Page 176 of Unraveling Rain
Epilogue
Xander
One Year Later
Rain and I moved into our Azalea Creek home last March.
Watching the trees go from bare branches to lush green has been amazing.
We don’t stay here for long stretches since hockey season keeps us moving, but we make it out whenever we can, even if it’s just for a day or two.
“Hey, Hotshot. Ready for our hike?” Rain calls from downstairs, just like she used to at Serene Lookout.
Coach gave us the morning off since tomorrow is Game Seven of the championship. Instead of sitting around, we drove in last night. And after lunch with the family, we’ll head back to Raleigh.
I know it’s a lot of back-and-forth when I should be resting. But this place calms me like nothing else.
And seeing Rain’s face light up at the sight of the mountains, hearing the birds chirping, breathing in the clean air?
It’s home.
“Hey, Cherry. I’m ready. Let’s go,” I say, jogging down the stairs.
She’s already geared up. She’s wearing a CamelBak with a fanny pack full of snacks around her waist. Her smile hits me in the chest the way it always does every time I see her.
She hands me a CamelBak, and I sling it over my shoulders.
“Any trail in particular you want to do today?” I ask as I step outside and walk down the steps.
Our house has a wraparound porch with a hammock already calling my name. I can’t wait for slow summer afternoons—Rain curled up against me, breeze cutting through the trees, rocking gently in half-sleep.
I can’t wait to unplug. To be in a bubble with Rain as we plan our wedding, set for the end of summer.
Still, something’s been on my mind. A conversation I had with Jordan the other day.
This is the last year of my contract.
The team wants to extend it for one more season. But the thought of going through one more year, being away from Rain for so long, doesn’t appeal to me.
Maybe it’s time to think differently.
To plant roots here.
Maybe it’s time to build something of my own, like a hockey rink in town. A youth program. A way to give back and stay close to home.
Close to her.
“I’m not sure if I want to do a full trail today,” Rain says, snapping me out of my thoughts. “For some reason, the drive into town took a toll on me. Do you want to see if we can make it to Mama’s house? I’m sure someone will give us a lift back.”
I glance at her, studying her face for any signs of sickness. But all I see is my gorgeous fiancée glowing under the sun.
I drove the whole way last night while she napped for at least an hour. Maybe she just slept in an uncomfortable position.
“Are you sure you want to hike all the way there? We don’t have to,” I say.
She squints at me, hands on her hips.
“I’m just tired, not sick. Maybe this walk is exactly what I need to get a good night’s sleep.”
