Chapter 26: Take Me To The River: Epilogue

Life couldn’t be more perfect. Axel and I have been married a few weeks now, and we are heading into town to meet with the guys in the shop. Jack was excited when I mentioned making some homemade jam to sell, so I have several dozen jars for him, along with my first few light fixtures that I made from the recycled aluminum cans we had, and one from the wine bottle from our wedding night that we had splurged on.

I look over and smile at my husband. He has my hand in his and seems pretty excited about this trip into town. I think it’s because it’s the first time he gets to show me off as his wife. Even though the guys were there at the wedding.

As promised, I have a pie for each of them. Since the first one I gave them, they have been begging for another, so until they find women of their own, I’ll make it my mission to take care of them.

I hand out the pies when we first get there, and of course, Bennett stirs the pot.

‘Who knew you getting a girl would benefit us all.’ He chuckles, but Axel just shoots him a knock-it-off grin, before they head out to unload the trucks.

‘What jams did you bring me?’ Jack wants to know.

‘Strawberry and honeyberry.’

‘The honeyberry will go fast. The tourists love anything out of the ordinary that’s local here.’

‘Well, I found a big patch of wild huckleberry the other day, and they are almost ready for picking, so that will be my next batch.’

‘Anything huckleberry sells well here, too.’

‘Ummm, Em. Can I talk to you?’ Phoenix walks up.

‘Sure, what’s up?’ I follow him to the other side of the store for some privacy.

‘I met someone.’ He says with a big goofy smile.

‘Oh, Phoenix. That’s amazing! Congratulations!’

‘Thanks. It’s just, well. As you know, we have all been out here for years. We don’t date, and even before I came out here, I didn’t date. I think she’s interested, but I have no idea. Next week, she’s coming to my workshop, as she has ordered a custom table.’

‘You are having her out at your place?’ I ask, a bit shocked.

‘Yeah, I asked her to come out and get an idea for the table.’ He shoves his hands into his pockets.

‘Okay, this is a good thing. When she’s there, you’ll get an idea, if she would be a good fit for this life. If she’s interested, then invite her to do something you like to do, even if it’s something simple, like making her dinner. You want to be comfortable, as it will put her at ease and give you an idea, if she’s someone you want to pursue.’

He nods and stares at his feet like he’s committing every word to memory.

‘It’s a good sign she’s willing to come out and visit your workshop,’ I say, remembering Axel mentioning his workshop is on his property.

‘Yeah?’

I nod and place a hand on his shoulder.

‘You’ll be fine. And I can’t wait to hear all about it. Make sure you radio and tell me how it goes, okay?’

He gives me a shy smile and nods.

On the way home, Axel asks, ‘Everything okay with Phoenix?’

I knew he’d seen us talking, but I also know he’s given us our space. He trusts these men, and he trusts me.

‘Yeah.’ I lean back on the headrest and turn to look at him.

‘He’s met someone and was wanting some dating advice.’

‘No shit? Good for him.’

‘They are meeting up next week, and he promised to radio and tell me how it went. It would be nice to have another woman around.’

‘If she bakes like you, the guys will love it.’

‘I love you, My Giant. I can’t wait to see what this life of ours holds.’

‘I love you too, Little One, and as long as I have you, I’m ready for the ride.’

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