Vineyard Dreams (Beyond The Red Carpet #4)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

T he late afternoon sun cast a golden glow across Cherry Lane Vineyards. Harper leaned against the rustic wooden bar, watching Elle chat with Piper and Audrey near the dance floor. The newlyweds radiated joy, their white dresses catching the light filtering through the cherry trees.

“You look different.” Evelyn Coleman stepped beside her, champagne in hand. “Happier.”

“I am.” Harper’s gaze lingered on Elle, who threw her head back laughing at something Audrey said. “A year ago, I thought I was losing myself in Lena’s story. Now I realize it led me exactly where I needed to be.”

“Love looks good on you,” Evelyn said, leaning closer to clink their champagne flutes together. “Far better than any designer gown.”

Harper’s chest tightened with emotion. A year ago, she’d been drowning in Lena’s story, losing herself in the weight of portraying such profound grief and courage. Now, standing here watching Elle, she understood something fundamental about both herself and Lena - love wasn’t just about grand gestures or tragic sacrifices. Sometimes it was about finding someone who made you feel perfectly, wonderfully yourself.

As if sensing Harper’s thoughts, Elle looked up, her hazel eyes finding Harper’s across the crowd. A warm smile spread across her face as she excused herself from the newlyweds and made her way over.

“There you are,” Elle said, sliding an arm around Harper’s waist. She glanced at the dancing couples, then back at Elle. “Dance with me?”

Harper smiled. “Always.”