Epilogue

“How did Knox cope?” Hannah’s mom asked as they picked tomatoes from the large garden outside the sunny house in Italy.

“He did OK. While we were there at least.” Hannah looked across to where Knox and her dad were hammering nails into wood as they repaired a dilapidated barn. She was proud of Knox. He had graciously accepted his medal for bravery, even though he maintained he had only done his duty and that he was nothing special. Later, he had paid tribute to each and every man lost that day, whilst maintaining his composure. Hannah marveled at the inner strength of the man she loved.

“It’ll get easier,” her mom assured her. “I don’t know how they do it. Soldiers and their families.”

“Neither do I.” Hannah surveyed the leafy plants with their bright red fruits. “You have enough tomatoes to make gallons of tomato sauce. Or soup.”

Her mom smiled happily, her face radiant. The warm Mediterranean weather agreed with her. Hannah noticed the most obvious change as they worked their way along the rows of tomato plants. Her mom picked the ripe fruits with nimble fingers, the stiffness mostly gone from her joints.

“Moving here was the best thing we ever did.” Her mom looked lovingly at the plants she’d planted from seed and nurtured until they bore fruit. Just as she had nurtured her daughter.

“I can see. You and dad look so happy and relaxed.” Hannah raised her face to the sun, letting its warmth wash over her.

Her mom smiled fondly at her husband as he laughed along with Knox. “It’s given us a new lease of life.” She blushed as she caught Hannah staring at her. “What? The warm climate has made us feel a good ten years younger. Why not enjoy it while we can?”

“It’s more than the climate. You’ve spent your lives working, and raising me. Here it’s just the two of you.” Hannah moved closer to her mom. “I’ve seen the way you look at each other. You have found each other again.” She frowned. “I can’t explain it, but you look so in love.”

“We are. And you are right, we have found each other again. We have a shared life, a shared goal.” Her mom nudged her gently and smiled. “I can recommend it.”

“I’m so happy for you both.” Hannah placed the basket filled with ripe tomatoes on the ground and hugged her mom. “I love you and miss you. But this visit has put my mind at rest.”

“I could say the same for me and your dad. This whirlwind romance of yours caught us by surprise. We were both worried you’d picked up some waif or stray to fill the hole left by us moving. We felt so guilty.”

“No need. Knox and I are meant to be together.” Hannah watched Knox as his muscles rippled in the warm sun. He wore shorts, his naked torso made golden by the sun. “He is quite a man.”

“Oh, I can see the physical attraction all right.” Hannah’s mom studied her daughter’s face. “But I can also see it’s more than that.”

“Much more. He’s a good man with a good heart. He’s going to ask me to marry him.” Hannah met her mom’s eyes, wanting to see her reaction before it was smothered over with politeness.

A wide smile broke out on her face, complete with the dimples Hannah had inherited. “I’m not surprised, and we’re happy. To know that you are settled, with a man you can depend on, makes us living so far away more bearable.”

“And you’ll come to the wedding?” Hannah asked.

“Of course. Your dad is already talking about cashing in some bonds to pay for the wedding.”

“No, you don’t have to. We can take care of it,” Hannah insisted.

Her mom took hold of Hannah’s hands. “You will accept the money. You are our only daughter and we’ve always set a little money aside for your wedding.”

“Thank you. I want it to be special, since I will only be getting married once.” The knowledge that she would be with Knox forever was comforting. Witnessing the love between her own parents, throughout her whole life, made Hannah crave the same love and companionship.

“And what plans do you have for your future?”

“You mean children?” Hannah asked pointedly.

Her mom shrugged and nodded. “A mother can’t resist wanting her daughter to provide a grandchild or two. Although I will miss so much of them growing up.”

“We can visit often. And you could come and stay in Bear Creek in the summer. You’d love it there. The people are so friendly.”

“That’s a yes for children then?” Her mom picked a few more tomatoes, then put her hand on the small of her back and stretched. “I think it’s time for dinner.”

