Epilogue

Piper

Five years later…

The morning sun spills gold across the meadow of our vast Sunset Lake property, casting long shadows from the oaks and turning the dew-draped grass into a sparkling sea. It's almost unfairly picturesque, like a scene straight out of a painting, but I guess that's just another day in our not-so-ordinary life. Better yet, it's only a few miles from the resort.

Tate and I are ambling along the trail on our horses, his a sturdy bay named Chester and mine a graceful chestnut called June. We're both relatively comfortable in the saddles now, a far cry from our first attempt at riding together, which had been nothing short of a comedic disaster.

"I still can't believe you kept up with this after our initial... debacle," I say, nudging June a little closer to Chester.

Tate chuckles, a deep sound that rumbles pleasantly in his chest. "Well, I had to prove I could do it, didn't I? Couldn't have my own daughter outclassing me before she turned five."

Speaking of the little devil, a pint-sized blur on a Shetland pony named Sparkle bursts through a gap in the trees. Cordelia is all confidence and a wild mop of thick hair that matches her mother's barely contained by her helmet. She pulls up beside us with the ease of a seasoned rider, her grin wide and mischievous.

"Daddy, you're so slow. Do you need me to show you how to make Chester go faster?" she teases, her voice lilting with laughter.

"I think I've got it, but thanks, Delia," Tate replies, his eyes twinkling with unshed pride.

"Are you sure? Because it looks like Chester is taking a nap while moving." Her giggle is infectious, and even Chester seems to snort in agreement.

"Very funny, young lady. How about you show us some of your tricks then? I hear the junior equestrian competition is coming up. Are you ready?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

Cordelia nods enthusiastically, her ponytail bouncing. "Oh yes, Mommy! Watch this!" Without waiting for a response, she gently kicks Sparkle into a trot and heads towards a small log lying across the path—a makeshift jump we've all become familiar with.

My heart leaps into my throat every time she does this, but Tate's hand finds mine, his grip reassuring. We watch as she expertly urges Sparkle over the log, the pony clearing it with inches to spare. She turns back towards us with a victorious, toothy grin.

"See? Easy peasy!" She trots back, her confidence filling the meadow like sunlight.

Tate releases a breath he'd been holding, and I squeeze his hand, whispering, "She's going to be giving you riding lessons soon."

He laughs, the sound rich with love and admiration. "She already does. Every day, Piper. Every day our amazing little girl teaches me something new."

Cordelia doesn't wait for more accolades; she's off again, looping around a cluster of wildflowers, her laughter echoing off the trees.

"As fearless as her mother," Tate murmurs, watching her with a blend of awe and slight anxiety.

"Thankfully, she has your brains, or we'd really be in trouble," I tease back, allowing the peacefulness of the morning to seep into my bones.

We continue riding, the occasional sound of Cordelia's distant chatter with Sparkle drifting back to us. It's in these moments, simple and unadorned, that I realize how much we've grown—not just Cordelia, but Tate and me. From two people unsure about the future, to a family bound by more than just love—by a shared life full of challenges, laughter, and endless rides.

"I wouldn't trade this for the world," Tate says, as if reading my thoughts.

"Me neither," I agree, knowing that these trails on our large property, this life, these moments with him and Cordelia, are exactly where I belong.

As we meander along the sun-dappled trail, the sound of Cordelia chattering to Sparkle melts into the backdrop of chirping birds and the gentle rustle of leaves. Her youthful exuberance is a vivid splash of color in the tranquil greens and browns of the forest.

"She's something, isn't she?" I watch our daughter circle back towards us, her small face alight with the sheer joy of riding.

"Something? She's everything," Tate corrects with a laugh, his gaze softening as he watches her. His admiration for her is as clear as day, and it tugs at my heartstrings every time I see it. He's the best girl dad a woman could ask for. "I mean, look at her. She rides better than I ever will."

Cordelia overhears him and pulls up alongside us, her expression playfully smug. "It's okay, Daddy. You're good at other things. Mommy says you make the best chocolate chip pancakes."

"And your mom is an expert on my pancakes," Tate winks at me, then shifts his attention back to Cordelia. "How about you lead us for a while? Show us some of your favorite spots."

