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From my vantage point, I can’t help but feel a surge of emotion witnessing this scene. Henrik’s kindness and patience with Tilly and Archie aren’t just heartwarming—they’re transformative. Watching him with them, so caring and attentive, I fall for him all over again.
As I join them on the ice, slipping my hand into Henrik’s, I feel a sense of rightness, a fitting together of pieces that I hadn’t even realized were askew. The laughter of my children, the warmth of Henrik’s hand, the cool air against my face—it all blends into a perfect moment, a snapshot of what could be our life together.
Henrik meets my eyes, and there’s a silent understanding that passes between us, a promise of the future, of a life intertwined with love, patience, and laughter. The thought of starting this new chapter with him, with Tilly and Archie, fills me with a sense of anticipation and joy.
This marks the start of a journey—our journey. One I find myself eagerly awaiting, full of unwritten pages and unlived moments ready for us to fill.
The four of us—this just feels so right. It is like coming home.
EPILOGUE
Henrik
It’s beena year since Louanne McFolley came back into my life and reminded me that life is meant to be lived and enjoyed in every moment.
In a couple of days, we’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day and then the Love Festival. Of course, she’s the organizer. Archie, Tilly, and I have been helping her with this project—the one that brought us together and helped us fall madly in love.
This feels like the perfect place to do what I’ve been wanting to do for some time.
I shiver as the cold night air bites through my coat. Lou-Lou’s lantern casts dancing shadows across the bare branches of the orchard as she searches for the lost box, her breath fogging in the chill.
“It has to be here somewhere,” she mutters, more to herself than to me.
I rub my hands together and glance at Archie. He gives me a subtle nod and presses the button to illuminate the fairy lights.
Lou-Lou pauses, gazing up at the soft glow enveloping us. A smile tugs at her lips.
“It’s beautiful,” she says.
I step closer, taking her hand in mine. Her skin is icy. I’ll need to hurry so she can put her gloves back on soon.
“Not as beautiful as you,” I reply.
She rolls her eyes but squeezes my fingers. We stand there a moment, the cold forgotten as we watch the frosty scenery. It’s perfect, just like Lou.
This past year with Lou-Lou has been a gift—my home and my reason to breathe. She’s my everything, along with the kids.
The fairy lights glow softly around us, illuminating the orchard in a magical haze. My heart pounds as I turn to face Lou, her beautiful eyes wide in anticipation. Archibald and Tilly stand right beside her, their small faces upturned toward me.
I take a deep breath because this is it.
“My darling Lou,” I begin, my voice trembling slightly, “from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were the one for me.”
I sink down on one knee, fumbling in my pocket for the ring box. Lou gasps softly, one hand flying to cover her mouth. I flip open the box to reveal the diamond ring nestled inside, glittering in the fairy light.
“Here, in the soft glow of the evening, as the stars begin their nightly dance, I offer you this ring as a symbol of my promise,” I say, gazing up at her emotional face. “My promise that my heart belongs to you and my soul is yours.
“Lou, my love, I’m here to ask you to be my wife. To spend the rest of your life with me. To be my partner, my companion, and my best friend. I am asking you to join me in this journey of life. Will you marry me? Will you be the one to share in every smile, every heartfelt moment, every step we take? My love, my heart, my guiding light is, and always will be, yours. With you, every day is a journey worth taking, every moment a treasure to hold. So, will you say yes and make this journey ours together, forever?”
Tears fill Lou’s eyes. “Oh, Henrik . . . ! Of course I’ll marry you,” she cries joyfully.
I grin and slide the ring onto her finger. As I stand, she throws her arms around me in a warm embrace. I hold her close, but then turn my gaze to Archibald and Tilly. “I care so much for both of you,” I say. “I know I could never replace your father. But I would be honored to be a father figure in your lives if you’ll have me.”
Tilly smiles shyly up at me. Archibald regards me solemnly for a moment before nodding.
“We’d like that,” he says.
I ruffle his hair affectionately, happiness coursing through me.
