The December Market (Shelter Springs #2)

Epilogue

Oh, how she loved the December market.

As Amanda walked through the crowds, her stepson holding her hand, her heart swelled with joy at the festive atmosphere surrounding them. The massive Christmas tree presided over the scene and the crisp winter air was alive with the sound of carolers, the scent of freshly baked goods and the twinkling lights that adorned every stall.

It had been a whirlwind few months since she and Rafe had exchanged vows in a beautiful autumn ceremony. Three months of married bliss had flown by in a blur of love and laughter as they settled into their new life together in Rafe’s more spacious home on Huckleberry Street, which they had worked throughout the summer to renovate together.

Amanda had hated leaving Rose Cottage but knew his house, with its larger backyard and extra bedrooms, was a better fit for the family they were building together.

She was delighted that her friend Holly had been able to purchase Rose Cottage and lived there now with Lydia. Together, they were making it their own and Amanda couldn’t be happier for her friend.

“I don’t know what to ask for this year,” Isaac admitted as they navigated toward the chalet where Santa and Mrs. Claus presided. At seven, he was on the cusp of no longer believing in the magic and wonder of Santa Claus. She wanted to hang on to it as long as possible.

She smiled at the memory of him sitting on Santa’s lap the previous year, asking for a mother for Christmas. It had taken nine months for that wish to officially come true, but she was so deeply grateful that they all now had each other. This past year had been worlds better than she ever could have imagined.

“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Rafe said, following behind them.

“I asked Abuelo and Birdie what I should ask for. Do you want to know what they said?” Isaac asked with a sudden mischievous grin.

Their grandparents were still together, delighted to have had a hand in bringing Rafe and Amanda together. Though they had each kept their respective apartments at the Shelter Inn, they spent nearly every waking hour in each other’s company, sharing a deep and lasting love that inspired Amanda every time she was with them.

“Sure,” Rafe answered. “What did they say?”

“They said I should wish for a baby brother or sister. Maybe even twins. That would be awesome, wouldn’t it?”

Amanda nearly stumbled as his words hung in the air between them. She glanced at Rafe, whose mischievous smile matched his son’s.

“Be careful what you wish for, kiddo,” he said.

His hand reached for hers and he gave her fingers a meaningful squeeze They were planning to wait a year or so before adding to their family but whenever it happened, Amanda knew it would be wonderful. Rafe was an amazing father to Isaac, as she knew he would be to any children the two of them created together.

As they stood in line waiting their turn, Rafe pulled her back against his hard strength.

“Are you going to sit on Santa’s lap?” he asked into her ear, his low words shivering down her spine.

She smiled at him as a wave of happiness washed over her. In that moment, standing with these two who had filled her life with so much love, she still wanted to pinch herself to make sure this wasn’t one big, glorious dream.

“What would I even ask for, when I have everything I could ever want?”

He laughed softly and kissed the top of her head, and Amanda felt a sense of wonder and awe at the magic of the holiday season and the endless possibilities that lay ahead of them.

Fifteen summers ago, everything changed for Ava Howell. Now, back in Emerald Creek, she’s grappling with a shattered marriage and a long-buried secret. Meanwhile, her sister, Madison, finds solace in their shared past and her love for the town vet. As Ava and Madison attempt to remedy the rifts in their lives and reconcile their futures, they must face the demons of their past together.