Second Epilogue

Barron–three years later

The cold air nips at my cheeks, but it's the kind of chill that's familiar—comforting, even. I sit on the porch of the cabin, the one I built with my own two hands. The snow falls gently, coating everything in a soft, white blanket. It's quiet up here, the only sound the crackle of the fire inside and the occasional squeal or laugh from the boys. My boys.

I never imagined this would be my life.

The cabin stands solid against the winter, just like it always has, but now it's different. It's not just a place anymore. It's not just wood and nails and stone. It's a home, filled with life—Tamlyn's life, our sons' lives, my life. I think back to when I started building it, years before Tamlyn walked into my world. Back then, I thought it'd be a retreat, a place to escape, to be alone with the land. Funny how things turn out. Now it's the heart of everything I hold dear.

I lean back in the chair, watching the snow drift down. Each flake falls slow, deliberate, like it's got all the time in the world. It reminds me of those quiet moments in the early mornings, right before the boys wake up and chaos reigns. The twins have endless energy—one minute they're laughing, the next they're tackling each other, making it sound like they're going to take the whole cabin down with them. And then there's my youngest, our miracle boy. He came into the world too early, too fragile, but he's a fighter.

A thud sounds from inside, followed by a chorus of giggles. Tamlyn and I share a look—one we've traded a hundred times. The kind that says those boys are trouble but fills me with pride anyway. I never thought I'd be a father, let alone to three wild sons who've got more life in them than I know what to do with. And yet, every sound they make, every laugh, every cry, it roots me deeper into this life. This family.

I feel Tamlyn's gaze on me before I even turn to meet it. When I do, her eyes are soft, filled with that quiet love she's so good at showing. There's something unspoken between us—always has been. The way she looks at me, it's like she sees more than just the man who swings an axe and chops wood. She sees the man who's learned how to be a father, a husband. And damn if that doesn't hit me right in the chest.

"What are you thinking about?" Tamlyn's voice is soft, full of affection.

I chuckle, the sound low and rumbling, reaching out to take her hand. "Just thinking about how I built this cabin for one, and somehow ended up filling it with five." My voice cracks a little, but there's warmth in it too. She's the one who brings that out in me.

Tamlyn's thumb traces circles on the back of my hand, her touch light but grounding. "I think you always knew it was meant for more than just you," she says, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "You just didn't realize it yet."

I smirk, shaking my head. She's right, but I don't tell her that. The truth is, when I first built this place, I didn't see anything beyond the walls. I didn't see this future. Now, though, I can't imagine it any other way.

Another burst of laughter comes from inside, followed by a tiny squeal. The twins are at it again. Tamlyn laughs softly, leaning her head on my shoulder. Her breath is warm against my neck, and I can't help but grin.

"They're going to tear the place down before long," I say, my tone more proud than frustrated. Every bang, every crash, is a reminder of how lucky we are.

"They're just like you," Tamlyn murmurs, her voice filled with love. "Full of energy, full of life."

I chuckle again, a deep sound that rumbles in my chest. "They're going to be a handful for sure."

But damn if I wouldn't trade a single second of it. The chaos, the noise, the mess—it's all part of the life we've built. And it's more than I ever thought I'd have.

"The brothers are coming over for dinner later," Tamlyn says, lifting her head to meet my eyes. "You know it's going to be loud."

I smirk. "When has it ever been quiet with them around?"

She laughs, and that sound—her laugh—is the thing that makes everything right in the world. My brothers—Creed, Judge, Archer, Arrow, Pope, Knox, King, and Cruz—they're still as close as ever. We've always been a rowdy bunch, but now, they're not just brothers. They're uncles. They're part of this bigger family we've built, the next generation of Steele men, and the thought of all of us coming together for Christmas dinner makes my chest tighten in the best way.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," I say, my voice soft but sure. "Family is everything."

Tamlyn leans back against me, and I slip my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. The snow keeps falling, blanketing the world in a kind of peace I didn't know I needed. I take a deep breath, letting the cold air fill my lungs, and with it, the weight of everything that's come before settles over me.

"I never thought I'd have this," I admit, my voice thick with emotion. "A family. A home filled with love like this."

Tamlyn looks up at me, her eyes brimming with something deep, something I can't put into words but feel all the same. "You deserve it," she whispers. "We both do."

I nod, my throat tight, and press a kiss to the top of her head. This moment, this life—it's more than I ever dreamed of. I've always been a man of the land, a man who lives by the mountain. But Tamlyn—Tamlyn and our boys—they've given me something more. They've given me purpose beyond the land. They've given me something I didn't even know I needed: a family to ground me and give me roots. A legacy.

As we sit there, watching the snow fall, the muffled sounds of our children inside, my heart feels full in a way it never has before. This is my life now—filled with love, with family, with joy. I never thought I'd be here, but now that I am, I know I'll spend the rest of my life making sure it stays just like this.

"We're lucky," I say softly, my voice barely a whisper. "To have this. To have each other."

Tamlyn nods, resting her hand on my chest, feeling the steady beat of my heart beneath her palm. "We are," she agrees, her voice soft but strong. "And it's only going to get better."

I smile, letting my eyes drift back to the view in front of us. The snow keeps falling, gentle and slow, covering everything in peace. This cabin, this mountain, this family—they've become my whole world. And as I sit here, holding Tamlyn close, I know without a doubt that I'll spend the rest of my days making sure we're always surrounded by this kind of love.

This is it. This is everything. And it's only just the beginning.

The End.

Read the next book in the Men of Copper Mountain series here.