Epilogue

Allison

The following spring

“Stop fussing, Mama,” I said as she adjusted my veil for what felt like the millionth time that day.

“I just want everything to be perfect,” she said, sniffling.

“It is,” I said. “How could it not be? I’m marrying my best friend.”

“Are you sure?” she asked. “I mean—” She cut off when I gave her a warning look.

“Why don’t you go ahead and find your seat?” I suggested, trying hard to keep my tone pleasant.

She sighed but did as I’d asked.

“I’m sorry,” Daphne said, giving me a conspiratorial look. “I guess things are still strained there?”

I shrugged. “Yes. But that’s okay. Nothing could put a damper on today.”

“Not even that?” Willa winced as raindrops began to fall.

Daphne and I looked at each other, grinning.

“Rain on your wedding day is good luck,” Daphne said. “And thankfully, I brought umbrellas.” She popped a clear umbrella open and held it above my head.

I smiled. “Our first kiss was in the rain. This feels fitting somehow.”

“It’s time,” Janet said, grabbing one of the umbrellas for herself. “You look absolutely lovely, Allison.” She quickly kissed my cheek, then headed down the pathway.

Daphne and Willa both gave me one last squeeze before following Janet, one by one. All three of them were serving as my bridesmaids, while Greg, Cole, and Emerson stood beside Jackson.

We’d turned the creek into the most beautiful wedding location I’d ever seen, with rented wooden chairs, Japanese lanterns, and a glorious arbor absolutely covered with blooms. And somehow, we’d managed to cram in enough seats for nearly the whole town. Everyone wanted to be here to support the town doctor and the hero detective.

But despite the crowd, all I could see was Jackson standing beside the preacher at the water’s edge.

We had chosen the creek for our wedding because it was where we’d made our first vow—a pact we’d managed to keep despite years apart. We’d been best friends then, and today we’d vow to be best friends until death did us part.

So I walked barefoot toward Jackson, discarding the umbrella so I could feel the rain hitting my face. Freedom. It’s all we’d longed for as children, and we’d found it, together, on the mountain he loved so dearly. He grinned at me and my heart melted.

“I love you,” he whispered as I took my place next to him.

“I love you too,” I whispered back. “Forever.”

Thank you for reading Mountain Freedom !