Beaming with pride, Cordelia doesn't hesitate. "Follow me!" she commands before kicking Sparkle into a gentle canter, leading the way deeper into the woods.

As we follow, the path narrows, and the shadows grow longer. Cordelia points out a rabbit darting through the underbrush and a hawk circling above. Her delight in every little discovery is infectious, and even Tate, who usually prefers tech over nature, can't help but get caught up in her enthusiasm.

"Did you see that, Mommy? Did you see the hawk?" she calls over her shoulder, making sure I'm as engaged as she is.

"I saw it, honey. It's beautiful," I reply, my voice layered with genuine interest and a hint of awe for her sharp eyes.

Cordelia's energy seems boundless, and she soon spots a narrow offshoot from the main trail, veering towards a small clearing. "This way! There's a stream up ahead, and sometimes you can see deer!"

At her words, Tate exchanges a look with me, an unspoken agreement passing between us. We'd follow her anywhere, it seems, and not just through the woods. Her spirit, so bold and adventurous, pulls us along like a current we're happy to be caught in.

As we reach the clearing, the scene that unfolds is like something out of a storybook. A gentle stream trickles through, bordered by wildflowers, and true to her word, a pair of deer glance up from the far side, their presence a serene blessing on our little adventure.

Cordelia dismounts with the ease of a seasoned pro, patting Sparkle before sitting down on a large rock near the water's edge. Tate and I join her, dismounting and leading our horses to a patch of lush grass.

"Isn't it perfect?" Her eyes grow wide with wonder as she takes in the peaceful beauty around us.

"It's more than perfect, it's magical." I slip an arm around Tate's waist as we join her to gaze at the tranquil water.

"Do you think we could have a picnic here next time?" Cordelia's voice is hopeful, already planning future visits.

"Absolutely," Tate responds, his tone warm with the promise of many more family outings like this one. "We'll bring some of your mom's famous chocolates."

"And sandwiches!" Cordelia adds enthusiastically, already bouncing from one idea to the next. "And grapes!"

We spend a few moments in comfortable silence, watching the deer cautiously return to their grazing. It's a slice of peace, carved out of time, where nothing else matters but the gentle breeze, the soft murmur of the stream, and the company of each other.

"I love you guys," Cordelia suddenly declares, her voice earnest and sweet, filled with the pure, unguarded love only a child can give so freely.

"We love you too, Delia. More than anything." As I squeeze my husband's hand, I feel an overwhelming gratitude for this life, for these moments, and for the family we've created and continue to nurture. In this clearing, with the stream whispering and our daughter between us, everything feels right in the world. From where I started, to where I ended up, I often wonder how I became so very blessed.

Cordelia, ever the adventurer, doesn't let the tranquility last too long. She's up and tugging at both of our hands, her little body practically vibrating with energy. "Come on, let's explore a bit more before we go back. There's a trail here that has the best jumping logs!"

Tate exchanges a wary glance with me. Jumping logs? His eyebrows raise in silent question, but there's no dampening her enthusiasm—not that we'd want to.

"Lead the way, Captain Cordelia," he says, a mix of resignation and affection coloring his tone.

Sparkle seems just as eager, her hooves tapping lightly on the soft earth as Cordelia mounts with an ease that reminds me just how quickly she's growing up. She's a natural, a blend of my curiosity and Tate's analytical precision, all bundled into a fearless package.

We follow her down a narrower path, the trees closing in around us, their branches forming a green canopy overhead. The air is cool here, scented with pine and the faint musk of earth and leaves. Cordelia points out various tracks on the ground—deer, maybe a fox. She's learned so much from these woods, from these excursions that Tate initially started as a way to connect with her, to bring a bit of his childhood into hers.

"There! Do you see it?" Cordelia's voice breaks through my thoughts as she points excitedly ahead. A fallen tree limb lies across the path, its bark smooth and worn, a natural hurdle.

Tate's eyes widen slightly, but he reins in his apprehension, transforming it into a supportive smile. "Looks perfect for a jump, doesn't it?"

Cordelia doesn't need further encouragement. With a confident nudge, she guides Sparkle towards the log. The horse approaches, her steps measured and careful, then with a graceful leap, they're over it. Cordelia's laughter rings through the woods, pure and triumphant.

