The Parent Playbook (Love on Thin Ice)

26. Epilogue - Scotty

CHAPTER 26

EPILOGUE - SCOTTY

S ummer in Maple Falls is no joke. The sun’s blazing down like it’s trying to make a point, and I’m out here at Happy Horizons Ranch, hat pulled down low, sweating buckets and loving every minute of it. The ranch has never looked better, sprawling green fields rolling out like a welcome mat to the summer sky, kids’ laughter echoing off the barns that shine in the midday light.

I’m hauling a wheelbarrow full of tools across the yard, aiming to fix a loose board on the chicken coop, when Edgar the goat decides he’s got other plans for my day. With a mischievous glint that I swear is almost human, he headbutts the wheelbarrow, sending a cascade of hammers and wrenches clattering to the ground.

“Edgar,” I groan, bending to pick up the scattered tools, “you’ve really got to stop ‘butting’ into my business.”

The kids nearby catch my joke, rolling their eyes but laughing as they chase each other around. They’re here for the summer program, which is another way Happy Horizons expanded after the Ice Breakers’ season finale. Funding took off like a rocket, with more kids than ever enjoying a slice of true childhood. Thanks to Angel’s relentless efforts and a community that’s got our back, there are arts and crafts stations set up under the trees, a small soccer field buzzing with pint-sized players, and even a splash pad to beat the heat.

I straighten up, wipe my brow, and watch as a group of kids gather around Angel, who’s orchestrating an impromptu water balloon fight near the garden. Her laugh carries across the yard, mingling with the shrieks and splashes, and I can’t help but smile. She’s in her element, and it’s something to see—like she was made for this, for turning chaos into something beautiful.

Beyond the laughter and playful battles, the renovations have really taken shape. The new barn is up, shining with fresh paint and bustling with kids learning about animal care. We’ve got a couple of horses now, a dream come true for many of the kids, and a new trail that winds through the back of the property for riding.

I make my way over to the vegetable patches we’ve expanded, the scent of fresh earth and growing things potent under the sun. The kids have their own plots to tend to, and it’s a messy, joyous kind of learning—mud pies meet science project. I pause to help a small group identify the young shoots sprouting up, their eagerness matching the vibrant greens pushing through the soil.

As I stand there, surrounded by the fruits of so many labors, I can’t shake the feeling of deep, unwavering contentment. The ranch isn’t just a place of refuge or growth anymore; it’s a thriving community, a family extending beyond what I’d imagined when I first stepped into this role.

I tighten the stakes around the tomato plants and catch sight of Angel across the yard, her hands deep in paint as she helps a group of kids decorate birdhouses. Watching her, something inside me swells—a mix of admiration, deep affection, and a warmth that roots right down to my bones.

It’s more than just love; it’s a profound appreciation for the woman she is and everything she does. She’s got this way of turning every little task into something meaningful, her laughter and energy drawing everyone in. And when she looks up, her eyes meeting mine across the distance, my heart doesn’t just beat, it sings. There’s a lightness in her smile now that does more than brighten her face—it lights up my whole world.

Since the moment we met, I’ve felt she fills something in me that’s missing. It’s in the way she challenges me, supports me, stands right there in the trenches with me whether we’re planning a fundraiser or wrangling an unruly goat—which happens often.

Falling for her wasn’t in any playbook I’ve ever read, but now that I’m here, living this life with her, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Each day with Angel confirms it all over again: she’s my partner, my confidante, the love of my life in this new chapter. And as I watch her now, framed by the laughter of children and the backdrop of our ranch, I know without a doubt that this is where I belong—by her side.

Figuring out the right way to say it … that’s a whole other can of worms.

But I had an idea, one that is about to come to life as a stretch Hummer makes its way down the gravel driveway. Especially in rural Maple Falls, a vehicle like that sticks out like a sore thumb. I can’t help but grin, knowing exactly who’s inside.

Before the limo fully stops, I spot Angel hurrying over, eyebrows raised in amused bewilderment. “What in the world?”

“Just wait,” I chuckle, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. As the driver’s door opens and the occupants begin to emerge, nostalgia overtakes me. There’s nothing like the sight of old friends.

First out is Amelia, her petite frame barely visible behind the excitable pug, Max, tugging on his leash. “Angel, this firecracker is Amelia,” I introduce. “Recently turned vet and still causing more trouble than her patients.”

“And this is Angel!” Amelia offers a handshake and then stops. “Who am I kidding? Come on in for a hug! ”

“It’s so good to finally meet the famous Amelia!” Angel declares from the embrace as Max yips happily at their feet.

