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They can call Ryder the Rebel.

They can decide we’re wrong for each other.

They can talk until they’re out of breath.

Because Ryder Hale finally came home.

And this time, neither of us is letting Devil’s Peak decide what happens next.

Epilogue One

Ryder

six months later

Mrs. Patterson hates me.

“Mr. Hale.”

“Mrs. Patterson.”

“This is a library.”

I look around.

Books.

Computers.

A group of retirees pretending not to listen.

“So it is.”

Her mouth tightens. “You cannot keep distracting the librarian while she’s working.”

I look past her.

Clara stands behind the circulation desk, trying not to smile.

“She likes it.”

“I do not,” Clara says.

“Liar.”

Mrs. Patterson makes a disgusted sound and walks away.

Clara waits until she’s gone. “You’re going to get banned.”

“From the library?”

“Yes.”

“Then you’ll have to visit me at work.”

“I already visit you at work.”

“Not enough.”