"Your turn, Daddy!" she calls back, her challenge tossed like a gauntlet at Tate's feet.

I stifle a laugh as Tate gives me a look that's part horror, part bemusement. "Oh no, I think Sparkle is the only jumper today. I'm just the cheer squad," he protests, but there's a twinkle in his eye that tells me he's enjoying this more than he lets on.

Cordelia isn't having any of it. "Mommy, tell him! If one jumps, we all jump!"

"You heard her, Tate. Can't let our little girl show us up," I tease, nudging his side gently. "Come on, it'll be fun!"

With a resigned sigh that's overly dramatic, Tate guides his horse toward the log. His approach is more cautious, almost comical compared to Cordelia's fearless charge, but when he and his horse make the small jump, his whoop of delight is unexpectedly loud. He lands with a thud that's less than graceful, but safe.

"See? Not so bad!" I call out, clapping to cheer him on. Cordelia is nearly doubled over with laughter, her joy infectious.

Tate's sheepish grin as he trots back to us is worth any embarrassment he might feel. "Alright, alright, you win. That was actually kind of exhilarating."

Cordelia beams, clearly proud of her dad. "I told you! You just have to trust Sparkle."

We spend a few more minutes in the area, letting Cordelia take a few more jumps while Tate and I watch, our hands linked, a silent solidarity between us. There's a simple joy in this, in witnessing our daughter's fearlessness and Tate's tentative bravery, a reminder of the daily little risks worth taking for the sake of love and laughter.

"We should do this more often," Tate murmurs as we near the stable, his voice warm with contentment.

"Definitely." I kick June forward. "It's good for the soul, and not just for Cordelia."

He nods, glancing back at our daughter who's chattering away to Sparkle as if they share the world's secrets. "Yeah, it's good for all of us. For our family."

Cordelia seems reluctant to end the day. She circles us once more on Sparkle, her small figure poised confidently atop the horse, before pulling up beside us. "Can I take the long way home? Please?" Her voice is hopeful, her cheeks flushed with the thrill of the ride and the crisp evening air.

Tate looks at me, his eyes softening. "What do you say, Mom?"

I nod, my heart swelling with love for our little family. "The long way home it is," I agree, watching Cordelia's face light up with joy.

She kicks gently into Sparkle's sides, and they trot off, a little blur of energy and excitement weaving through the shadowy trees. Tate and I take this moment to slow our pace, walking hand in hand in comfortable silence, each step in sync.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Tate murmurs, breaking the quiet. "How she just takes to everything like it's second nature?"

"It really is," I reply, watching Cordelia maneuver expertly around a bend. "She's got your brains and my fearlessness. We're in trouble when she's a teenager."

Tate chuckles, the sound deep and resonant. "We'll just have to keep finding good outlets for her energy. Like this." He gestures around us, to the trails and the wide-open spaces that have become our playground.

"I think we're doing okay, Tate. More than okay." Whenever I look at my husband, my daughter, our family , my heart overflows. "This... us... it's more than I ever imagined."

He pulls me closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I never thought I'd have this. You, her, this peace. You've given me so much, Piper. I can't believe I didn't used to… you know… believe ."

The sincerity in his voice tugs at my heartstrings. "You're an amazing husband and father, Tate. You choose us, every day, even though I know it's still scary for you. That's everything."

We stop walking as Cordelia rounds back towards us, her laughter echoing through the trees. Tate's gaze on me is intense, filled with emotions that once went unsaid but now color our everyday life.

"You know, I used to think love was just another system to figure out, another problem to solve," Tate confesses as Cordelia slows Sparkle to a walk, joining us. "But it's not. It's this. It's messy and beautiful and terrifying and utterly perfect. It's watching her ride and seeing you in her smile."

I lean into him, overwhelmed by his words, by the truth of them. "And it's hearing you say that and knowing that we're exactly where we need to be."

Together, we turn to watch Cordelia, who is now dismounting with the grace of a much older rider, her every move fluid and assured. "Did you see me, Mommy? Daddy? I jumped even higher this time!"

"We saw you, darling," I respond, pride swelling in my chest. "You were fantastic."

Tate taps her on her helmet as she beams up at us. "You're going to be better than your old man ever was at this rate."