“It is yes for children, and yes for dinner.” Hannah picked a couple more tomatoes. “I’ll give you a hand.”

“No, you and Knox deserve some time together. Why don’t you walk down to the beach while your dad helps me with dinner?”

“Are you sure?” Hannah asked.

“Yes. Go. Take that man of yours down to beach, walk in the ocean. He’s been watching you all day. You need some alone time, and so do we.” Her mom held out her hand for the basket Hannah carried.

“Thanks, Mom.” Hannah kissed her cheek and then went over to her dad and Knox. “Tools down.”

“Hey, Hannah, you’ve got a good man there. Knows how to knock a nail in straight.” Her dad came to stand next to his daughter.

“Glad he’s met with your approval.” Hannah hugged her dad.

“He does. I couldn’t let you go to just any man. But Knox will do just fine.” Her dad laughed.

“Wow, now that’s praise coming from my dad.” Hannah watched Knox as he hammered one last nail in and then climbed down to join them.

“Does that mean I have permission to ask your daughter to marry me?” Knox asked, winking at Hannah.

“You don’t need my permission. We raised this young lady to have a mind, and an opinion, of her own. But you have it all the same.” Her dad grasped hold of Knox’s hand and shook it firmly. “You look after her. She’s one of a kind.”

“Dad,” Hannah protested.

“I mean it. We raised you, but there’s a spark inside you that sent you far and above our expectations.” Her dad kissed her cheek, and hugged her. When he pulled away, he looked as if he might shed a tear, and walked quickly away muttering something about helping with dinner.

“Alone at last,” Knox said, taking Hannah’s hand.

“Shall we walk down to the beach?” Hannah asked.

“Yes.” They walked in silence for a hundred feet or more, both admiring the view of the beach below, with the gentle waves lapping at the shore. “It is beautiful here.”

“My parents are so happy.” Hannah leaned on Knox’s shoulder. “And I know we’ll be happy too.”

They soon reached the beach, and stood looking out at the horizon. “I can’t see where the sea ends and the sky starts.”

Knox plunged his hand into his pocket and drew out a box, then dropped down on one knee. “That’s how I feel about you, Hannah. I can’t tell where I end, and you begin. It’s like we’re joined together on some deeper level.”

“Aren’t you the romantic.” Hannah reached out and stroked his cheek, feeling the heat of his skin, the rough bristles along his jaw, and the full softness of his lips.

“It’s the truth.” He opened the small box to reveal a diamond solitaire. “One of a kind. Just like you.”

“Have you been taking lessons from my dad? I wondered what you two have been talking about all day.”

“No, these are all my own words.” Knox took out the ring and looked up at Hannah, his eyes filled with love. “Will you do me the greatest honor and consent to be my wife?”

“I will.” Hannah held out her hand and Knox slipped the ring onto her finger.

“Thank you.” Knox stood up, and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “You have made me the happiest man alive.”

“And I am the happiest woman.” Hannah stood on tip-toes and kissed his lips, tasting the salty air on his skin. Her life had been blessed with happiness, and she hoped that would pass to Knox. That her love would surround him and keep him safe, and he would never know fear or loss again.

Maybe it was a dream, but right there, as her bear shifter hero held her in his arms, anything seemed possible.

“Mrs. Knox. It has a certain ring to it,” Hannah teased.

“You mean you didn’t check my passport to see what my real name was?” Knox asked.

“No, I figured you would tell me when you were ready.” Hannah stroked his cheek. “I told you before, I don’t care what your name is. I’m in love with this man.” She slipped her hand down to cover his heart.

“Kyle Knoxville.” He grinned at her shocked expression.

“So that’s why they call you Knox.” She shook her head and laughed. “You made it up, about the school of hard knocks!”

“Half the story. That is what Smithy said.” Knox looked out across the blue sea. “I think he might change his mind if he was here now.”

“Wherever you came from, I believe you’ve arrived at exactly where you are supposed to be,” Hannah told him.

“I believe it too, Hannah.” He kissed her lips. “I believe it too.”

***