Epilogue

EPILOGUE

TEDDY

M y elaborate plan worked. I’d cut down two trees and begged Fiona for decorations for the trees and the house. She showed up with boxes of ornaments and lights from the inn.

I had never felt the need to decorate my place before. Not when no one ever saw it. But I wanted Charlotte to feel at home here.

I wanted to invite her into my home and my heart. It seemed like the perfect apology, and thankfully she thought so too.

We’d made love, then enjoyed the lasagna Fiona had coached me through baking in the casserole dish she’d lent me. The house was filled with the scent of marinara, and my bed and heart were filled with Charlotte.

I never thought I’d settle down, much less with a Monroe. But Charlotte burrowed her way into my heart. I never wanted to lose her.

If she’d let me, I’d love this woman forever. I should take this next part of our journey slowly. But nothing about our relationship had been on a normal timetable. And I’d never been in a regular relationship anyway. This thing between us was however we wanted it to be.

Charlotte stretched slowly, then turned her head in my direction. She blinked her eyes open. “I thought it was all a dream.”

“If it is, it’s the best dream I’ve ever had.”

She turned onto her stomach, resting her chin on my chest. “Who knew you were such a romantic.”

“I don’t know about that. Or maybe I am just for you.” I played with a strand of her hair, wondering how I’d gotten so lucky.

“Mmm. What are your plans for the day?”

“I thought we’d recreate Christmas. We can play holiday music and open presents, then watch movies.”

Charlotte’s jaw dropped open. “That’s my idea of a perfect day.”

“We can stay in our pajamas or wear nothing at all, and just enjoy ourselves.”

“Yes, please,” Charlotte said as her eyes drifted closed.

I played with her nipple. “What do you want to do first? Breakfast, presents, or each other?”

Charlotte’s eyes drifted open, and her mouth stretched into a naughty smile. “Any of those options sound good.”

I flipped her so that she was underneath me. “I think I’d like to make you feel good first, then breakfast, then presents.”

“And then we can watch holiday movies the rest of the day?” Charlotte asked.

“Whatever you want, baby.” I was just content that we had the entire day to spend together. The cavern in my chest was slowly healing, and my heart was filling up with love for this woman.

I moved down her body, pleased we hadn’t gotten dressed after our last round of sex, and settled between her legs. I hoped I woke up like this for the rest of my life .

When I built this house, I never imagined living in it with someone. I figured I’d spend more time at the farm, helping my family and enjoying my nieces and nephews. But some part of me must have hoped for someone to fill this house because I’d had the forethought to build one with five bedrooms. It had more than enough room for an expanding family.

She wanted kids, and for the first time, I did too. We had a few other details to take care of first. But I couldn’t wait to start this amazing new life with Charlotte.

I used my fingers and mouth to drive her up and over, then fed my cock into her tight channel. I braced my hands on the bed, on either side of her head, as I lazily thrust into her pliant body.

“I love you so much,” I said as I moved inside her.

Her eyes were glossy. “Me too.”

I leaned down, sucking one nipple into my mouth, loving the way her walls spasmed around me. She was so responsive.

When we peaked, we did it at the same time. I could only describe our reunion as perfection. But I had so much more planned for the day.

We jumped in the shower, where I took her against the wall. Then I showed her the matching Christmas pajamas I’d purchased for us.

Charlotte ran a hand over the soft flannel. “I can’t believe you bought these.”

“I’m committed to recreating Christmas Day. Now put those on, so I can make us breakfast.” Fiona had given me instructions for a french toast casserole dish. It could bake while we drank our coffee.

Downstairs, I threw the casserole in the oven, started a fire, and brewed coffee. Charlotte turned on the TV to a station that played Christmas tunes.

“I didn’t notice there were presents under the tree last night. I was distracted by the rose petals. ”

I joined her in the family room, where she knelt in front of the tree. My heart picked up because she was holding the tiny box I meant to give her tonight. But we could do it now. There wasn’t any reason to wait.

“Open it.” My voice trembled slightly.

Her eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

I nodded even as my jaw tightened. I sat next to her on the floor. “Absolutely.”

Charlotte unraveled the ribbon then carefully pulled the wrapping paper off as if she was worried about ripping it. She must have sensed the importance of this gift. When the paper was off, she held a white velvet box.

Her gaze flew to mine, and I took the box from her.

“Charlotte Monroe, I love you with all my heart. I want to come home to you naked in the bath every night, and I want to paint all the rooms in my house yellow.” Charlotte’s eyes filled with tears as I slowly opened the box to reveal the diamond I’d picked for her. “I want to fill the empty rooms of our house with happy, overly positive children. Will you take pity on me and marry me so I’m not a miserable bastard for the rest of my life?” I finished in a rush, my heart racing out of control.

What if she said it was too soon? That she couldn’t commit? Everything banked on her saying yes. Our recreation of Christmas Day. My plans to move her into our house.

When I realized she hadn’t said anything in response, my ears started ringing. Panic clawed my throat. Had I not asked her the right way? Had I forgotten the script? “Charlotte, will you marry me? Will you make me the happiest man on Earth by being my wife?”

One tear spilled over as she crawled into my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I will. Nothing would make me happier.”

Satisfaction filled my soul. I’d made this woman happy. I squeezed her tight, then kissed her, pouring all my emotions into it. When I finally pulled back, I slipped the ring on her finger, and she admired it as it sparkled in the morning light.

“How can I top this? I didn’t bring the presents I’d wrapped for you.” Her voice filled with wonder.

“Actually, Cole and Daphne helped with that. They packed up all your things and delivered them while you and Juliana were looking at apartments.”

