Vick stood on the bank of Willow Lake, mesmerized by hundreds of paper lanterns shimmering across the mirrored surface like scattered slivers of the moon and stars.
This was the first time he’d taken part in Poppy Creek’s Thanksgiving celebration, and he found each moment more remarkable than the last. After a seam-stretching potluck meal in the town square, everyone gathered at the lake for the Festival of Lights.
He’d heard of similar events before, but in true Poppy Creek fashion, the residents put their own spin on the tradition. Instead of sending wishes and dreams floating across the still water scrawled on the outsides of their paper lanterns, they wrote notes of gratitude. The collective glow illuminated the cold, clear night in a jaw-dropping display of thankfulness.
If he ever needed a reminder that goodness existed in the world, this would do the trick. Every single person, no matter what they’d been through that year, had at least one blessing to share. And to see all the lights mingled together would soften even the most pessimistic heart.
In prior months, he would’ve struggled for something to write on his lantern. But now, his problem would be deciding which blessing to choose.
For starters, he still couldn’t believe how things had worked out with Rhett. Without knowing the outcome, they’d confronted his parole officer together and explained the situation. Turns out, she’d lost her father to a heart attack earlier that year and had a soft spot for their reconciliation story. With her help, they appealed to a judge known for his leniency, especially during the holidays, and got Rhett’s parole sentence cut short. Now, he could stay in Poppy Creek for as long as he wanted as a free man.
While they still had a lot to work through, Vick enjoyed getting to know his father. He also talked about his mother more often, both with Rhett and Lucy. The memories became less painful, even pleasant. And he loved telling Lucy all the little ways she reminded him of his mother. They would’ve been good friends.
Sometimes, when he was all alone, he’d brag to his mom about Lucy, sharing all the things he admired about her, like her passion to make a difference in the world. He couldn’t be more proud of the work she was doing on her YouTube channel, which had taken off even more spectacularly after her rebranding.
It turned out her mission statement resonated with millions of people, inspiring viewers in all walks of life. Even Frank let her interview him for the segment she did on the veteran’s shelter in San Francisco. In fact, his video was one of her highest rated, which didn’t surprise Vick in the slightest.
Working as Frank’s protégé over the last few weeks had been a highlight for Vick, and he’d quickly come to appreciate the older man’s eccentricities. Of course, it would take Frank a while to fully relinquish the reins, but Vick relished the learning process. More than that, he’d found a passion he could grow into and make his own.
He finally felt settled. He’d even started joining some of the other guys in regular poker nights and fishing trips. Since he left the Marines, he never thought he’d be a part of a friend group again, a community who had his back no matter what. He regretted taking so long to realize how much he needed one.
“Are you going to stand there holding your lantern all night?” Lucy teased, playfully nudging his arm.
He smiled, warmth spreading across his chest at the mere sound of her voice. “I’m taking my time.”
“Don’t take too long or all the other tea lights will burn out.” She gazed up at him, her blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight.
He found himself staring, once again captivated by her beauty. With her features highlighted in the ethereal glimmer of the lanterns, she literally stole his breath. Her golden hair tumbled around her shoulders, fluttering in the crisp breeze. And the edges of her lips tipped upward, teasing him with their hidden kiss.
While he didn’t consider himself a sappy guy, he felt a telltale tightness in the back of his throat. Everything about the night was perfect, from the spectacular scenery to the soft music provided by a guitar and violin duet to the hum of happiness radiating through the throng of townspeople gathered together to give thanks.
It suddenly struck him that his long list of blessings could be traced back to a single origin—the day he met Lucy. She was the one who pulled him off his solitary path and made him question his self-destructive decisions.
A gust of wind swept by them again, whispering a simple yet profound truth.
Vick yanked the cap off the pen and scrawled one word on the stiff paper—one word that summed up so much.
Lucy.
Without her, he’d be on the road again, still running from his past.
With her, he finally had hope for the future.
And he couldn’t wait to see where it led.
Lucy’s heart thrummed as Vick scribbled on his lantern. Something in his expression made her skin tingle. “What did you choose?”
He turned his gaze on her, his gray eyes tender yet dark with intensity. “What do you think?” His voice escaped in a raspy rumble that sent a shiver rippling through her.
He leaned forward and cradled the side of her face, his strong fingers splayed against her cheek, grazing her hair. His touch had a special way of making her feel safe and cherished, like he’d never let her go.
Her breath caught as he lowered his mouth to hers, taking his time with his kiss as though everyone else had disappeared.
