Now, as I stand in the living room of the home we’ve started to build together, I feel a sense of anticipation bubbling up inside me. I’m so excited to ask her, to finally put a ring on her finger. I’ve spent weeks planning this moment, making sure everything is perfect.
I glance at the clock, knowing that in just a few short hours, Riley will be home. Tonight, we’re having a quiet dinner, just the two of us. I’ve made sure Nicholas is staying with his grandparents, and Bella is curled up on the floor.
The table is set, the candles are ready to be lit, and the bottle of champagne is chilling in the fridge. Everything is ready. All that’s left is for Riley to walk through that door, and for me to ask the most important question of my life.
Tonight’s the night. And I can’t wait to start the rest of our lives together.
Epilogue - Riley
Iarrive home later than I planned, but that’s been the story of my life lately. Between work, taking care of Nicholas, and trying to find some semblance of normalcy after everything that happened, I’ve been running on fumes. But tonight, something feels different. There’s an energy in the air, something warm and inviting that pulls me in the moment I step through the door.
The house is quiet, which is unusual, but not unwelcome. Normally, Nicholas would be running around, filling the place with his infectious laughter, but tonight, there’s just a soft glow from the living room. I drop my bag by the door and kick off my shoes, letting out a long sigh as I take in the scene.
The table is set with our best dishes, and there are candles flickering, casting a soft, romantic light around the room. My heart skips a beat when I see Declan standing by the kitchen island, his hands in his pockets, looking at me with that smile that always makes my knees weak.
“Hey,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, even though my heart is doing flips in my chest.
“Hey,” he replies, his smile widening as he steps toward me. He looks so handsome tonight, his usual casual demeanorreplaced with something more… serious, more intentional. There’s a nervous energy about him, but also a confidence that makes me feel safe, like whatever is about to happen is exactly what’s supposed to happen.
“Where’s Nicholas?” I ask, glancing around, half expecting him to jump out from behind the couch.
“He’s with your parents tonight,” Declan says, taking my hand in his. His touch is warm, grounding me in the moment. “I thought we could have the evening to ourselves.”
I nod, a soft smile spreading across my face as I follow him to the table. “This is… really nice,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
We sit down, and for a moment, I just take it all in—the quiet, the candles, the way Declan’s eyes never leave mine. We talk about our day, about Nicholas, about how the house is finally starting to feel like home. But I can tell there’s something more on his mind, something he’s been waiting to say. The air is thick with anticipation, and I feel like I’m on the edge of something life-changing.
After dinner, Declan suggests we move to the living room, following him to the couch. Bella is curled up on the couch. I sit down, and Declan takes a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he reaches into his pocket.
“Riley,” he begins, his voice soft but steady, “there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”
My heart stops. I know what’s coming, and yet, I’m completely unprepared for the rush of emotions that flood over me. I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes as I watch him pull out a small velvet box and drop to one knee in front of me.
“Declan…” I whisper, my voice breaking as I cover my mouth with my hand.
“Riley Ashford,” he says, his eyes locking onto mine with a seriousness that makes my heart ache in the best way, “I loveyou more than I ever thought was possible. You and Nicholas… you’ve changed my life in ways I can’t even begin to describe. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, taking care of you, loving you, and being the best father I can be to Nicholas. Will you marry me?”
He opens the box, revealing the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen—simple, elegant, and so very us. I’m crying now, tears spilling down my cheeks as I look at this man who has been my rock, my protector, and my best friend.
“Yes,” I manage to choke out, nodding as I throw my arms around him. “Yes, Declan, I’ll marry you.”
The relief and joy on his face is palpable as he slides the ring onto my finger. It’s a perfect fit, just like us. We’re both laughing and crying as he pulls me close, holding me as if he’ll never let go.
“I love you, Riley,” he murmurs into my hair, his voice thick with emotion.
“I love you too,” I whisper back, feeling the truth of those words deep in my soul.
Ready for a Sydney’s story? She and Mason find themselves sharing a cabin in a snowstorm. Click here to read Snowbound Hearts.
She had no intention of falling in love. And definitely not with him. Again.
Event planner Sydney Winters needs a break from her bustling city life and a recent heartbreak. So when she’s asked to organize a Christmas wedding at Aspen Peaks Ski Lodge, she jumps at the chance. But when she arrives, she discovers thelodge is owned by Mason Donovan, her first love and the one who got away.
Mason, now a rugged and charming lodge owner, wasn’t expecting Sydney to walk back into his life. Their reunion is far from warm. But when a snowstorm traps them and the wedding guests at the lodge, Sydney and Mason are forced to spend more time together, stirring up memories and rekindling old feelings.
Between decorating the lodge, impromptu snowball fights, and managing eccentric wedding guests, Sydney and Mason find themselves laughing and reconnecting. As they work together to create a magical wedding, they realize they might deserve a second chance.
With Christmas Eve approaching, can Sydney and Mason let go of the past and embrace the future together?
Join them in a snowy wonderland filled with holiday cheer, heartwarming moments, and the magic of a love that’s meant to be rekindled.