Charlotte’s eyes widened. “I can’t believe everyone was in on your plan.”

“I couldn’t have done it without them. Like it or not, the Monroes and Calloways are tied to each other.”

Charlotte leaned closer, nibbling on my ear. “I like the sound of our families being one.”

“Me too.”

We finished opening our presents for each other which included books, clothing, and even a weekend stay at Juliana’s Bed and Breakfast in Annapolis.

The french toast casserole filled the house with the smell of cinnamon and dough. Holiday music played on the TV, and flurries fell from the sky.

It was the perfect start to our happily ever after .

I hope you loved Charlotte and Teddy’s story! To read more about their happily ever after, download their bonus epilogue . Scarlett and Eli’s story is next in Wild Love !

"Who's that?" Mac tipped his head toward the entrance way where my best friend since childhood, Dash, stood in a suit. I wasn't used to seeing him in anything other than his sheriff's uniform or casual clothes for our adventurous outings.

The thing that caught my eyes was the woman whose hand curled around the crook of his elbow. She wore a red wraparound dress that showcased voluptuous breasts and curvy hips. She was dynamite.

Her red lips made me think of them wrapped around my dick as she knelt on the floor at my feet. "Is that?—?"

But Dash had already stopped in front of us. "You remember my sister, Scarlett?"

"Your sister, Scarlett." The last time I'd seen her, she'd been a lanky teenager with all angles and a sharp mouth. When had she grown into a gorgeous woman?

Her red lips curved into a smile. "Elijah Wilde. So good to see you."

I couldn't say it was good to see her because my heart was pounding and my dick was hyper aware of her. This woman was a siren, but she was my best friend's younger sister. "Can't say the same."

My brother Oliver elbowed me, then hissed, "Behave." I was known for being a bit of an asshole but not usually to family and close friends.

Scarlett tipped her head to the side. "I see you haven't changed."

When I was in high school, I was as wild as my last name. I played rough-and-tumble sports, partied hard, and in general, had a good time. Then I went to college and did more of the same.

Grades came easily for me, so I didn't have to take anything too seriously. Not until my parents handed over the reins of the ski resort. Then everything came into sharp focus. Nothing mattered except expanding my family's legacy.

I narrowed my eyes on her, but before I could say a word, Xander approached wearing a button-down shirt open at the collar and slacks. He refused to wear a suit. "Well, if it isn't the gorgeous Scarlett St. Clair."

He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it, and it took everything inside of me not to stop him.

I shouldn’t be jealous of my younger brother who walked around the grounds as if he didn't have a care in the world because he didn't. He was in charge of winter activities, charming female guests, and he did a great job of that. Now he'd set his sights on Scarlett. "Xander," I said by way of warning.

"Relax, Elijah." Then to Scarlett, he flashed his signature playboy smile. "Will you dance with me?"

She smiled, and it was softer and less calculating than the one she'd flashed at me earlier. "I'd love to."

Xander led the way onto the dance floor, her hand tucked in his elbow.

Scarlett shot one sultry look over her shoulder at me.

Oliver nodded toward the dance floor. "You're going to let that happen?"

Dash shook his head. "Scarlett will chew him up and spit him out. She's a firecracker. I gave up interfering in her dating life a long time ago.”

It caused him and their parents pain that Scarlett left at eighteen on the back of some guy's motorcycle. She had no interest in school or getting a nine-to-five. The last I heard, she was traveling around the country with some theater group. "She home for a while?"

Scarlett threw her head back, laughing at something Xander said.

"He's always had a way with the ladies," Oliver murmured, and I grunted in response.

I shouldn't care that Scarlett was having a good time with my brother. Even if I liked her, which I didn't, she'd be off-limits. Her brother was not only my friend but the town's sheriff. I wouldn't touch her, no matter how much I was thinking about untying that bow at her waist to see if it was the only thing holding up that dress.

"No one can tell Scarlett what to do," Dash said, leaning against the bar. "My parents are just happy she's home."

"She hasn't said?" I asked him, tipping my glass toward my lips.

Dash shook his head. "My parents are afraid to ask her what she's doing with her life or what her plans are. The more you push her?—"

"The quicker she leaves." I remembered the drama surrounding Scarlett over the years. When she was home, the entire St. Claire family catered to her. I wasn't overly fond of her antics, or the mess she inevitably left behind.

Scarlett hooked her arms around Xander's neck.

My jaw ached from clenching my teeth. I forced myself to look away. Why did the first woman who'd turned my head in what seemed like forever be Dash's younger sister?

She was a wild child, a free spirit, didn't have a care in the world. She was my dream girl. Unfortunately, she was also off-limits.

I wouldn't mess with my best friend's sister. I wasn't that big of an asshole. I was loyal to my family, and those who close, Dash was included in that.

"I'd appreciate it if you guys could keep an eye on her if you see her around town.”

"Are you saying your sister needs a keeper?" I asked him.

"Fuck no. And don't tell her I said anything.”

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I've got your back. I won't let anyone mess with her, including my brother."

"I'm not worried about Xan. He's too nice for Scarlett. She likes her men rough around the edges if you know what I mean." Dash leaned on the bar, waving the bartender over to us.

My mind paused on the word “rough.” I was sure my friend wouldn’t approve of the dirty thoughts I was having about his sister.

Scarlett and Eli’s story is next in Wild Love ! Scarlett's my best friend's younger sister. She's always been a free spirit, flitting from one place to another, never taking anything seriously. Now she's back in town, and has her sights set on me.

The story of Luna’s brothers continues in The Kingston Brothers Series. Releasing early 2025.