Epilogue

One Year Later

The fall weather whips around me as I walk to my bookstore. It's cooler this year, and I think the snow will fall earlier. I won't complain; the first snowfall is beautiful, but I'll still take the fall weather over anything.

The last year has been a crazy ride. Once the news broke about Holden having a crocked Mayor, it wasn't long before Nancy and Blaine were arrested for being accomplices. It was perfect; karma came around full circle for the Montgomery family, after all, but it wasn't enough to bring me back.

During those initial months, Jace and Ivory were my rocks, always there to support and guide me. I leaned on them more than I ever thought I would. I didn't want to return to my house, and once I told them what had happened, they moved me without question. Jace wanted to go out and kill Blaine, but I told him what Silas and his boys had done, and he cooled down. Then he dived into the questions about who this Silas was. That opened up a wound I wasn't ready for.

I never talked to Silas after that night. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I hope deep down that he moved on and found someone that he can trust being his authentic self with; I won't lie. I miss him. I have no idea if he stayed in Holden or moved away; I hung up my stalker ways that one and only day.

I unlock the front door to The Dancing Goats Bookshop, listening to the bell go off when I push the door open. I flick the lights on, and my shop comes alive. This is my love, and it's drama free. The fact that Elma isn't here talking about random gossip is the best.

The shop is busy a few hours after I open, and it's non-stop moving. I have two employees, and I'm so thankful for them. I'm busy scanning stock into the computer when a book drops on the counter. When I look up, I freeze .

Green, intense eyes lock onto mine. I'll never forget those eyes; I've missed them every day for a year.

"Hey, Dimples."

Stinging fills my eyes as I try to hold the tears back. Silas hasn't changed at all; still wearing the same baseball cap. "Hi, Sunshine."

"How's life treating you?"

I shrug. "Better, I guess, you?"

"Mmm, not so bad. I like the shop." He looks around and smiles.

"Thanks. I figured a fresh start was what I needed. Did you move back to the city?"

"Yeah, my girl moved here, so I figured it would be easier if I were here too."

My heart sinks. Of course, he would move on. It's been a year; why wouldn't he? I would be foolish to think he wouldn't.

"That's great. I'm glad."

"Thanks, I'm proud of her. She also opened a shop here."

"Oh, that's amazing." I take his book and scan it. "Is her shop close by? Is that how you found the bookshop?"

"Sorta."

I see he still doesn't like to open up; not much has changed. When I look at the book, it's the third book in the series he's reading. I can't help but grin. "Good choice. I hope you enjoy this one."

"Thanks, I'll get to it one day. My nights are usually busy."

"I hear ya. Mine are, too."

He chuckles. "I know. I've been watching you still."