Page 139 of Truck Up
“If you can believe it,” Tanner says with a playful tone to his voice. “We actually worked together to get you all this stuff.”
Amelia laughs, and it’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. “It’s shocking, actually.”
“It’s true.” Linden smiles at me and squeezes my shoulder. “We did it for you. For saving our sister. Not once, but twice. There’s not enough furniture in this world to express our gratitude. You may be a Mutter, but you’re not so bad.”
“Thanks, I think.” I nod and accept his appreciation. “Your sister will always be safe with me. I promise.”
“I don’t doubt that for a second,” he says before he heads to the moving truck and helps his brothers unload the furniture. It looks like they brought enough to fill our entire living room.
My brothers pile out of the trucks, grinning. Garret even brings his daughter Rayne, who squeals with delight at the sight of the cabin. Charlotte, Garret’s girlfriend, hugs her close andlaughs. Now I understand the happiness that Garret found with Charlotte. It confused me at first, but having found love myself, I want to see all my brothers this happy.
“You ready to fill that house, brother?” Liam asks, extending a hand.
I shake his hand and pull him in for a hug. “Thanks, Liam.”
“Show me to that kitchen,” Grams demands. Her arms are full of grocery bags. “I hear it’s gourmet. Need to find out if it’s worth all the talk or just another kitchen.”
Everyone breaks out into laughter as Grams marches into our home like she owns the place. I wouldn’t expect anything different from her.
The next few hours are a whirlwind of activity. My brothers work with Amelia’s brothers to unload the trucks, their teasing banter filling the air. It’s a sight to see and one that still has me a little stunned.
My Grams, ever the matriarch, insists on making a pot of her famous chili, filling the cabin with the comforting aroma of home-cooked food.
Amelia’s parents, initially hesitant, gradually relax, joining in the conversation. Soon, our home is filled with stories and laughter.
I watch Amelia interact with her family. Her face lights up with happiness, and I realize that this is what I’ve always wanted—a life filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of family.
The years of animosity, the bitter feud between our families, fade into insignificance. I’m sure we’ll still face many difficulties and moments of weakness in which we blame the feud, but today, there’s only love, acceptance, and the promise of a bright future.
And for the first time in my life, I feel truly at peace.
It starts with Amelia’s laughter, and radiant face of joy.
This is just the beginning ofourhappy-ever-after.
We’ve overcome so much to get here, but now, we can finally build the life we’ve always dreamed of—a life together with both our families and the sweet sound of our daughter’s laughter echoing through this beautiful cabin.
I never thought I’d find happiness like this or a love that could mend the wounds of the past and bring two families together.
But Amelia has shown me that even the deepest wounds can heal, and that love—true love—can conquer all.
Epilogue
One plus one equals three.
Amelia
Approximately six months later …
Istir beside Christian, feeling the warmth of his body pressed against mine. He’s still asleep, his chest rising and falling with slow, even breaths. I trace the lines of his face with my finger, memorizing every curve, every scar.
My husband isn’t a perfect man, but he’s perfect for me.
My husband. I’m still getting used to that.
We didn’t have a big ceremony or make a big deal out of getting married. We didn’t even tell our families before we did it.
It was just the two of us, Nova, Hadley, Chase and Lina.