Epilogue

B etsy

One Year Later

Betsy woke to the sound of birdsong and the gentle rumble of Chase's breathing beside her. Sunlight filtered through the cabin's curtains, casting a warm glow across the Sasquatch's fur. She smiled, still marveling at how natural it felt to wake up next to a creature she'd once thought was mere legend.

"Morning, Fuzzy Wuzzy," she murmured, running her fingers through the soft fur on Chase's chest.

Chase's eyes fluttered open, dark pools of warmth that never failed to make Betsy's heart skip a beat. "Good morning, little one," he rumbled, voice thick with sleep.

As Chase stretched, his massive form taking up most of the bed, Betsy reflected on how much her life had changed in the past year. From corporate drone to magical forest steward, from single and directionless to deeply in love with a Sasquatch. It was crazy, it was impossible, and it was absolutely perfect.

"Ready for another day of magical mayhem?" Betsy asked, sitting up and reaching for her phone on the nightstand.

Chase's brow furrowed. "Must we involve that infernal device in our morning routine?"

Betsy grinned. "Oh, come on, big guy. It's time you joined the 21st century. Besides, think how useful it could be for forest patrol if you could actually use it."

With a resigned sigh that sounded more like a gentle landslide, Chase sat up. "Very well. I shall attempt to master this tiny machine once more."

What followed was fifteen minutes of hilarity as Betsy tried to teach Chase how to use the satellite smartphone. His massive fingers dwarfed the device, making even the simplest swipe a challenge.

"No, no, you're pressing too hard," Betsy laughed as Chase accidentally opened seventeen apps at once. "It's not like chopping wood. You need a gentle touch."

Chase growled in frustration. "This device is clearly not designed for beings of superior size and strength."

"Sure, blame the phone," Betsy teased. "Face it, honey, you're just a tech-challenged Sasquatch."

Despite his grumbling, Betsy didn't miss the twinkle in Chase's eye or the slight upturn of his lips. He was enjoying their banter as much as she was, even if he'd never admit it.

As they prepared for their daily patrol, Betsy felt a familiar thrill of excitement. Every day in the forest brought new wonders and challenges, and she couldn't wait to face them with Chase by her side.

They stepped out into the crisp morning air, the forest alive with magic and possibility. Betsy closed her eyes, reaching out with her senses the way Chase had taught her. She could feel the pulse of life all around them—the ancient trees, the skittering creatures, the very earth beneath their feet.

"The western quadrant feels unsettled," Betsy said, opening her eyes. "We should start there."

Chase nodded, pride evident in his gaze. "Your abilities grow stronger every day, my love."

As they made their way through the forest, Betsy marveled at how in sync they'd become. Where once she'd stumbled over every root and branch, she now moved with grace, her steps perfectly matched to Chase's longer stride.

They paused in a small clearing, where a group of mushrooms was engaging in what looked suspiciously like a dance-off. Betsy bit back a laugh as a particularly enthusiastic shiitake attempted a spin and toppled over.

"Looks like fun, but probably not great for forest balance," she mused. "What do you think, Chase? Standard calming spell?"

Chase considered for a moment. "Perhaps. But your creativity has proven valuable in such situations. Do you have an alternative suggestion?"

Betsy felt a warm glow at his words. It still amazed her sometimes, how much he valued her input. "Well," she said slowly, "what if we introduced a little friendly competition? Give them something to focus their energy on besides magic-fueled dance battles."

With a wave of her hand, Betsy conjured a small stage in the clearing, complete with a glittering disco ball. "All right, fun guys," she called out, grinning at her own pun, "who's ready for 'Mushroom Idol'?"

The fungi practically tripped over themselves in excitement, lining up to take the stage. As they began performing—a morel with a surprisingly good Barry White impression stealing the show—the erratic magical energy in the clearing settled into a more harmonious flow.

Chase chuckled, the sound rumbling through Betsy like a happy earthquake. "An unorthodox solution, but effective. Well done, Betsy."

They continued their patrol, dealing with a grumpy talking oak tree ("Have you tried meditation? I hear it works wonders for sap pressure.") and relocating a family of pixies who had taken up residence in a rabbit's warren ("I don't care how cute his twitchy nose is, you can't just evict a bunny.").

