Epilogue

 

Sunlight danced over the Tennessee River as Cole drew Rebecca close, his fingers twined with hers. The breeze carried the familiar scent of his aftershave…clean evergreen and spices she’d grown to love.

“You look beautiful, Becca.”

In his eyes, she saw all the love she’d ever hoped for—love she never thought she’d find again. A small crowd had gathered to watch them exchange marriage vows—Patty and her husband, Derek, along with their twin boys, now two months old, nestled beneath a blanket in a stroller. They were a handful, but Rebecca thought she’d never seen a happier mom than Patty.

Except for herself—every time she looked in the mirror. Against all odds, she’d found Kimmy. Tests had confirmed Kimmy was truly her daughter. Who would have imagined Cole would be the man she was searching for, as well?

He stood beside her, handsome in his black tux, his hair just a bit unruly and his hand strong in hers. She knew, as long as she lived, she’d love him with her whole heart. The months had proven his love surpassed all she could have hoped for.

“Mama, are you a princess?” Kimmy shielded her eyes from the sun as she eased in and gazed up at Rebecca.

“I sure feel like one.” Rebecca smoothed a hand over the folds of her silk dress. It rustled in a slight breeze that brought the first hint of spring. “You look beautiful too, honey.”

Kimmy’s burnished hair was woven into a neat braid laced with baby’s breath. Rebecca had fixed it merely an hour ago. “Now Daddy has two princesses, right?”

“That’s right.”

“And I’m your princess, too, aren’t I, Mama?”

“You will always be my princess, honey.”

“Forever and ever?”

“Amen.”