Epilogue

Parker

I squint at the sun, feeling its warmth kiss my face like Tess did this morning when she caught me trying to sneak out of bed. It's been two years since she waltzed into my world, and boy, have things changed. I never figured myself for the kind of man who'd get all twisted up over someone, but here I am, planning surprise picnics and learning words like "ambiance" just to see her smile.

"Come on, Parker!" Tess calls out as we sit around Heartville's fishing hole with our friends.

"Y'all gonna fish or just sit there and tan?" I tease, casting a line into the water. Tess grins and comes up beside me, her hip brushing against mine in a way that sends heat straight through me. Her fingers lightly touch my arm, and I'm reminded just how good those hands feel when they're not holding a fishing rod.

"Maybe a bit of both," she shoots back, her lips quirking up in a playful challenge. Around us, the group settles in. Clay's over there, fussing with his tackle box as Romi teases him about being out-fished by a city girl last time we were here. Levi's sharing some story about Beck that's got everyone chuckling.

"Ya know, this place isn’t half bad It's got charm," Tess says, eyes roaming over the lush greenery, the wildflowers dotting the banks, and the shimmering water reflecting the clear blue sky.

"Charm, huh? Is that what you call it?" I ask, raising an eyebrow and watching a slight blush creep across her cheeks.

"Among other things," she replies, gaze lingering on mine.

"Hey, Parker! You caught anything good yet?" Jace calls out, breaking the spell. He's making his rounds with a cooler full of drinks.

"Nope, nothing yet," I say, reeling in my line and deciding the fish can wait.

I sidle up to Clay, who's examining his fishing line like it's about to go under surgery. "Tell me, Dr. Wrangler, any special tricks to whisper those fish right into our buckets?"

"Very funny, Parker. Just because I can calm a spooked stallion doesn't mean I've got the fish charmed too," Clay shoots back without missing a beat.

"Shame," Romi chimes in, her lips twitching into a smirk as she leans against the oak tree. "Here I was hoping you'd talk a big ol' bass into jumpin' straight onto my hook."

Clay just grins, tugging at the brim of his hat. "Well, if I could, that'd be one less fish for Parker here to pretend he's caught."

"Ouch," I laugh, giving Clay a playful shove. "Keep that up, and I'll start spreadin' rumors about you actually being a cat whisperer."

"Wouldn't be the worst thing," he retorts, and we all chuckle.

Levi ambles over, a wide grin splitting his face. "Speak of animals, Beck tried riding the dog again this morning. Swore he was a cowboy in the making."

"Again?" I ask, shaking my head as I picture Levi's sturdy mutt with a determined kid on his back. "How's ol' Buster holding up?"

"Better than that same Dodge that I’ve had in my shop three times this month, that's for sure," Levi replies, laughter deep in his voice. "But hey, kid's got spirit."

"Sounds like he's taking notes from someone else's playbook," I tease, nudging Levi's side with my elbow.

"Got that right, buddy," Levi says, winking. "He's a Thompson through and through."

I lean back against a shade tree, squinting at Skylar as he practically dances on the spot, his hands painting pictures in the air. "Now, imagine this," he says, his hazel eyes sparking under the wide brim of his hat, "rows upon rows of Merlot grapes catching that perfect sunset glimmer."

"Sounds like a postcard," Tess remarks. She's standing right in front of me to share the shade from the hot sun.

"Better. We're talking about a full-bodied experience, Parker. You'll have to come by for a tasting. Just wait till you try the batch from last fall. It's aged like—" He pauses, searching for the right word.

"Perfection?" I offer with a smirk, tipping my hat back with a thumb.

"Exactly!" Skylar laughs, pointing at me as if I've just won some contest. Tess chuckles beside me.

"Can't say I know much about wine, but if it's anything like what you’re portraying, then sign me up,” I add.

"Ah, you're so sweet," Tess teases, bumping her shoulder against mine.

I wink at her, feeling that familiar flutter in my chest whenever she's this close.

Before we can slip further into our own little world, Jace saunters over, a tray of drinks balanced in one hand like he's been doing it all his life—which he probably has. "Y'all look parched," he drawls, distributing ice-cold beers and margaritas.

"Thanks, Jace. You sure know how to keep a crowd happy," I say as he hands me a beer.

"Part of the job description," he replies. "Enjoying yourself, Tess?"

"Immensely," she replies, accepting a margarita.

"Remember, any friend of Parker's is a friend of mine," Jace adds before moving on.

"Everyone's just so... welcoming here," Tess murmurs, leaning into me slightly.

"Welcome to Heartville," I say, squeezing her hand gently. "Where the beer's cold and the hearts are warm."

"Cheesy," she accuses and chuckles.

As the sun dips lower, we're all sprawled on checkered blankets. I lean back on my elbows, watching Levi as he stands apart from the group.

"Alright, Levi, out with it. I can tell there’s something that’s got you quiet tonight. Spill," I call out, nudging Tess with my boot to draw her attention to what I’m seeing with our friend.

Levi's eyes snap over to us, and there's this sheepish grin that spreads across his face. "Well, uh..." He scratches the back of his head. "I reckon it might be time for me to... you know, find someone."

"Someone?" Clay echoes, almost dropping his plate of barbecue. "As in a lady friend?"

"Could be," Levi answers.

Romi sets down her glass with a thunk, nearly splashing margarita over the rim. "Levi Thompson, are you telling us you've got your eye on a gal?"

"Maybe," Levi drawls, and I can tell he's enjoying the suspense he's building. There's a hitch in my chest, excitement mingling with an odd pang of... what, concern? Change coming to our close-knit group and how Beck will handle the change.

"Who is she?" Tess leans in, her curiosity piqued, and I feel her warmth against my side.

"Ah, now that would be telling," Levi says slyly, and just like that, the conversation sparks into wildfire speculation. Beck's dad, our steadfast mechanic, embarking on a quest for love? The idea has everyone buzzing.

Everyone is throwing out names of every eligible woman in Heartville. From the barista at the Book Nook to the new veterinarian assistant who's a feisty one. However, Levi just smiles that enigmatic smile with his lips sealed.

Tess squeezes my hand, and I turn to catch her eye. Her look says it all—she's thrilled, intrigued, and every bit as caught up in the mystery as the rest of us. It's a moment that tightens something inside me, a deep-seated connection between us that's grown stronger and more electric in the two years we've been together.

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