Epilogue

Meadow

We're in the car, driving toward Harris Orchard and the Pumpkin Festival, and I can't stop thinking about last night. Not once, but several times, we made love—and each time, we said "I love you," like it was the most natural thing in the world. Maybe it's too fast. Maybe we're barreling toward something, skipping steps we're supposed to take. But somehow, it feels just right, like we're exactly where we need to be.

I glance over at Raffa, his hands steady on the wheel, his eyes focused on the road ahead. There's a calmness to him this morning that wasn't there before. Like the air between us has shifted, lighter somehow, despite the weight of everything we've said. I feel a warmth bloom in my chest, and I bite back a smile, remembering how he whispered my name in the quiet of the night.

He catches me staring and raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You thinking about last night again?" His voice is low, teasing.

I flush, turning to look out the window. "Maybe. You?"

"Maybe," he echoes, that same playful tone in his voice. His hand slips off the wheel to find mine, our fingers lacing together effortlessly. "It feels good, doesn't it? Us."

I nod, my heart doing a little flip. It's not just good. It feels . . . perfect.

By the time we pull into the lot across from the festival, I'm feeling more grounded, though the memory of last night still lingers like a delicious secret between us. We find a parking spot easily, and as we walk hand in hand toward the entrance, I spot his siblings and grandmother waiting for us near the gate. Genie, his sister, spots us first, her face lighting up with that all-too-familiar knowing look.

"Well, well," she says, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Look who decided to join the land of the living."

Before I can respond, Genie moves to wrap Raffa in a big hug, almost lifting him off the ground with her enthusiasm. I laugh, watching as he half-hugs her back, looking a little embarrassed but fondly all the same.

"You two have fun last night?" she asks, her eyes darting between us like she already knows the answer.

Raffa gives her a look that's both warning and amused. "None of your business."

"Right," she teases, giving me a wink. "Just as I thought."

Hand in hand, Raffa and I stroll through the festival, moving from game to game, trying to win each other ridiculous prizes. His competitive streak comes out, and I can't help but laugh when he takes losing to me in the pumpkin art contest way too seriously.

"You only won because you're an artist," he grumbles, but there's a teasing glint in his eyes.

I hold up my prize-winning pumpkin. "Admit it, though. It's pretty impressive."

He chuckles, shrugging. "Alright, alright. For a lawyer, mine's not half bad either."

We continue through the festival, our hands clasped like we're afraid to let go, and part of me wonders if he feels the same—like this is all happening fast, but also . . . like it's exactly where we're supposed to be.

I glance over at him on the hayride, the soft glow of the lanterns making his features look impossibly warm. He squeezes my hand a little tighter, as if silently saying he's not letting go anytime soon. It makes my heart do this funny little flip, and before I know it, I'm laughing along with his siblings, feeling lighter than I have in a long time.

The evening passes in a blur of laughter, good company, and the kind of small-town charm I never knew I needed. When the hayride ends, and the crowd starts to disperse, Raffa and I stay behind, helping clean up. It's a simple act, but there's something about it—about being here with him—that makes me feel grounded.

As we head back to his car, I'm expecting him to drive me home, but instead, he pulls over near the gallery and turns the car off. I glance at him, confused.

"Raffa, what are we doing here?" I ask, turning to face him.

"I was hoping you'd take a walk with me," he says, already stepping out of the car. He comes around to my side, opening my door like the gentleman he is, and takes my hand in his, leading me down the quiet street.

The evening air is crisp, the stars bright above us, and though I'm not sure what he's up to, I follow, enjoying every second of being by his side.

"My time here has been . . . more than I expected," he starts, his voice soft but full of something deeper. "I never thought this place would get to me like it has, and I definitely didn't expect to meet someone like you."

My heart flutters, and I feel my breath catch as he brings my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles.

"I'm glad I came to visit my siblings," he continues, "but meeting you . . . Meadow, that's what made this trip unforgettable. You've changed everything for me."

I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. "I wasn't expecting you either," I admit. "I came here to start over, to get away from my ex. Falling for someone was the last thing on my mind, but I'm so glad it happened."

We stop in front of the gallery, the soft light from inside casting a warm glow through the windows. Raffa wraps his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder, and I lean into him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest against my back.

"You amaze me," he murmurs. "In the short time I've known you, you've built something incredible. You're strong, passionate, and you make me want to be a better person. You make me want to focus on what really matters."

I tilt my head to look at him, my heart full. "You matter to me too, Raffa. I can't imagine my life without you now. But . . ." My voice falters. "What happens when you leave? I hate the thought of you going back to the city."

He pulls back slightly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Funny you should mention that . . . Haven't you heard about the new business coming to town?"

I raise an eyebrow, giving him a curious look. "No, I haven't. What kind of business?"

