Page 67 of Better Together

EPILOGUE

The Whitmore Estate sat on a hill overlooking Balsam Lake. When Zeke and Alexis pulled into the circular drive, a valet opened their door. White lights adorned the stone steps. Pumpkins, gourds, ornamental cabbage, and cornstalks flanked the large wooden door. The couple of inches of snow they’d gotten earlier in the week remained on the ground. The stars lit the night sky, making the evening magical.

Zeke and Alexis walked hand in hand up the stone steps. They, along with half the town, had been invited to a catered dinner and celebration at the majestic old home.

“Just think how beautiful this place will be once you and Maggie dig in,” Zeke said.

“Don’t you mean when we get our hands on this property?”

Zeke kissed her temple. An exuberant Susan answered the door. “You made it!”

“Of course. We wouldn’t miss it,” Alexis said as she took in the space around her.

“Come in, come in. The food is in the ballroom. Let me take your coats. Please make yourselves at home. I’ll be right back. I need to speak with James.” Susan hurried off in search of her husband.

“Wow,” Zeke said as he turned in a circle, taking in the open foyer. The dark wood beams and floors had seen better days, but were still grand.

“I know.” Alexis walked to the staircase and ran her hand along the banister. “These stairs make me think a princess in a beautiful gown will make an entrance at any minute.”

Zeke wrapped his arms around her from behind and nuzzled her neck. “Why Alexis, I never knew you were the fairy-tale princess type.”

“Zeke, all women dream of their Prince Charming.” She turned and interlaced her arms around his neck. “I’m one of the lucky ones. I found my prince.”

“Hey, you two, break it up. You’re making me blush,” Ethan said, carrying a plate of food piled high. “You have to try the food. The stuffed mushrooms and crab cakes are mouthwatering.”

Zeke rubbed his stomach and it grumbled. “I’m starving. I worked up an appetite.” He winked at Alexis.

Alexis blushed and waved to Paige. She joined them, holding a plate of food that smelled delicious.

Nick joined them too. “Great job on the house, Alexis. I can’t wait to see how you’ll bring life into this old place.”

“Thanks, Nick. Congratulations on officially becoming sheriff. You were the right man for the job.”

Nick laughed. “I guess, seeing as I ran uncontested.”

“Alexis, you have to try the mushrooms,” Paige said. “Let’s leave these guys to talk amongst themselves. Come with me. The girls are in the ballroom.”

Alexis kissed Zeke on the cheek. “Duty calls.”

Maggie approached her at the buffet table. “I already went on a tour. Susan and James had all the furniture they are keeping moved to the third floor. She told me the attic is full of treasures and to come and explore. I can’t wait to get my hands on the vintage pieces. I’m hoping I can salvage some things to incorporate into the remodel.”

“This is going to be great, Maggie.” Alexis spied Pete talking with the Reynolds brothers. “Did Pete tell you?”

Maggie’s face lit up. “You mean, that he’s decided to stay?”

“Yes! Of course he told you. Does he plan to continue renting a cabin from you?”

“For now. But if I’m right, he’ll look for something more permanent,” Maggie said.

“Yeah, that’s the vibe I got from him too. When Brad called and told me he and his wife decided on him being a stay-at-home dad, I asked Pete to stay on as my foreman, and he jumped at the chance.”

Susan and James strode into the ballroom hand in hand, with Zeke following behind. “Alexis,” James said, “we’d like to discuss something with you and Zeke. Let’s go into the library.”

“Okay.” She glanced at Zeke, and he shrugged his shoulders. She handed her plate to Maggie. “I’ll be right back.”

It didn’t go unnoticed that she and Zeke left the room with their hosts, because when they stepped back into the ballroom, everyone eyed them with curiosity. Their friends and family noticed the smiles on their faces.

James tapped his wine glass with a silver knife, and his booming voice rang out, “Can I get everyone’s attention, please?”