EPILOGUE AMELIA

Christmas lights sparkle through the frosted windowpanes of our living room. A gentle snow falls outside, blanketing our suburban Boston neighborhood in a pristine white. I stand by the bay window, cradling Samuel against my chest, his tiny fingers curled around a lock of my hair. His warmth seeps through the soft fabric of my sweater, a reminder of the miracles that have graced our lives.

Our sprawling Colonial home, with its wraparound porch and gabled roof, feels alive with the spirit of the season. Garlands of fresh pine and holly adorn the staircase, their crisp scent mingling with the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from the kitchen. It’s larger than I’d wanted—six bedrooms seemed excessive at first—but Nathan had grinned and said we could work on filling every room. Now, with three children and the pitter-patter of little feet echoing through the halls, I’m grateful for the space.

“What’s on your mind, love?” Nathan says as he approaches, mindful of the sleeping baby in my arms.

I can tell he’s just finished the bedtime routine with our older children because his hair is mussed. I smile and watch him. “Just thinking about how quickly Christmas is approaching. There’s still so much to do.”

“We’ll manage.” He slips an arm around my waist. “Sharon’s offered to help, and it’s just family. You know it wouldn’t be a proper Grant gathering without a little chaos.”

Laughter bubbles up as memories of past Christmases flash through my mind. “True. Remember when Dylan toppled your parents’ tree with that remote-control car?”

He chuckles and kisses my temple. “Or Seraphina’s first Christmas, when she was more interested in the wrapping paper than the actual gifts.”

We share the moment, his warmth steadying me. “I just want everything to be special,” I murmur. “It’s our first Christmas here, and with Samuel…”

“It will be special,” he promises. “Because we’re together.”

My heart swells. “How did I get so lucky?”

“I ask myself the same thing every day.”

Samuel stirs in my arms, his soft whimper breaking the quiet. Nathan lifts him from my hold. “Here, let me take him. You’ve been on your feet all day.”

Together, we make our way upstairs, pausing at each child’s room. Dylan’s is a testament to his brilliant, curious mind. Bookshelves line the walls, filled with everything from advanced science texts to fantastical adventure stories. A telescope stands by the window, his prized possession since his last birthday. He’s already in second grade at seven, having skipped kindergarten, but to us, he’s still our sweet, inquisitive boy.

Nathan tucks the blankets around him and brushes a hand over Dylan’s head. “Sleep well, buddy.”

Next door, Seraphina’s room is a dreamy wonderland of pinks and purples. Still so young, she’s a whirlwind of energy and infectious giggles. Tonight, she’s nestled among her stuffed animals, her wild curls spilling across the pillow. I lean down to kiss her forehead, marveling at how much she resembles Nathan when she sleeps.

We settle Samuel into his crib and the mobile spins above him. His little chest rises and falls in peaceful sleep. Nathan takes my hand and squeezes.

“I never thought I could be this happy,” I whisper, my heart brimming with emotion.

Nathan’s grip tightens. “Neither did I. Sometimes I’m afraid I’ll wake up, and it will all have been a dream.”

I stroke his cheek. “It’s real. We’re real. And I fall more in love with you every day.”

His kiss is slow and tender, filled with all the love and promises of the life we’ve built. When we part, his eyes are dark with desire. “Come to bed.”

I let him lead me down the hall to our bedroom, a sanctuary decorated in soothing shades of blue and cream. Photos of our life together—our wedding day, Dylan holding Seraphina for the first time, and our summer at the beach—line the dresser, each one a precious moment in the tapestry of our lives.

Nathan wraps his arms around me from behind and rests his chin on my shoulder. “Penny for your thoughts?”

I lean into him and sigh, content. “Just thinking about how far we’ve come. How different things could have been if we hadn’t found our way back to each other.”

He turns me in his arms. “But we did. And I thank God every day for that second chance.”

Our lips meet again, this kiss deeper, more urgent. Clothes come off, hands exploring well-known curves and angles with gentle touches. We fall onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, desire building between us like a slow-burning flame.

Nathan hovers above me. “You’re so beautiful.”

I trace the powerful line of his jaw. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too. Always.”

We come together, savoring each sensation, each shared breath. In this moment, everything falls into perfect harmony—our bodies, our hearts—giving and taking in a rhythm that feels like it was always meant to be. When we finally reach that blissful peak, it’s with soft whispers and tender caresses, a celebration of the love that’s carried us through.

He runs his fingers along my spine as the clock chimes, reminding me it’s late.

“We should get some sleep,” I murmur, though I make no move to leave his warmth. The steady beat of his heart, the safety of his arms—it feels too good to let go. “The kids will be up at dawn, and we have so much to do before everyone arrives.”

His lips press against the top of my head, lingering. “It’ll all come together. And even if it doesn’t, what matters is that we’re here together, surrounded by the people we love.”

He’s right, of course. The tree, the gifts—they’re just details. The real gift is this: family.

I sigh and close my eyes, sinking deeper into his embrace. I think of Dad, the rift still there, and Mom’s twice-yearly visits, never quite enough. But Jules—my rock, my constant—she’s been here through it all. And Brad? Gone. Just an echo from the past.

I send up a silent prayer of gratitude—for Nathan, our beautiful children, and the life we’ve built. It’s not perfect; there are challenges and fears. But it’s ours. Every piece, hard-earned. And I wouldn’t trade a single moment of the journey for anything.

I hope you enjoyed the book, and if you didn’t, I apologize for taking your time.

Have you read Steele Guardian , yet? It’s part of the Steele Enterprise series.

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