "I like the sound of that. We could document the stories we collect, maybe turn it into a series of books or a podcast."

"Combining our media skills with our community work," I muse. "That could be really powerful."

"Together, we're unstoppable," Jake agrees.

As we stand there, watching the sun set on this momentous day, I'm filled with a sense of contentment and excitement for the future. A year ago, I thought my dreams were leading me to New York, to a high-profile job and a life of glamor. Instead, they led me here—to a small town in North Carolina, to a man who believes in the power of wishes, and to a life filled with purpose and love.

"You know," I say, turning in Jake's arms to face him. "I think it's time we put a new wish on the Wall."

Jake raises an eyebrow, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Oh? And what wish would that be?"

I reach up, tracing the line of his jaw with my fingertips. "A wish for our happily ever after. For a lifetime of granting wishes, telling stories, and loving each other."

Jake's smile widens as he leans down to kiss me. Against my lips, he whispers, "That, my love, is one wish that's already coming true."