Epilogue - Sully

THREE MONTHS LATER

The sun sets over the lake, casting a brilliant orange and yellow glow over the water. Sounds of laughter and conversation fill the air. We're all gathered on the back patio of the Deepwood Inn, celebrating the end of a successful summer. The wrap-around deck, built by Nick, is filled with happy people. Logan's handcrafted wood furniture adds a rustic charm to the space, a combination of old and new. And Gavin's lights strung up around the roof, pergola, and umbrellas, create a magical atmosphere.

I lean against the railing, a cold beer in hand, and watch my friends and neighbors enjoying themselves. I overhear Maddie, Logan's wife, chatting with Willa about the new website she set up for the Inn, complete with a section highlighting Talia's amazing Chinese cuisine. Reece and Paige are discussing their latest addition to the C & A Animal Sanctuary, a Berkshire pig named Norman. Willa talks to Talia about flyers she's promised to put up around town and in the library.

My life has been turned upside down since Talia came into it, but she's brought me more joy than I ever thought possible. My friends have helped make her Deepwood Inn what it is, and I'm grateful for every one of them. But it's Talia who's truly transformed my world.

I watch her, moving among our guests with ease, her smile lighting up the evening. She's in her element, and I can't help but feel a swell of pride. And love. She catches me eyeing her and makes her way over, those dark eyes twinkling.

"Hey, you." She wraps her arms around my waist. "Enjoying the party?"

"Yeah," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "Amazing job, Talia. This place, these people…you've brought it all together. I know your grandmother would be so proud of you."

"I think she would be, too. "She smiles, leaning in to give me a kiss. "You know I couldn't have done this without you, Sully. You're my rock."

I look into her eyes, mesmerized by her, and the words slip out before I can stop them. "Marry me."

She blinks, stunned, and I realize I've done this all wrong—not at all how I had planned it in my head. I rush to drop to one knee, pulling out the ring I asked my mom to send to me after just two weeks with Talia. It's a family heirloom from my grandmother.

"Let me start over," I say, clearing my throat. "Talia, I love you more than anything?—"

"Stop. I prefer your first attempt." Tears well up in her eyes, a smile breaking across her face. "I want nothing more than to marry you, Sully."

I slip the ring onto her finger, and stand, pulling her into my arms.

"She said yes!" I yell to the gathered crowd, my heart ten times bigger.

Cheers and applause erupt around us, and I look around at my best friends and their growing families. It just doesn't get any better than this.

And I plan to yell it to the world from the top of Deepwood Mountain.

Now that we've come to the end of the Deepwood Mountain series…what's next?

Husky Valley

A Deepwood Mountain spin-off series featuring some of your favorite characters from Deepwood Mountain and a whole bunch of new ones!

Prefer your men with a little more meat on their bones, then Husky Valley's got just what you need. These men are large and in charge, and looking for that one special woman who can handle all they have to offer. So head over to Husky Valley, where big-hearted boys get the love they deserve and more.