"Already am," she quips with a wink, and we all burst into laughter.

It's a simple moment, but it holds the weight of everything meaningful. As we hand our horses over to the full-time grooms and stable staff with the last light of the day fading into twilight, I reflect on the journey that brought us here. The challenges, the missteps, the growth. And I realize, with a profound sense of clarity, that every step, every misstep, was leading to this—to a life filled with laughter and love, with Tate and our remarkable daughter by my side. As we walk back to our house together, I know deep in my heart that no matter what comes, we will face it together, as a family, forever bound by our love and the memories we continue to create.

While we stash our riding gear away in the mud room, Cordelia chatters nonstop about her day and her plans for Sparkle's next big jump, already eager for our next outing. Tate and I exchange a knowing glance, the weight of our pending news making our hearts beat a tad faster.

"Delia," I start, crouching down to her level, her face still flushed with the day's excitement. "We have something to tell you."

She looks between Tate and me, her brow furrowing slightly. "Is it more riding lessons? Oh, I know! A new horse! A big horse! Because I think I should start doing competitions, and—"

"Not exactly, honey," Tate cuts in, his voice gentle. He takes a deep breath, bracing himself. "You're going to be a big sister."

Cordelia's reaction is immediate and dramatic. Her eyes widen, and her mouth drops open. "What?"

I nod, smiling despite her shock. "Yes, you're going to have a little brother."

"A brother ?" Her voice pitches high, a mix of incredulity and dismay washing over her. "But... but boys have cooties! They're all sticky and they smell weird! Can't you change it to a girl before it comes out?"

Tate chuckles, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Well, we'll make sure he's a very clean little boy, okay? And you can teach him all about horses and how to be as cool as his big sister."

Cordelia pouts, crossing her arms. "I guess I can teach him not to be too annoying. Maybe."

"You'll be the best big sister," I assure her, pulling her into a hug. "He's going to look up to you so much. And think of all the help you'll have with your jumps and rides."

She considers this for a moment, her expression softening. "Okay, I'll teach him horseback riding. But he has to promise not to touch my stuff. He can't even pet Sparkle!"

"We'll make sure he knows the rules," Tate says, winking at her.

"And no sticky hands touching my stuff," she adds, finally cracking a reluctant smile.

"Deal," I laugh, squeezing her tighter.

Tate slips his hand in mine. "You think she'll be okay with it?"

"She'll be wonderful." I watch our daughter commandeer the path toward the kitchen with the confidence of a born leader. "She's just like her father—once she sets her mind to something, she's unstoppable."

He laughs, pulling me closer. "And her mother, who teaches her that anything is possible with a little love and patience."

As we reach the kitchen, Cordelia turns to us, her earlier excitement renewed. "So, when is the baby coming? I need to start planning my lessons."

"Soon, sweetheart," I reply, the future suddenly bright and brimming with laughter and life. "In about six months."

Cordelia nods seriously, already shifting into big sister mode, her earlier reluctance dissolving into a sense of purpose. She skips ahead, her voice trailing back to us. "I'm going to teach him how to ride a pony first. But no jumping until he's at least as tall as my knees!"

Tate squeezes my hand, a tender smile playing on his lips. "She's going to be a great big sister, isn't she?"

"Absolutely." My heart swells watching them, a poignant reminder of how far we've come—from the chaos of our early days, grappling with uncertainties, to this very moment.

From our open concept great room, Cordelia has already begun detailing her plans to an imaginary audience, I realize that this journey—with all its twists and turns—has led us exactly where we're meant to be.

Looking up at Tate, I find his gaze already on me, filled with warmth and understanding. "You ready for round two of parenting adventures?" he teases.

"Only if I'm doing it with you," I say, my voice thick with emotion.

He draws me in for a kiss, slow and deep, the kind that speaks of endless tomorrows. And as we break apart, the world settling around us, I realize that every challenge, every tear, and every laughter-filled day has been building to this—our beautiful, messy, perfect life. Together, we're ready for anything, guided by love and strengthened by the joy of our growing family.

"Always," he whispers back, sealing our promise as we turn to join our daughter, our hearts full, our future bright.

I hope you enjoyed Story Of My Heart !