As they approached a particularly muddy section of the forest, Chase suddenly scooped Betsy into his arms. "Allow me," he said, easily carrying her across the boggy ground.

Betsy relaxed into his embrace, enjoying the feel of his strong arms around her. There was a time when such a gesture might have annoyed her, made her feel like Chase thought she was incapable. Now, she recognized it for what it was—an act of love and partnership.

"My hero," she said dramatically as Chase set her down on dry land. "Saving me from the terrifying mud monster. However shall I repay you?"

Chase's eyes darkened with desire. "I'm sure we can think of something, little one."

As they shared a heated kiss, Betsy marveled at how every touch, every moment with Chase still sent sparks through her. The passion between them hadn't faded; if anything, it had grown stronger, deeper, with their shared purpose and understanding.

They eventually continued their patrol, discussing plans for maintaining the forest's balance as they walked. Betsy loved these conversations, the way they bounced ideas off each other, blending her human perspective with Chase's ancient wisdom.

"So, I was thinking," Betsy said, ducking under a low-hanging branch, "what if we set up a sort of magical recycling system? You know, find a way to repurpose excess or chaotic energy instead of just dampening it."

Chase nodded thoughtfully. "An intriguing idea. It could help prevent the build-up that leads to larger disturbances. How would you propose we implement such a system?"

As Betsy outlined her idea, complete with wild hand gestures and the occasional pop culture reference, she caught Chase watching her with a soft expression.

"What?" she asked, suddenly self-conscious. "Do I have leaves in my hair again?"

Chase shook his head, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I am simply in awe of you. Your mind works in ways I never could have imagined. You bring such life and innovation to our stewardship."

Betsy felt her cheeks warm at the compliment. "Well, you know what they say. Behind every great Sasquatch is a woman with questionable decision-making skills and a talent for magical improv."

Chase's brow furrowed. "I do not believe anyone says that."

"They do now," Betsy grinned, standing on her tiptoes to plant a quick kiss on his cheek.

As the day wore on and they made their way back to the cabin, Betsy found herself reflecting on their journey. If someone had told her a year ago that she'd be living in a magical forest, madly in love with a Sasquatch, and responsible for maintaining the balance of an entire mystical ecosystem, she'd have laughed in their face. Or possibly called for a psych eval.

But now, she couldn't imagine any other life. The forest thrummed around her, a constant reminder of the magic she was part of. And Chase was her rock, her partner, her home.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Chase asked as they approached the cabin.

Betsy smiled up at him. "Just thinking about how ridiculously happy I am. How right this all feels."

Chase pulled her close, enveloping her in his warmth. "As am I, my love. You have brought such joy and purpose to my life. I am honored to call you my mate and my partner in all things."

As they stepped onto the porch, Betsy's phone chimed. She pulled it out, chuckling at Chase's immediate look of suspicion.

"Relax, big guy. It's just a reminder I set." She held up the phone, showing Chase the screen. "See? It says, 'Kiss your Sasquatch.'"

Chase's expression softened. "A most important reminder indeed. Though I believe you need no such prompting."

"True," Betsy agreed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "But it never hurts to have a backup plan. You know, in case I get distracted by all the magical chaos and forget how incredibly lucky I am."

As their lips met in a tender kiss, Betsy felt the familiar surge of warmth and rightness. This was where she belonged—in Chase's arms, in this magical forest, living a life she never could have dreamed of.

When they finally parted, Chase glanced at the phone still in Betsy's hand. "Perhaps you could show me how to set such a reminder on my device as well?"

Betsy's heart melted at the request. "Absolutely. Though yours will have to say, 'Kiss your amazing, brilliant, devastatingly attractive human mate.'"

Chase's rumbling laugh filled the air as they stepped into the cabin. "I believe I can manage that reminder without technological assistance, my love."

As the door closed behind them, the forest sighed in contentment. All was as it should be—balanced, harmonious, and filled with love. And if the mushrooms were still holding their talent show in the clearing? Well, that was just part of the wonderful, magical chaos that Betsy and Chase called home.