Epilogue
After a few tediousbut productive months, Ryder and Morgan completed the house on Cottonwood. It was more than merely paint; together, they picked furniture and decor to fill the house in a style that matched them both. Lillie gave them a few pieces of her art, which they proudly displayed throughout their home. The day after Morgan officially moved in, she and Ryder held a barbecue for their friends.
Everyone attended the gathering, showing up with side dishes and housewarming gifts. Ever since Milo and Shea got married in Lillie's back yard, Ethan had begged Nora to do the same. His shop was fully operational, and his business had skyrocketed. Also, Nora wanted to be married before their baby came, so it worked out. Milo and Shea didn’t want kids, but they’d agreed to be the godparents for their friends. Cooper and Emeline were doing great, growing closer with all the time spent together. Sometimes, Ryder couldn't believe the extended family he'd earned by taking a chance on a bartending internship.
Cooper walked up to the grill where Ryder was cooking. "Hey, man."
"Hey, brother."
"Do you remember when I said I wanted you to be my best man one day?"
Ryder wiped his brow with the back of his hand. "Did you propose?"
"Nah, not without telling you first." Cooper took a sip of beer. "But I want to."
"That's great. Need help planning it?"
"Yeah, maybe."
"I'll go ahead and tell you now, I'm marrying Shorty as soon as I can."
Coop snorted. "Maybe we'll have a double wedding. At the creek."
"You jest, but it's not a terrible idea."
They stopped talking when Morgan came up and wrapped her arms around Ryder’s waist. "What's not a terrible idea?"
Exchanging a pointed look with Cooper, Ryder said, "Guy stuff, but I'll tell you later if you want."
"No, you boys need your secrets."
Lillie and Fletch came through the side yard and into the back with their children. They were quickly followed by Luke and Stella, who looked ready to give birth any minute. She was having a girl, and had bought everything pink within a hundred-mile radius. Luke carried Kyle, though it was pretty clear he wanted down. As soon as his feet touched the grass, he took off running for Hannah and Owen and their two girls.
Ryder hadn't been very close to either Hannah or Owen until Morgan came into his life. They were friendly people in general, but the way they helped her when she didn't have anyone else really touched Ryder. They'd welcomed him as Morgan's partner the second she told her cousin they were together. To their daughters, Harper and Ramona, he was Uncle Ryder. It was humorous.
Lillian stalked up to the grill, pulling Morgan into a hug. "Now that I'm here, the party can start!"
Morgan laughed. "Wewerejust waiting on you."
"Oh man," Fletcher moaned. "Don't feed her ego."
"As if I need any help in that department," Lillie said, letting go of Morgan to lean into her husband's side.
His arm went around her automatically. "Look what you've created, though." He gestured to the people in the backyard. "This is our family."
"I didn't do it alone. Milo had the idea for the bartending school."
"Thank God." Ryder grinned down at Morgan.
"Hey, it got me to settle down." Cooper searched the yard for Emeline, finding her in the grass playing with the kids.
Lillie gazed up at Fletcher. "Best thing we ever did was get together. My father would be incredibly proud of all we’ve built together, what his legacy means in this town."
He gave her a gentle kiss and just smiled.
"Where is my daughter?"
At the sound of the stranger's voice, everyone turned. Everyone except Morgan.
