Not even close.
But it’s better.
So much better.
J.T.reaches over absentmindedly and drapes his arm around the back of the couch behind me, his fingers brushing my shoulder.
It’s such a simple thing.But the warmth of him settles into me like something permanent.
I lean into him without thinking.He presses a kiss to my temple, rough and familiar and full of quiet affection.
On the screen, dinosaurs start chasing screaming scientists through the jungle.
Evan cheers like it’s the greatest moment in cinematic history.
J.T.chuckles low beside me.
And as I sit there beside the two of them—popcorn crunching, tea warm in my hands, laughter filling the room—I realize something that makes my chest swell.
This.
This right here is the life I didn’t know I was waiting for.
It’s my family—even though it might not look the way I once imagined.
Somehow, it feels exactly the way it’s supposed to.
Because J.T.loves me in a way I didn’t think anyone ever could.
Steady.Fierce.Unshakeable.
And on this quiet mountain in Woodhaven, wrapped up in the warmth of the people who matter most—life feels pretty damn perfect.
Epilogue 2: J.T
The sun is warm on the back of my neck, and the smell of cut grass and popcorn hangs in the air.
Little League fields have a particular kind of chaos to them.
Kids shouting.
Parents cheering.
Someone’s radio crackling near the snack stand.
A hot dog rolling off a paper plate somewhere behind us.
And right in the middle of it all—my stepson.
Evan McCrae—soon enough Evan Lawrence too if he decides he wants it—is out there on the diamond wearing his All-Stars jersey like he was born for it.
Kid’s good.
Damn good.
He’s got Thatcher’s arm and Kelly’s stubborn streak, which means once he sets his mind to something he doesn’t quit until the job’s done.
I lean forward on the bleachers, elbows on my knees, watching him adjust his cap in the outfield.