Would she ever get used to this exhilarating feeling?
Regretfully, he stepped away and strode toward the edge of the bank. Kneeling down, he set the lantern on the emerald water before giving it a gentle shove. It floated toward the others, leaving delicate ripples in its wake.
They stood side by side a moment, silently admiring the breathtaking sight, hands clasped.
“What did you write on yours?” Vick asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
She glanced up at him, her eyes twinkling. “What do you think?”
He grinned, and she sensed another kiss headed her way.
But before Vick had a chance, Jack loudly cleared his throat, drawing their attention along with the rest of the crowd.
With the backdrop of the luminous lake and shrouded mountain range, Jack looked commanding by the water’s edge, Fitz seated by his feet and Kat standing by his side. With one arm around her waist, he addressed their friends and family. “In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Kat and I wanted to express our gratitude to each and every one of you. We owe the success of the inn to the support and generosity of our incredible community.”
“We couldn’t have done it without you,” Kat added, beaming with sincerity.
“Special thanks,” Jack continued, “to Trudy and George for all their invaluable advice. And to Colt for taking charge of the restaurant.”
Lucy turned her gaze on Colt, who stood nearby with Penny. Was it her imagination, or had he straightened a little taller at Jack’s recognition?
“Besides the fact that the restaurant gets you out of my hair at the diner,” Jack teased, “I couldn’t entrust it to a better man. I’m glad to have you onboard.”
“I’m honored to be a part of it.” The two men nodded at each other in the same way Lucy had witnessed her brothers exchange compliments in the past, clearly trying to keep their cool.
She couldn’t help an amused smile at the rare display of mutual admiration.
Jack cleared his throat again, turning in their direction. “We also want to thank Lucy and Vick. I knew the promotional videos were a good idea, but I’d underestimated my own brilliance.” He flashed an unabashed grin. “You two went above and beyond, surpassing my expectations. You make a pretty great team.”
Vick squeezed her hand, shooting heat up her arm all the way to her cheeks. Even in the cold, she could feel them tinge pink as everyone clapped and hollered in agreement.
“Lastly...” Jack faced Kat, his features softening. “I want to thank the woman whose dream made all of it possible.”
A collective gasp echoed through the trees as Jack knelt before her.
Both of Lucy’s hands flew to her mouth, but not before a small squeal escaped.
This was it! The moment they’d all been waiting for.
And it couldn’t have been more magical.
Their silhouettes were framed in the warm gleam of lantern light, lending an otherworldly quality to the sight. Lucy had never witnessed anything more beautiful, and tears instantly stung the backs of her eyes.
“Katherine Bennet.” Jack’s deep voice rumbled with emotion. “From the moment you assaulted me on the sidewalk, I knew I wanted to get to know you better. And it didn’t take long to realize I wanted to spend the rest of my life learning every minute detail, from the way you butter your pancakes to your biggest hopes and fears.”
A solitary tear of happiness slid down Kat’s cheek as he cracked open the small wooden box, revealing the exquisite emerald-and-pearl ring Lucy had seen several weeks earlier.
“It also didn’t take long,” Jack continued, “to realize that you’re the kind of woman who can’t help but impact the people around her in a positive way. Just through knowing you, you’ve made me a better man. You encouraged me to reconnect with my family. And more than that, you’ve become a part of it. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to make it official.” He lifted the ring from the velvet cushion, holding it up in the moonlight. “Would you make me and Fitz the two luckiest guys on earth by agreeing to be my wife?”
For his part in the proposal, Fitz barked, and Kat laughed through her tears. “Yes! Yes, to both of you.”
In the span of a single second, Jack slipped the ring on her finger and scooped her off the ground and into his arms.
Everyone applauded, cheered, and whooped their congratulations, but Lucy couldn’t find her voice, too emotional to make a sound as thoughts swirled in her mind, slowly taking shape.
All this time, she’d been looking for meaning in a fulfilling career, but something so clear, so vital, had been in front of her all along.
The people around her were what mattered most—the relationships, connections, and the impact one person could have on another, both big and small. Because love—a deep, unconditional love that extended far beyond romance—could change someone’s life. And that, in and of itself, gave her a sense of passion and purpose.
The rest? Abundant blessings upon blessings.
Vick pulled her closer, and she leaned into his warmth, her heart content.
At that moment, the whole earth felt at peace.
Of course, there would always be heartbreak, health struggles, and hardships.
But through it all, there would be Hope.
They could each be a light in the darkness.
And together, they could light up the world.