"Why don't we take a look?" He turns me toward the storefront across the street from the gallery.

My breath hitches as I spot a sign in the window, handwritten on cardboard with a Sharpie. "McFolley Law Offices." I blink, my heart racing as I turn back to him.

"You're staying?" I whisper, tears stinging my eyes. "You're really going to stay?"

He smiles, cupping my face in his hands. "I'm staying. I told you that I needed to do what I had to do and that I'd be back. I can't imagine my life without you, Meadow. I don't care about the city, or what my father thinks, or any of that. All I care about is you. You've brought meaning back to my life, and I'm not walking away from that."

The joy that rushes through me is overwhelming. I throw my arms around him, pressing my lips to his in a kiss full of everything I've been feeling.

"I can't believe it," I say when we finally pull apart, breathless. "I never expected to find solace and love when escaping to Kentbury. I'm so grateful for the harvest season; this festival brought us together and I'll continue to reap the rewards."

He smiles, pulling me closer. "As will I."

Raffa

We're here, standing on the edge of paradise. The waves roll in, gentle and rhythmic, as the sun dips low on the horizon, casting everything in a golden glow. The breeze carries the scent of salt and something sweet I can't quite place, and I'm holding Meadow's hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine.

Cancún at sunset—there's nothing like it. But even with all the beauty around me, nothing compares to her. She's laughing at something I said, her eyes sparkling like the water behind her, and all I can think is how lucky I am to have her in my life.

We walk along the shore, barefoot in the white sand, the sound of the ocean our only companion. I've been planning this for weeks, and yet, now that the moment's here, my heart is racing. I keep sneaking glances at her, and each time, I'm hit with the same thought: I want this forever. I want her forever.

I know this time will be different because I'm in love with her—not just the idea of her, but her. Because I see her, every part of her—the good, the messy, the vulnerable—and she sees me. We don't just fit; we choose each other, again and again. It's not about convenience, it's about two hearts that have finally found their rhythm, two souls that recognize each other in ways no one else ever could. This is what I've been waiting for, what I didn't even know I was missing. The balance to love and life and everything in between.

I stop walking and gently tug her hand, pulling her to face me. Meadow looks up at me with that curious tilt of her head, the one that always makes me smile. Her hair is tousled by the wind, her cheeks flushed from the sun, and all I can think is how breathtaking she is—so effortless, so completely herself. I don't just love her; I admire her. Her strength, her kindness, her passion for everything she touches. And I want to spend the rest of my life showing her just how much she means to me.

"What?" she asks, her lips quirking into a smile.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. This is it. No turning back now.

"Meadow," I start, my voice soft but full of everything I've been holding in, "there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but still playful. "Oh? Are we finally getting to the part where you confess your undying love for me? Because news flash you did it a year ago."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "That part's already obvious."

Before she can say anything else, I drop to one knee, right there in the sand, the waves licking at my feet. Her eyes widen, and I watch as the realization hits her. Her hand flies to her mouth, her breath catching, and I swear my heart skips a beat.

"Meadow," I say, looking up at her, "you're the most incredible person I've ever met. You've changed my life in ways I can't even explain. Every day with you feels like an adventure, and I don't want that to ever end. I want to spend the rest of my life with you—traveling, exploring, really living. Not just existing, but living. And I want to do it all by your side."

Her eyes are shining now, tears threatening to spill, but she's smiling, the kind of smile that makes everything else fade away.

"I never imagined I'd meet someone like you," I continue, pulling the small velvet box from my pocket and opening it to reveal the ring. "But here you are, and I can't imagine my life without you in it. So, Meadow, will you marry me? Will you be my partner in all of this—in life, in love, in every crazy adventure we'll have together?"

For a second, it's like time stops. The sound of the waves, the breeze, the fading sun—it all disappears. There's just her, standing there in front of me, her eyes locked on mine.

Then, she nods, laughing through the tears. "Yes," she whispers, her voice breaking. "Yes, Raffa, of course."

I stand, slipping the ring onto her finger before pulling her into my arms. The world rushes back in as I kiss her, the taste of salt on her lips, the warmth of her body pressed against mine. This is it. This is everything I've ever wanted.

When we finally pull apart, she's laughing again, that beautiful sound that always makes my chest tighten. "You really had me going there," she says, holding up her hand to admire the ring.

"I wanted it to be perfect," I admit, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Because you deserve nothing less."

"It was more than perfect," she says softly, her hand resting on my chest. "I love you, Raffa. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

I smile, my heart full in a way it's never been before. "Me neither. Let's make it the best life, Meadow. Let's see the world. Let's live."

As the sun finally sinks into the horizon, casting the sky in shades of pink and orange, it's in this moment that I realize what was meant to be temporary is now my forever. Little did I know that I'd find so much more in Kentbury: my purpose, my family—my heart.