10. You’re still and will always be my best friend
9. I don’t want to eat ice cream at midnight with anyone else
8. When in doubt make Oma’s chicken
7. You’re already family
6. We can get Mr. and Mrs. mugs – maybe even robes
5. I’ll always be your getaway driver
4. You can still have girls’ night and I’ll always pick you up for backseat fun
3. I’ll get to call you MY WIFE and that’s just hot
2. I think we should get a dog then you can both have my last name
1. Because…
The last canvasis blank aside from the single word, my eyes lingering on it before I catch movement in my periphery. Stepping into view, Lake takes my breath away, handsome in his dark jeans, cowboy boots, and a crisply pressed shirt I wouldn’t doubt his mother ironed.
The thought makes me smile.
“Did you run out of ink?” I ask, my voice not as steady as I’d like as he smiles and shakes his head.
“No, I did that on purpose.”
“Why’s that?” The words are a whisper as Lake pulls a small velvet box from his pocket and drops down on one knee.
“Because every day with you is the best day of my life.”
“Mine too.”
“We got no one to live for but us, Pen. Marry me and let’s start on evermore.”
“Evermore?”
He grins as he pops open the box, revealing my mother’s engagement ring. “Evermore, because forever doesn’t seem long enough.”
“Yes, I’ll marry you, Lake Sterling,” I say, my voice full of awe and love for the man before me, “and I can’t wait for the matching robes.”
“Me too, Baby, me too.”
EPILOGUE
PEN
ONE MONTH LATER
With Oma, Wren, Elora, and Indie in tow, we navigated the streets of Wintervale, barely making it to our appointment at Dress Me Up on time. My heart skips a beat as I walk into the shop for the second time as a bride to be, but this time feels so much different.
It feelsright.
Lake and I will be getting married at the lodge before it’s busy season at the tree farm and we start the winter prep for the sanctuary.
Bustling inside, we’re greeted by Blossom who passes the group off to January to get settled then brings me straight to the changing room. “What are you?—”
My words are cut off when she draws back the curtain, revealing the dress I’d fallen in love with when I’d been here with Carter’s mother.
