EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER
Colton Sparks was a man’s man, all alpha, puppies, and kittens, yes, puppies and kittens. He stood at the top of the hillside, scanning the beautiful venue before him. White chairs and arbor draped in beautiful cascading late summer blooms and vines, with tastefully woven burlap and lace ribbon entangled through the displays, made mostly of daisies, the bride’s favorite.
Fire fighter, tough guy buy trade, Colton had a not so secret deep-rooted desire to have a family of his own. Tough, ruggedly handsome exterior, but a soft, kindhearted lover of all things living, Colton, although happy for his dear friends, found himself a bit envious of Sam and Dawson. He wanted what they had and was losing faith in the idea that his happily ever after was out there waiting for him.
It had been a year since tragedy and mayhem struck their small, close nit town, and a lot had happened in that year. He watched as Dawson tended to his six-month-old son, Gavin, who was a surprise to discover, just a few weeks after the chaos, when Sam found out she was three months pregnant. Dawson couldn’t have been happier, first the birth of his son, and then making Ellie officially his when the adoption was final, a few short months ago. Ellie was delighted, the best part for her was that she was still a Tayler. They were happy, the deepest kind of happy that you find in Hallmark made for TV movies; the sappy happy ending stuff.
Colton wanted his own Hallmark moment, but at present, it only consisted of a few stray cats, two dogs, a flock of ducks and geese, and a goat…yes, a goat. He wanted real kids, not just the kind with a bell around its neck that ate trash and underwear off the clothesline. He dreamt about coming home to the love of his life, after a long shift at the station, and his happily ever after. Joy for his friends, disappointment for himself, he moved to the arbor, taking his place as Dawson’s co-best man—a title he shared with Blake; Dawson’s two best friends and honorary uncles to his children.
The guests took their seats as the music changed, queuing the impending walk down the aisle. Evie walked the outside of the seating, headed to her spot as maid of honor, while talking to a stunning woman Colton hadn’t taken his eyes off all day. Megan, the new florist in town, was stunning, with long light auburn hair, golden eyes, legs for days, and regal features; she was gorgeous, and definitely not from around here. She looked like city girl money, not the small mountain town type. Who was this Megan Johnson and where had the good Lord been hiding her? Colton couldn’t wait to find out.
Granny Lou walked Sam down the aisle where she traded her for the baby and Ellie. The ceremony was beautiful, as was the happy couple, a joyous occasion for all, as the love in the air was nearly contagious. The outdoor reception turned to party when all the children were dismissed for bed, and champagne flutes were replaced with beer steins and shot glasses. The dance floor was traced with lanterns for light and shifted from sweet ballads and soft rock, to down and dirty, shake what your mama gave you, dancing
music, and some get loose and dance dirty slow songs.
Colton and Dawson stood at the bar, waiting for a round of drinks when Sam walked up, Megan at her side. Sam wrapped herself around her man, leaving nothing to the imagination, earning her hoots and hollers from all around.
“Get a room, nobody wants to see where little Tayler number three comes from!” Colton joked.
“This is the life man, seriously, it doesn’t get any better,” Dawson said in all seriousness, full of confidence and love for his wife and the children she gave him.
“I hear ya, I wish you two the best. You know I love you like family, and I just hope to have this someday too.”
Megan lifter her gaze at his declaration, surprised to hear such desires from a man, especially one who looked like that; they didn’t think like that in her world, anyway. She was going to like McKenzie Ridge just fine, good people, and even better looking men.
Noticing her friend watching Colton, Sam decided to give cupid a little push. “I’m sorry, Colton, I was so distracted by my sexy new husband, I forgot my manners!”
“I like it when you forget your manners!” Dawson interrupted, while stealing another kiss.
Never one to turn down some lip lock from her leading man, she accepted what he was offering, before finishing her introduction. “Have you met Megan Johnson yet? She’s pretty new to town, took over Blooming Grounds, the flower shop.”
“I don’t believe I have, it would be hard to forget such a lovely face,” he said full of charm and debonair.
“Well then, Colton Sparks, meet Megan Johnson. Megan, Colton.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Colton,” Megan said, extending her hand to shake his.
As if on cue, the planets aligned and the universe tilted, the music shifted from upbeat country, to a slow, hold them close tune. He said a silent prayer, thanking the powers that be, from above.
Holding her hand and raising it to his mouth where he swept her knuckles with his lips, he said, “The pleasure is all mine, Meagan, care to dance?”
The End