“This is Rob,” Amelia gestures. “My husband.” The love in her eyes warms me up every time, especially when I remember how close they came to missing out on their love story.

Joey, a burly man with a gentle smile, follows, helping Rita out. “And this powerhouse couple is Joey and Rita. Joey is Rob’s brother, and Rita runs the front desk at the spa like she’s commanding an army.” Rita, with a firm grip and a twinkle in her eye, pulls Angel into a boisterous embrace, her laugh echoing around the yard.

Lizzie steps out next, sneezing delicately into a handkerchief. “Bless these country airs,” she jests in a thick British accent, extending a hand to Angel. “Lizzie. And yes, my Rottweiler’s also Lizzie. It’s a long tale. Get it? Tale, tail …” She swats the air. “I love that pun every time.”

Lastly, Madame Chardonnay steps out, impeccably dressed in a sleek pantsuit and heels, looking every bit the out-of-place heiress. “And the pièce de résistance, Madame Chardonnay,” I announce with a flourish. “She loves the rustic life,” I add with a wink. Madame offers Angel a cheek-kiss greeting, her French accent thick as she exclaims, “Enchantée, ma chère! Your ranch is a true gem! Do you have indoor plumbing?”

“Oh, yes,” Angel quickly adds, “as long as Edgar hasn’t been collecting a stash anywhere.”

“Pardon?” Miss Chardonnay’s eyes widen.

“It’s a joke,” I tell my former boss. “But you’ll want to look out for a rambunctious goat.”

“A goat,” she rubs her forehead, “of course.”

Each handshake and hug is about how my worlds are beautifully colliding.

Angel looks back at me, her face caught between laughter and disbelief, and she shakes her head. “Well, Scotty, you sure know how to keep things interesting. Welcome, everyone, to Happy Horizons! ”

“They’re here! They’re here!” Lily comes running at a pace I didn’t know her capable of, with Andy just behind. She slams first into Amelia, who gives her the biggest of hugs and whispers in her ear. Lily nods furiously. Angel is deep in discussion with Rob about sprinkler systems when Amelia subtly takes my arm and pulls me aside.

“You’re sure about this, right?” she asks.

A wave of warmth overtakes my body at the question, and my answer is the easiest I’ve ever had. “One hundred percent sure.”

Her smile widens and she reaches into her handbag. “Took me a while to find it. I think you could use a woman to help you organize better.”

She passes me the little velvet box and I do a quick check while turning my back to the group, making sure the antique is still there. My great-grandmother brought it from Ireland with her when the family made the big move. They didn’t have much money, but this ring was a gift from my great-grandfather to her. It’s a simple ring, silver with a Celtic knot that represents forever, and I know it is perfect for the woman who will become my love.

At least, I hope she will.

“Scotty?” Angel’s tone is soft, questioning. “Everything okay?”

Here goes nothing.

I turn to face her, the ring secure in my hand behind my back. “Angel, I know I’ve been about as subtle as a hockey puck in a library these past few months, but I’ve got something serious to say.”

She tilts her head, a gasp on her lips. “Scotty, if you pull out a puck right now, I swear?—”

Laughing, I shake my head and take a deep breath. “No pucks, I promise. Just … Listen, I never thought I’d find a reason to lace up my skates again, let alone find a reason to give my he art another shot at … well, this.” I gesture to her, to Lily, to Andy. “Family.”

Her smile softens, and she steps closer.

“I lost a lot before coming here. I thought that was it for me—no more chances at getting it right. But then Maple Falls happened. You happened. And suddenly, all the things I thought were gone forever started making sense again.”

I bring the box around from behind my back and pull out the ring between us. It glitters faintly in the late afternoon light, the Celtic knot shining with a promise.

“No jokes this time.” I swallow hard and hold her gaze. “I love you, Angelica Davis.”

“I love you, too,” she whispers.

Relief floods my body, and I can’t get the words out fast enough. “Marry me, Angel. Please marry me.”

Her hand flies to her mouth as laughter bubbles out, and with eyes shining, she opens her arms wide. “Yes, Scotty, yes—a thousand times yes!”

I slip the ring onto her finger and her arms wrap around me, all time stopping for the briefest of moments. When we separate, I hold her hand, which now sports the precious ring of our engagement.

“It was my great-grandmother’s,” I say.

“It’s perfect,” she replies.

A smile curls at my lips as I really can’t stop myself from saying, “I really hoped we would—ahem— tie the knot …”

She groans and laughs as our friends and children swarm us with love, hugs, and cheers for what is sure to be a very unexpected lifetime ahead of us.