Epilogue

May the Following Year

Patrick stood on the sun-kissed shores of Kincaid Lake, his heart racing with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. Today, he would pledge his life to the woman who had captured his heart and shown him a world beyond the rigid confines of his former existence.

Beside him, Michaela radiated a captivating beauty, her brilliant blue eyes shining with joy. How he'd nearly let all this go was a shock to him. He'd come precariously close to losing her, to losing himself. He'd be grateful every day of his life that he hadn't.

As their family and friends gathered around them, Patrick felt a profound sense of belonging. Next to him and Michaela stood Tate acting as Patrick's best man. Tate beamed up at him holding the ring Patrick couldn't wait to slip on Michaela's finger.

Sydney and Mitch stood hand in hand; their son Brian nestled comfortably in Mitch's arms. Earlier, Sydney had conveyed her happiness to him. "You deserve all this happiness and more." He finally understood what she'd been trying to tell him all the long and was grateful for her friendship. With her encouraging him to come to Virginia and pushing him to seek his own happiness, he wouldn't be here today marrying the most amazing woman in the world.

Lexie and Drake were also in attendance, their children playing in the sand not far from them. Next to them stood Chelsea and Jagger, who's daughter was also on the beach with Kaden, Jagger's young uncle.

Logan and Michaela's parents were there as well. They might have been Michaela's family, but they welcomed him as their own. For the first time, Patrick truly understood what it was like to be in a family that truly loved and respected all members.

Of course, his parents weren't in attendance. He'd told them about his engagement to Michaela, to which his mother said, "We won't be attending."

"I wasn't inviting you. I was simply informing you."

His mother's rejection stung, but Michaela was there to make it right again, just as she'd made everything in his life right.

The minister began the ceremony, and Patrick lost himself in the love he had for Michaela.

"I understand you have your own vows," the minister said.

"We do." Patrick worried about forgetting his vows, but as he looked into Michaela's brilliant blue eyes and radiant smile, his heart guided him to the right words. "You are my north star. My guiding light in an expansive world that sometimes is dark and lonely. I give you all that I am forever." He winked at Tate who dutifully handed him the ring. Patrick slipped the band on her finger next to the diamond ring he'd bought not long after he'd moved to Virginia and hid in the cabin he'd first stayed in when he arrived.

Michaela smiled as tears fell down her cheeks. "I love you." She laughed self-deprecatingly. "I don't have fancy words. Only that I love you so much. I'll be there to help you change a tire."

Patrick laughed.

"I'll guide you off the mountain in a thunderstorm and protect you from snakes and bears." She sniffed. "And in the dark, I'll be your light." She slipped the ring on his finger.

Patrick didn't wait for the minister's next words. He pulled her in and kissed her.

"Well… yes, you can kiss the bride."

"More kissing," Tate lamented.

"I now pronounce Dr. and Mrs. Andres?—"

"Andres-Kincaid," Patrick corrected. It seemed only fitting that the partners at Kincaid Lake have the name Kincaid.

The celebration was filled with joy and laughter. As the music played, he pulled Michaela to him to dance.

"I can imagine holding more weddings," she said.

"Not more of yours, I hope."

She laughed. "Maybe vow renewals with my handsome husband. But we've christened this place with our wedding. It will be good juju for other couples."

"I love the way your mind works."

She arched a brow. "Do you? What am I thinking now."

He feigned studying her. Then he leaned in. "You're ready to consummate this marriage."

"You're amazing."

He glanced around. "Do you think anyone will notice if we slip away?"

"Who cares if they do." She took his hand to lead him out front to their car.

He stopped her. "Come with me." He tugged down the path toward the edge of the property.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise." God, he hoped she liked it.

They continued on. "Is this path new?" she asked.

"Yes."

"You know I think we've left our property."

"No, we haven't." Finally, he reached the opening in the wood. "Here we are."

She looked up at the new home sitting in the lovely, wooded setting. "What's this?"

"This is our house…if you like it. If not, we'll rent it to?—"

"Wait." She turned to him, pressing her hand over his chest. "You bought this land? Built this house?"

"Yes. A place for us…and our family." His breath held as he waited for her response. It was entirely possible she'd want to remain at the main lodge.

She laughed. "Dr. Patrick Andres, you're?—"

"That's Husband Andres-Kincaid to you." He swept her up and carried her over the threshold. The home wasn't overly large. It wasn't ornate. It was a lovely little cottage perfect for his beautiful wife and children they would have someday.

The home was filled with natural light but that wasn't the best part.

He continued to carry her. "Let me show you the bedroom."

"Did you decorate too?" Her eyes darted everywhere taking in the furniture and décor.

"Your mom helped. But we can change anything you want. Here." He brought her into the bedroom and lay her on the bed. He then lay beside her.

"I think this works better if one of us is on top."

God how he loved her banter. "We'll get to that." He pointed up. "Look."

Michaela followed his hand. "Is that a skylight?" She stood on the bed to get a closer look.

"Yes." He tugged her back down. "We'll sleep under the stars every night."

She looked at him with the reverence and awe that always made his heart well with love and gratitude. Like he was her world. Her north star.

Her hand pressed against his cheek. "I'm not sure what I did to deserve you?—"

"You saved me. So many times, you came to me, helped me see straight. See what's important. And now you've come to me as my wife. Someday the mother of our children. Don't you see? You've given me life."

"You know what this means, right?" She lay over him, her body wiggling and making his brain short circuit.

"What?"

"We're going to live happily ever after."

He looked into her blue eyes seeing his future and knowing she was right. He lifted his head, prepared to kiss her. "Let's start now."

The End