Epilogue

New York—Present Time

It was one of those perfect New York autumn days when I enjoyed walking around the city in my precious spare time. The sun persistently snuck in between the buildings, trying to warm up the streets. Here and there a rare yellow leaf could be spotted on the street, blown from one of the tiny hidden parks, and the smell of the city changed from dust and garbage and sweat to river and coffee and fresh pretzels baked on every corner. The river still welcomed sailboats and rowers in large numbers, but the city’s pace was becoming slower and more relaxed.

I walked to my favorite cafe on Stone Street and sat down, waiting. David announced himself with a kiss on my lips a few minutes later.

“You coming over tonight?”

I laughed. “I just left your apartment this morning!”

“I want you there all day and all night.”

“You’ll get sick of me.”

“Never.” He handed me a small envelope.

“What is it? A jury summons?”

“A bill. For my coffee services.”

“Fine, I’ll open it.” I ripped the envelope open and a small shiny key attached to a key ring featuring a robin fell out with a clang onto the table.

My heart pounded. “What is it a key to?”

“Our apartment. Enough of this staying over. I want you to move in.”

“Bossy! What if I want you to move in?”

“You have two roommates!”

“Fine,” I said. “I’ll abandon the TV-bingeing twins for you.”

He leaned over and kissed me. “Thank God. I didn’t know what I would do if you refused.”

“I have a present for you too.” I handed him a thick, large envelope.

“Papers, you are giving papers to an attorney?” He read the address on the envelope and raised his brows. “What?”

“Yes. It’s an application to Cornell.”

“It’s for the College of Veterinary Medicine,” he said slowly.

“I know. I requested it for you. Your mother has already sent them your transcripts. You just have to provide them with a letter of recommendation and they’re ready to accept you for next year. You have all the prerequisites completed.”

“Where did you get this insane idea that I want to abandon my career?”

“Your family in Bern told me, and then your mother and Nate told me. Your mother gave me your old application and the acceptance letter she saved. But it’s your choice, of course.”

David rubbed his forehead. “It’s like you all plotted against me. I’ve worked hard to become successful at what I do. I’m well respected in law. I’m known internationally.”

I took his hand. “You don’t have to do this. No one is forcing you. But there are two of us now, and your brother is well taken care off. You can finally think about yourself. I wanted you to have this option. But only if this is what you wish for.”

“I need to sit on this a while.”

“Absolutely.” I put the key in my pocket. “But I’m coming over tonight, and I will expect dinner and a few empty hangers. And a drawer in the bathroom.”

He groaned. “I’d heard that I’d lose my bathroom space, but closet space as well…”

I kissed his nose. “I love you. Have to get back to bloody noses and broken bones. I love schnitzel, if you happen to have any for dinner.”

I walked back the long way to the hospital, enjoying the fall air and the feeling of lightness in my heart. I touched Rebecca’s ring on my finger. It had been a long time since I’d had any dreams about her and Mark. I guess she figured it was time for me to build my own life. With David.