Epilogue
It was too early in the year for snow to be falling, but Summer didn’t mind it. The Adirondack chairs were cushioned, and Jake had brought out the portable propane heater so they could spend one last morning outside, before it was that inevitable time to pack all the furniture up and prepare for winter once again.
They sat in momentary silence as Summer stared at the view from their deck. “I’ll never get tired of this view,” Summer said. The leaves were bright yellow and auburn, the snow a stark contrast to the blend of autumn imagery. She felt like if she watched them long enough, the leaves would fall, and she would be able to witness the season transition this morning.
“I’ll never get tired of this view,” Jake said, looking directly at her.
“Always a smooth talker, aren’t you?” Summer wrapped her hands around her steaming cup of coffee.
“I never expected life to be this good,” Jake said. “Can you believe we’re here? I still feel bad about the money your parents gave us after the wedding, but it did make our lives so much easier. Now we can follow our dreams with a safety net in place.”
She saw him scanning the same wonderful view now, the lake still, other than the thousands of small ripples as each unique snowflake hit the surface and melted on contact.
“I know they wouldn’t take it back, so let’s make sure it gets put to good use.” Summer wasn’t planning on telling him the news yet, but would there be a better moment than right now?
“I’ve hired Judy’s friend and another part-timer,” Jake said, changing the subject. “Maybe I should look at opening that second store up north next spring.”
Summer wasn’t sure that was what his heart truly wanted, but he would figure it out. They had the rest of their lives to make his dreams come true.
“That’s great, Jake. Does that mean you’ll have more time for me this winter?” Summer pouted her lips, and he laughed.
Jake took a sip of his coffee and looked back at her. “I’m all yours, babe.”
“That’s good, because I have some news.” Her heart started racing. It couldn’t wait another second. It was bursting to escape her lips.
He turned his chair to face her, and Summer could tell he knew the news was big. The crack in her voice had given her away.
“What is it?” he asked, setting his cup down.
Summer took a deep breath and started to cry. She couldn’t hide it. Tears flowed freely, but she knew they came from love.
Jake was at her side in a second, holding her hands. “Is it? Are you…?”
She nodded, and he squeezed her in a hug. “You are?” he asked again.
“We are.”
Jake’s eyes became misty, and she’d never forget the pure look of joy on his face when he heard the news. It was the sweetest thing she’d ever seen.
“Jake…”
“Summer Morretti?”
“We’re pregnant…” She paused. “With twins.”
They were both on their feet, and he held her close, telling her how much he loved her and how thrilled he was. Summer spun around in his arms and saw her dream house surrounded by trees and Maple Mountain Lake, and felt the exact same emotions as her husband.
Her life was everything she could have ever hoped for.
It was perfect.
The End