He takes my hand, threading our fingers together, and we sit in silence. Above us, the stars are coming out, bright and clear in the country sky. Somewhere out there, I think Annie is smiling.
Because this wasn't the trip we planned. This wasn't the adventure we mapped out together.
But it's mine. My story. My chance at happiness.
And for the first time since she died, I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
"Hey, Morgan?" Casey says.
"Yeah?"
"I'm really glad your car broke down."
I laugh and lean my head on his shoulder. "Me too."
We sit on that porch swing until the stars fill the sky, talking about everything and nothing, making plans for tomorrow and next week and maybe even next year.
It's not forever. Not yet.
But it's a start.
And right now, that's more than enough.
*Annie's journal, entry from Morgan's first week in Blackwater Falls:*
Dear Annie,
I found him. I found the person who makes me feel seen, who makes me laugh, who makes me want to stay.
His name is Casey, and he has a daughter named Riley who thinks I'm a princess. They've given me a place to stay, a job, a reason to stop running.
I know you'd love them. I know you'd tell me to go for it, to take the risk, to say yes to the adventure even when it's scary.
So that's what I'm doing.
I'm saying yes.
I'm staying.
And I'm going to see where this goes.
I love you. I miss you. And I think you'd be proud of me.
Love,
Morgan
P.S. - He's really, really hot. Like, unfairly hot. You would definitely approve.
Epilogue 1 - Casey
Two Years Later
I wake up to the sound of rain pattering against the window and the warmth of Morgan's body pressed against mine.
Still feels like a dream.
Two years, and I still sometimes can't believe she's real. That she stayed.
