Epilogue

One evening, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, Bram led Tabitha into the enchanted woods. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers and the hum of cicadas. Suddenly, Bram dropped to one knee, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket

"Tabitha Greer, from the moment you walked into my life, everything changed. You brought light, laughter, and love into my world. I can't imagine spending a single day without you by my side. Will you marry me?"

Tabitha gasped as he opened the box to reveal a stunning antique ring, the diamonds catching the fading light. "Yes," she whispered, tears of joy streaming down her face. "A thousand times, yes!"

"Great, let's go to the brewery. I hoped you'd say yes and have a little something planned for you."

The brewery buzzed with excitement as Tabitha and Bram gathered their closest friends and family for an impromptu celebration. The warm glow of string lights cast a cozy ambiance, and the scent of hops and barley mingled with the aroma of freshly baked treats from Molly's kitchen.

Celeste, her auburn hair dancing around her shoulders, rushed over to the couple, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I knew it. I just knew you two were meant to be." She clapped her hands gleefully, her laughter ringing through the room. "And just so everyone knows, I won the bet. I'll be using the money to buy Ophelia some fabulous housewarming gifts for her new home."

The room erupted in a chorus of cheers and congratulations with friends and family members taking turns embracing the newly engaged couple. Kade engulfed Bram in a hug while Luna and Daisy admired Tabitha's ring, their eyes wide with wonder.

Avelyn made her way through the crowd. She cupped Tabitha's face in her hands, her eyes brimming with tears. "Welcome to the family, my dear. I couldn't have wished for a more perfect match for my son. I knew you were perfect for each other, but this is just what I was hoping for. A proposal."

Tabitha's heart swelled with love and gratitude, the support of her community washing over her like a warm embrace. As the celebration continued into the night with laughter and stories shared over pints of Bram's latest brew, she knew that this was exactly where she was meant to be.

Several months later, the residents of Whispering Pines gathered outside the newly completed community center. The building stood proud, its wooden facade gleaming with a fresh coat of paint and intricate carvings that paid homage to the town's magical heritage.

Tabitha and Bram stood before the crowd, their hands intertwined, as they prepared to unveil the plaque dedicating the center. "Today, we celebrate more than just the opening of this building," Bram began, his voice carrying across the gathered crowd. "We celebrate the unity and strength of Whispering Pines, and the legacy of love and perseverance left to us by Tabitha and Ophelia's grandmother, Liza."

With a flourish, they pulled back the velvet curtain, revealing a beautifully engraved plaque that read: "The Whispering Pines Community Center, dedicated to the enduring spirit of our town and the unwavering love of a grandmother who never gave up on her granddaughters."

Applause and cheers echoed through the crowd as people raised their glasses in a toast to the future of their beloved community.

As the applause died down, Tabitha stepped forward, her eyes seeking out Ophelia in the crowd. "We have one more announcement to make," she said, her smile widening as she saw her sister's curious expression. She motioned Ophelia forward. "Ophelia, please come up here."

Ophelia made her way to the front, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she stood beside Tabitha. Tabitha took her hand, squeezing it gently as she continued. "Ophelia, your strength and resilience inspire us all. You've overcome so much, and your love and support have meant the world to me. That's why Bram and I would like to appoint you as the center's director."

Ophelia gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in surprise. "Me? Are you sure?"

Tabitha nodded, her own eyes glistening with tears. "There's no one better suited for this role. We ask the town to embrace you with love as you have embraced me."

The crowd erupted in another round of cheers with people rushing forward to congratulate Ophelia on her new position. As the celebration got underway with tables laden with delicious food from Molly's bakery and kegs of Bram's finest ale, Tabitha and Bram found a quiet moment together on the porch of the community center.

They watched as their friends and neighbors mingled, laughing and dancing to the lively music that filled the air. Vincent Shaw, his beard now adorned with colorful flowers courtesy of Daisy, was engrossed in a lively discussion with Gideon about the town's history, while Elsie and Avelyn swapped recipes and matchmaking tales.

Tabitha leaned her head on Bram's shoulder, her heart full of gratitude for the incredible community they had found in Whispering Pines. "Look at them," she murmured, her voice soft with wonder. "This is what it's all about, isn't it? The love, the support, the sense of belonging."

Bram pressed a kiss to her forehead, his arm tightening around her waist. "And it's all thanks to you, my love. Your grandmother's legacy, your determination to make this place a home...you've brought us all together in ways we never could have imagined.

"Your grandmother set so much in motion with her will," Bram said, squeezing Tabitha's hand. "She'd be so proud of you."

"I just hope she knows that she was right. That Ophelia was able to be saved with her Chalice." She watched Ophelia sit and speak with Ivy and Daisy. They'd all befriended her and wanted to make her feel at home. "She's going away."

"She'll be back, love. She's got a new job she'll want to fulfill. Plus, she won't want to be away from her twin too long."

"Really?"

"Yes. Your love for her will help her heal."

Tabitha sighed and hugged him tighter. "I love you, Bram."

"I can't wait to marry you," Bram murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple. "To officially make you mine."

"I'm already yours, honey bear."

"I know, Tabby cat, but I want the world to know."

Tabitha laughed softly. "We could always elope," she suggested, then shook her head. "On second thought, I want Ophelia to be a part of this, to help plan the wedding. I want her to know she's an integral part of my life, of our life."

She turned to face Bram, her eyes shining with love and contentment. She curled her arms around his neck and kissed him. A deep, soulful kiss that shared all the love in her heart. When they pulled back, he gave her a smile so beautiful it made her breath catch.

"Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "For everything. For being my rock, my partner, my home. Whispering Pines brought me to you, and for that, I will be forever grateful."

"I wish your grandmother were here so I could thank her for bringing you to Whispering Pines. If not for her, I never would have gotten my mate."

Her heart filled with love for her bear. Her mate. Her future husband. As the sun set over the town, casting a soothing glow over the bustling community center, Tabitha had found her place in the world with Bram by her side. She was home.

The End for Now…