His eyes softened as he watched her, likely accompanying a smile behind his own mask. “When I came looking for you and Lucy, I found it. I’m sorry, it’s the only one that—”
“It’s perfect, Finn.” Her voice cracked as she pressed a masked kiss to his cheek.
His eyes creased, soft with warmth.
And then Daphne’s gaze landed on an item across the room. A framed piece of Mrs. Morgan’s wallpaper. The only remnant of the wallpaper that was left. She almost grinned. Finn had kept a part of it. How had she missed seeing it before?
Even back then—she’d mattered?
She looked at him again, at the weariness on his brow, the heartbreak behind his eyes, and realized just how much she’d come to love him. And Lucy. And this stitched-together, snarky, gentle, sweet, full-hearted version of a life they’d started building—without even meaning to.
And right now, he needed her.
Just like she needed him.
No matter what came next. She could love him now. However manynowsGod gave her with him, because if she’d learned nothing else in her life so far, life was unpredictable.
She crossed the room, lifted the frame from the wall, and held it up. “I see you have something to start over with too?”
His eyes lit. And he laughed.
A quiet laugh, but one nonetheless. “It’ll be the first thing I hang in my new pub,” he said, voice still rough but lighter now. “A tribute to Wisterian history—and God’s sense of humor.”
“I think that’s an excellent plan.”
She stepped closer—and before she even reached him, he caught her free hand in his.
“I want to rebuild here,” he said, voice steady now. “This exact spot. If I can.”
“Do you?” She grinned up at him, some of the pain dimming in the glow of his tender look.
He nodded. “Because it’s right next to you. And that’s where I want to be. Even if it means I occasionally drink tea or eat”—he shuddered and topped it off with a wink—“pretty little snacks masquerading as meals.”
She laughed. “Well, at least you’ll be surviving with class.”
And then, with another chuckle, this one with a bit more volume, he slipped his mask down, tugged at hers, and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “Sounds like an excellent beginning to me.”
Epilogue
Five months later
@WisteriaWeekly:Make sure you show up early in Wisteria this weekend, folks. Travis Langston and our very own Lindsay Monroe-Langston may have tied the knot in a private ceremony back in October when their initial plans had to be redirected due to the storm, but as so many of you know, they’ve been raising money for the people of Wisteria over the past months. And Friday night they’re hosting a benefit concert with renowned country music star Beau James. The Rustwood Ramblers are opening for him with some of their bluegrass classics. Our local favorites Finn Dashwood and Daphne Austen are teaming up at Tea & Tap for a preconcert barbecue. Donations accepted. All proceeds go to Wisteria Town Council for #FloodRelief #FromFloodTotheFuture #TeaAndTap #WisteriaStrong
Comments:
@WisteriaGeneralStore:Tea & Tap T-shirts are already on sale in the shop. Ignore the mess. We’re still rebuilding, but while you’re shopping, don’t forgetyour #WisteriaStrong hoodies too. #SupportLocal #WisteriaStrong
@OldManRutherforton:Told y’all they were cooking up more than cobbler. Somebody save me an XL tee—I’m officially Team Tea & Tap. #MatchmakerHardwareMan #TeaAndTap
@CoraReadsRomance:I came for the romance, stayed for the pulled pork, cried during the testimonials. Don’t skip the book table—every sale helps restock the Wisteria Public Library. #ReadersRebuild #BarbecueAndBooks
@JackAustenPhotography:Snapped a moment between @LindsayMonroeOfficial and a kid whose home they helped rebuild. It’s blurry because I was crying. #BehindTheLens #WisteriaStrong #MoreThanALoveStory
@GrannyDOfficial:If love was a pie, we’d all be having seconds tonight. I brought four cobblers and a pound cake to the benefit. All gone. Just like Finn’s single status. #TeamTeaAndTap #GrannyApproved #WisteriaStrong
@LindsayMonroeOfficial:Public Service Announcement: I’m challenging Jodie to make the perfect T-shirts for our newest darling duo @WisteriaGeneralStore. #ProudMatchmaker #ToldYouSo
@WisteriaGeneralStore:Challenge accepted.
