Cain wrapped an arm around his wife, guiding her to the side of the entryway where Walker stood. “Don’t start in on that now. He hasn’t even asked her yet.”

She smacked his stomach. “She’s one of my best friends. I’m allowed to be emotional.”

“All right.” He brushed his lips across her temple. “Love you.”

Justin and Lyla hurried to stand with me, Lyla shushing everyone. We listened as the voices got closer. My hand tightened around the ring box as the door opened.

“Welcome home!” Justin and Lyla cheered.

Anna’s eyes widened as she took in the group waiting for her. I watched as she read the first banner and then the second. I stepped forward, moving in close. I didn’t drop to one knee—I didn’t want that kind of distance between us. “Anna.”

“Mase,” she whispered.

“I think I loved you from the moment I saw you. Something in me recognized a person who could make my life so much more. You amaze me every single day. Your strength and your empathy. Your beauty and kindness. I love you more than I thought possible. Will you make a life with me?”

I opened the ring box. She didn’t even look at it. Her eyes were only on mine. “Nothing would make me happier.”

I slid the ring onto her finger as my lips met hers. “I love you, Anna.”

“I love you, too. You gave me a family I never thought I’d have again.”

Her words burned in my chest, etching themselves into my ribs. “It’s more than I ever could’ve hoped for.”

EPILOGUE

ANNA

The late-spring breeze kicked up, lifting my hair around me as I stared out at the water. Some people would probably think it weird that I found peace here. The same place where I’d almost lost my life nine months ago. But I did.

On this bench that honored my sister. At this lake, where I’d gotten a second chance at life.

“Miss you, Chels. Justin and Lyla are doing so good. Justin’s killing it on the soccer team. He has good friends and loves science. Lyla is this little bundle of energy, hopping from activity to activity. But she loves helping Jensen at her wild horse sanctuary. She’s over there at least three times a week.”

I watched as the wind rippled the water and wanted to believe that it was Chelsea telling me that she was listening. “I’m getting married tomorrow.”

I grinned down at my lap. “I mean, I’m already married, but we’re doing it for real.”

We hadn’t rushed this time. We’d taken our time to make sure the ceremony and celebration would be ours. We’d also taken the time to make Justin and Lyla a part of it all. And to let Juliette come around to the idea.