Epilogue

R idge–one month later

The cabin buzzes with the low hum of laughter and conversation, the smell of pine and warm cider mingling in the crisp mountain air. The ceremony was exactly how I wanted it—quiet, intimate, and set against the backdrop of Devil’s Peak, where Quinn and I found each other in every way that mattered. Now, as the sun sets behind the mountains, the clearing outside my cabin is transformed into a glowing celebration.

“Ridge Warner, officially off the market.” Zane claps me on the back, grinning like he’s just won the lottery. “Never thought I’d see the day. Hell, I thought you’d marry your telescope before you found a woman who could put up with you.”

“Careful,” I warn, grabbing a beer from the table. “Keep talking, and you’ll be in charge of cleaning up.”

Zane smirks. “Worth it.”

My brothers are gathered around the firepit, their laughter carrying over the music. Slate’s holding court with a group of guests, spinning some exaggerated story that has everyone hanging on his every word. Quinn’s brother, Grady, leans against a tree nearby, looking stoic as ever. But even he can’t keep the smile off his face when Quinn approaches him, her white dress flowing around her like she stepped out of a dream.

My dream.

She’s stunning, radiant in a way that makes my chest tighten every time I look at her. And she’s mine. I still can’t believe it.

“Staring much?” Zane’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “You look like you’re about to devour her.”

“She’s my wife,” I say simply. “I can look all I want.”

Zane laughs, raising his beer in a mock toast. “Fair enough, brother. Fair enough.”

Quinn makes her way back to me, her cheeks flushed from the cold and from whatever Grady just said to her. She slides her hand into mine, and the warmth of her touch grounds me in a way nothing else ever has.

“Having fun?” I ask, pulling her closer.

She tilts her head, her lips curving into that playful smile that drives me crazy. “I was, but now I’m here.”

“You sure know how to make a guy feel special,” I tease, brushing a stray curl from her face.

Before she can respond, Zane steps up to the makeshift stage, a microphone in hand. “All right, folks,” he announces, his grin widening. “It’s time for the toast.”

“Oh no,” Quinn mutters under her breath. “Should we stop him?”

“No point,” I say, resigned. “He’s unstoppable.”

Zane clears his throat dramatically, holding up his beer. “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about Ridge. The man of the hour. Or should I say, the man who swore he’d never get tied down.”

A ripple of laughter moves through the crowd, and I feel Quinn’s shoulders shake as she stifles her own.

“But then, along comes Quinn,” Zane continues, gesturing to her. “Smart, beautiful, and somehow willing to put up with my brother’s grumpy ass. Honestly, I thought she was a hallucination at first.”

“Zane…” I warn, but he waves me off.

“And now they’re married. Which means one thing—Quinn, you’re officially a saint.”

The crowd erupts into laughter and cheers, and even I can’t help but chuckle. Quinn leans into me, her laughter soft against my shoulder.

“To Ridge and Quinn,” Zane finishes, raising his beer high. “May your love burn as hot as the time Ridge set the garage on fire trying to cook steaks on a propane grill.”

“That was one time,” I shout over the laughter, shaking my head.

Quinn’s laugh is brighter now, her head thrown back as she wipes at her eyes. I press a kiss to her temple, my own laughter fading into a smile.

“You ready to escape yet?” I murmur.

Her eyes meet mine, sparkling with mischief. “You trying to ditch your own party, Warner?”

“Maybe.” My voice dips lower, just for her. “Got something better planned.”

Her cheeks flush, and she doesn’t even try to hide the way her breath hitches. “Lead the way.”

The cabin is quiet, the noise from the celebration fading into the distance as we step inside. Quinn turns to face me, her lips parted, her hands already reaching for me.

But I stop her, catching her wrists gently. “Not yet.”

Her brows arch, her smile teasing. “You’re making me wait now?”

I step closer, my hands sliding down her arms, my voice low. “We’ve got all night. I’m not rushing this.”

Her breath catches, her cheeks darkening. “What do you have in mind, then?”

“I have a surprise for you.” I slide a folder off the desk and pass it to her. She quirks an eyebrow, then opens it to reveal a purchase agreement. “It’s yours.”

“What is?” She asks, confused.

“This place–this mountain. The clearing where I asked you to marry me–that’s where they were hoping to put the wind farm, but I bought it and put it into a trust. Our children’s children will have peace knowing this side of the mountain will always be ours.”

“Ridge–” her mouth rounds with shock, hands trembling as her eyes dart from the paper to mine, “how could you possible afford it?”

