No one had ever called him that before. He decided he liked it.
They walked over to the children and Rosie took charge, showing them all how to hold the kite and when to release it, letting out more string from the spool. Andrew watched in admiration as she patiently guided them, her natural warmth and kindness shining through.
When it was Andrew’s turn, Rosie stood close beside him, her hand gently guiding his on the kite string. “Like this,” she said softly, and together they sent the kite soaring into the sky.
As they stood side by side, watching the kite dance on the wind, Andrew couldn’t help thinking what a good team they made.
The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. The children cheered as the kite swooped and soared above them, their laughter carried on the sea breeze.
Andrew glanced at Rosie, her face aglow in the fading sunlight, and felt a surge of hope for the future. He didn’t know exactly where this journey with Rosie would lead, but he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he wanted to face them with her.
As if sensing his gaze, Rosie turned to him with a soft smile. “Thank you for today, Andrew. For everything.”
He reached out and squeezed her hand gently. “Anytime,” he replied, his voice filled with warmth and promise.
They stood hand in hand, watching the kite and the children, basking in the simple joy. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, Andrew was certain this was the beginning of something beautiful.
Epilogue
Rosie
One year later
“Look at her. Our girl is gorgeous, isn’t she?” Sylvia crowed, taking in Emma in the stunning wedding dress the three of them had picked out in Portland months ago. Rosie’s heart swelled with joy as she adjusted Emma’s veil.
“Oh, sweetheart. You look absolutely beautiful,” Rosie whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Emma turned to face her mother and grandmother, her own eyes shining. “I can’t believe this day is finally here.”
Rosie cupped her daughter’s face gently. “Your dad would be so happy to see you marrying a good man like Bryce. He would be so proud of the woman you’ve become.”
A moment of understanding passed between them, healing old wounds and forgiving past mistakes. They embraced, careful not to wrinkle Emma’s gown.
Sylvia, not to be left out, wrapped her arms around both of them, making Emma laugh and hug her grandmother.
When Rosie pulled away, she looked out the window of her house toward the flower-covered arbor where Emma and Bryce would shortly exchange vows overlooking the Pacific.
She spotted Olive in her flower girl dress sitting by Zara and Finn, the three of them with their heads together, probably concocting some mischief or other.
Her heart warmed at the sight of her granddaughter laughing with Andrew’s children. Then she saw him, tall, handsomeand hers, saying something to the children, who laughed in response.
After chatting for a while, he ushered Olive back inside, most likely for her to get ready for the bridal procession. As they walked inside, the little girl let go of Andrew’s hand and immediately rushed to her mother. “You look like a princess, Mama.”
Emma hugged her daughter, who couldn’t be happier to be gaining a new stepfather in Bryce.
Rosie went to Andrew’s side, seeking his steadying presence.
“Everything okay with the bride?”
“She’s nervous. I’m nervous. We’re all nervous, except maybe Olive.”
Andrew’s eyes softened as he took in the sight of her. “No matter how lovely a bride Emma will be,” he murmured, “she doesn’t hold a candle to her mother.”
He leaned in and kissed her softly, making Rosie’s heart swell with love.
The past year had been a time of healing and growth for both of them. Andrew’s latest book had stayed on bestseller lists for months, and the second movie made from The Starbound Chronicles books had been an even bigger hit than the first.
He and the children had already made Stormhaven a home. The house was elegant and graceful but it was no showplace. It was filled with school calendars and toy clutter and a media room that was the envy of all their friends.