I come apart in his arms, I know the chill is gone for good. Never again will I feel like I did before. From now on, there’s only warmth, and hope, and love.
There’s only Kit.
Epilogue
Serena
Self-worth builds slowly, over time, with much coaxing from Kit and my new friends. When I move to Woodvale permanently, I feel like a snake shedding my old skin, but remnants of my past self still remain. It’s only after many months away from New Haven—and lots of therapy—that I’m able to really let go of the thoughts and feelings that held me back for so long.
I’m worthy. I deserve happiness. I could have a family one day—when I’m ready. For now, though, I’m happy to take things slowly. To spend time with Kit and not worry about what I should be doing or what Kit wants from the relationship.
I know what he wants—me. He never pressures me about marriage or kids. He gives me time to heal. And for that, I’m eternally grateful.
Kit joins the Woodvale Skydive team once again at the beginning of the summer, much to the delight of Finn, Esme, Racer, and Benji. He announces it the day Finn and Esme get engaged, and to be honest, I’m not sure what the group is happier about—Esme and Finn’s engagement, or Kit’s return to the business.
My new friends swallow me up in their love and friendship without hesitation. It’s overwhelming at first, knowing that so many people care about each other and treat each other right. There’s no gaslighting or abuse here. There are no heavy expectations laid on by family. I feel free to pursue whatever I want to do.
Woodvale Elementary still has a teaching position open in the fall, and they’re gracious enough to allow me to interview for it, even though I let them down in January. I think Sarah, Benji’s sister, puts in a good word for me, because she’s waiting outside the interview room when I come out. She hooks her arm into mine and leans in to my ear. “You definitely have the job.” She grins. “I’ll make sure of it.”
It’s not until I really settle into life in Woodvale, with Kit by my side, that I realize how isolated I’d been in New Haven. I’d been surrounded by family all the time, but none of them saw me as a real, fully-formed person. I was just my mother’s daughter, or Robbie’s twin sister, or Angelo’s future-wife-slash-ex-girlfriend.
I still love my family, of course. With Robbie working at the airline, I’m able to get flights back home often to see Nonna and the rest of the family. I’m not turning my back on them, and I don’t hate my family—I just need to figure things out for myself. I need to find my own place in the world, and I’m pretty sure I’ve found it in this small town in the Pacific Northwest.
Four years after I move to Woodvale, Esme graduates from University and invites us out to dinner. She and Finn announce their first pregnancy, much to the delight of Kit’s stepmom, Lydia. Kit’s eyes shine, and his eyes linger on mine. I know what he’s thinking.
He wants that, too.
When we get home that night, Kit wraps his arms around me and holds me close, only pulling away to look into my eyes.
I smile. “I know what you’re going to say.”
He arches an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“You’re going to say you’ve been patient with me while I took things slow and settled in here, but it’s been four years. You’re ready to take this to the next level.”
Kit laughs, shaking his head. “You don’t know me at all. I’m not going to push you into anything. I’m happy just to be with you.”
“Well, you win.”
He grins. “I win?”
“I want it all, Kit. I want the wedding and the kids and the white picket fence. Everything I was running away from, I want with you.”
“Are you proposing to me?”
“Do you want me to get down on one knee?” I start dropping down in front of him, holding up my hands as if there’s a ring box between them. “Marry me, Kit. Be the father of my children.”
Kit laughs, picking me up and spinning me around in a circle. He sets me down and kisses me hard, wrapping his strong arms around me as we sway from side to side, staring into each other’s eyes.
“Is that a yes?” I grin.
“It’s a I thought you’d never ask,” Kit replies.