“My grandma left a lot of money in a trust for me and my brothers–she’s the reason the Devil’s Peak Lodge exists–my grandparents have owned a piece of this mountain for over a hundred years and my brother’s and my only goal has been to expand the property holdings for the family. When I told them about the proposed wind farm and my idea to buy the piece of land outright–they were in agreement. There will never be a wind farm on Devil’s Peak–not now, not after we’re dead, never. And the best part?” I point to the signature line at the bottom. “You’re the sole trustee.”

“Oh my God, Ridge.” Tears spring to her eyes. “You’re–you keep shocking me with your love and generosity.”

“Just trying to show you how much I love you, sweetheart.” I press a kiss to her lips. “And I like to keep you on your toes.”

I trail my fingers down her back, finding the small row of buttons on her dress. One by one, I undo them, my eyes never leaving hers. The room feels electric, every movement charged with the weight of what we’ve promised each other today.

When the last button is undone, her dress slips from her shoulders, pooling at her feet. She’s standing there in nothing but lace and moonlight, and the sight steals the air from my lungs.

“You’re beautiful,” I say, the words rough but honest.

Her smile softens, and she steps closer, her hands finding my shirt. “Your turn.”

She makes quick work of the buttons, her fingers brushing against my skin and sending sparks racing through me. When the shirt falls away, her hands trail over my chest, her touch light but deliberate.

“Ridge,” she whispers, her voice a mix of teasing and awe. “You’re staring.”

“Damn right I am,” I say, my hands finding her waist. “Can’t help it.”

Her laughter is soft, but it fades as I lower my head, brushing my lips against her neck. Her hands tighten on my shoulders, her breath hitching as I trace a path down to her collarbone.

“Still want me to lead the way?” I murmur against her skin.

Her response is a whispered “yes,” her voice trembling with need.

I lift her into my arms, carrying her to our bed. The night stretches ahead of us, filled with everything we’ve been building toward. And as I lay her down, the stars outside our window feel like they’re shining just for us.

A groan escapes my lips as I taste her, savoring the way she responds to my every touch. She holds onto me tightly, legs wrapped around my shoulders, as we both lose ourselves in the moment. Her body moves in sync with mine, begging for more of what I can give her.

I pull back and look into her eyes–filled with desire and pleading for more.

"I want you so much," she whispers, breathless, as I switch from tongue to fingers. I can feel her pleasure building, and I continue to drive her wild with each new move.

But just when she's about to reach her release, I stop and she whimpers softly. She reaches down and takes hold of me eagerly, teasing me with her cold hands. "Don't do that," I gasp, wanting to prolong our experience together. "I want this to last, baby."

I guide myself inside her and we both moan at the feeling of being joined once again. Our movements are perfectly synced, taking each other to new heights of pleasure. And with each thrust, I feel her tighten around me, urging me to go deeper.

I want to stay in this moment forever, reveling in the sounds she makes and the way she feels under me. As my pace quickens, she moans in pleasure beneath me. I can feel her body tightening and I thrust harder, pushing us both towards climax. In that moment, nothing else matters but the warmth and connection between our bodies. As I reach my peak, I claim her mouth once again and we come together in a blissful release.

Afterwards, lying with her in my arms, it's as if time stands still. We’re transported to a place where only our stolen moments exist, away from the chaos of the world. She snuggles into my side and I run my hand lazily over her skin, savoring every moment.

"Damn," I breathe out, feeling content and grateful.

"Damn," she echoes, and we share a laugh.

I tilt her chin up and kiss her tenderly, cherishing every fragile moment with her. She turns onto her stomach and I plant soft kisses on her shoulder, feeling overwhelmed with emotions. “Not even God can come between me and my love for you.”

I watch as a smile spreads across her beautiful face, basking in the sincerity of my words.

"I would be completely lost without you," she says, leaning into my embrace. Resting my forehead against her shoulder, I hold onto this moment as if it's the only one that matters. But I know there will be many more like it to come. "I love you more than my next breath, Ridge Warner."

We share another passionate kiss before she pulls away slightly.

"Now, now. We have all night for that," I tease, wiggling my eyebrows and hips playfully. Seeing her giggle uncontrollably at my antics makes me love her even more. "No one is going to separate us," I declare fiercely. "You are mine, now and forever."

She playfully pushes against me and then straddles my chest. Her hair falls around us like a halo, framing my face as she leans in and as we kiss, she whispers against my lips, "You have my heart forever and always, my sweet, sexy, grumpy, mountain man.”