Page 93 of Mountain Freedom
She looked up at me. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious. I know you’re under contract here, but after that, would you ever want to try somewhere new?”
Her eyes got dreamy and she smiled. “Maybe. But maybe not. I’ve visited a lot of those places, and I have to say—none of them are quite as pretty as Rosemary Mountain. What about you? Do you want to try somewhere new?”
I looked around at the people surrounding us—our chosen family—and knew I was exactly where I wanted to be. “I love ithere,” I said. “But I love you more. You’re my home now. All that really matters is that we’re together.”
“That’s exactly how I feel,” she said.
I cleared my throat. “Hey, let’s make a pact.”
She looked up at me and smiled. “Another one?”
“Yeah.” Nerves fluttered as I gathered up courage for what I needed to ask.
“Okay. What pact is that?”
I slipped a hand inside my pocket and pulled out the diamond ring I’d bought that morning. “A pact to love each other forever. Allison, will you marry me?”
Her face lit up, brighter than the brightest firework in the sky. “Yes.”
“Yes?”
“Yes. I can’t wait to be your wife. Forever.” She kissed me.
“Forever.”
Epilogue
Allison
The following spring
“Stop fussing, Mama,”I said as she adjusted my veil for what felt like the millionth time that day.
“I just want everything to be perfect,” she said, sniffling.
“It is,” I said. “How could it not be? I’m marrying my best friend.”
“Are you sure?” she asked. “I mean—” She cut off when I gave her a warning look.
“Why don’t you go ahead and find your seat?” I suggested, trying hard to keep my tone pleasant.
She sighed but did as I’d asked.
“I’m sorry,” Daphne said, giving me a conspiratorial look. “I guess things are still strained there?”
I shrugged. “Yes. But that’s okay. Nothing could put a damper on today.”
“Not even that?” Willa winced as raindrops began to fall.
Daphne and I looked at each other, grinning.
“Rain on your wedding day is good luck,” Daphne said. “And thankfully, I brought umbrellas.” She popped a clear umbrella open and held it above my head.
I smiled. “Our first kiss was in the rain. This feels fitting somehow.”
“It’s time,” Janet said, grabbing one of the umbrellas for herself. “You look absolutely lovely, Allison.” She quickly kissed my cheek, then headed down the pathway.
