“I’m not sure about the lumberjack options in Star Falls. But if you get the chance to go, you absolutely should. It’s a really magical place.” I glance over at Byron, who’s looking at me with a familiar expression that says he can’t believe he gets to marry me. It never gets old.

“We’re all going to go,” Byron says. “You know I own a private members resort there.”

“You do?” Avril asks. “I had no idea. You know, you should call it the Colorado Club. It has a nice ring to it.”

“Good idea,” he replies, as he nudges Avril. “But seriously, it’s an open invitation. Any of you can come anytime. And maybe we should all go for the holidays this year.”

“By then, Fisher and Jack will be engaged,” Sophia says.

“Or even married,” Fisher says. “I’m an impatient man.”

“Don’t forget about us,” Poppy says. “Avril and I are lumberjack shopping, remember? My man will cut down our Christmas tree.”

Byron finds his way to me and wraps his arms around me, like everything he needs in life is right here.

The buzzer sounds again. “That will be Bennett, Efa, Leo, and Jules. They texted me to say they’re all in the same car.”

“Everyone will visit us in Star Falls. You have no worries on that score.”

He nods. “Everyone,” he says. “And it won’t be today, but I spoke to Mary. She says she’s going to meet us in Colorado later in the year.”

I squeeze Byron tighter. “That’s amazing.” His expression tells me how much it means to him that he’s going to reconnect with his sister. Hopefully now he’s come to terms with so much of his past, his future can involve his sister. All our sisters, hopefully. Maybe that’s the answer. Maybe I’ll gently encourage my sisters out to Colorado, and they can heal from their pasts too.

After all, Star Falls is a magical place.

14 months later - Star Falls

Rosey

I see Marion’s name flash on my screen and send up a silent prayer. Please god let her have good news today. I want her to have it, more than I want it for myself.

I break into a grin and accept the call.

Marion doesn’t speak, she just squeals. “I got into Columbia,” she eventually says.

Marion applied to Oregon State as well as a local community college. When I suggested an Ivy League college, she laughed. But over time, she came to see she’s way more than Mom would have her believe. She applied but never expected to get in.

“Holy shit,” I reply. I’d like to say I knew she would, but honestly, I’m shocked. We’re just two kids from a trailer park. We don’t get to go to the Ivy League. “That’s amazing! I’m so proud of you.”