Epilogue.

September 2019.

Holly pushed through the crowds of Fulton Street until she got to the park. She pulled the stroller to a crawl and then stopped at the edge of the curb. She pulled the top of it back and look down at her daughter Skylar Rae.

She was peacefully sleeping as usual. She was a very happy baby. She had a calm energy about her and it was addictive.

"How old is she?" a woman asked. She was standing in front of the park with them, staring down at Skylar appreciatively.

"Two months."

"She's gorgeous." she said.

"Looks just like you. Identical mouths."

Holly smiled.

"Thank you. But you should see her father. She definitely has his eyes."

Holly said as she remembered how everyone always marveled at Skylar's pretty bright green eyes.

She was already half an hour late to the picnic she was having with Charlie and Charlie had texted her twice. Unlike her, Charlie had given birth in late June. She had a daughter too. A little bundle of joy named Effie.

They met at the park at least once a week since Charlie had moved to the other side of the city to find a larger place to stay with their baby. Holly and Ryder were looking for house options too, but it had to be one closer to Ryder and Holly's businesses. And Ryder was trying to renovate an old mansion that could be their potential house if everything turned out well.

After her accident. Holly had spent a week in the hospital recovering. It had been a terrifying experience for her and her family. Holly was mostly still shocked that Kim shot her. She remembered staring at her wedding dress that was slowly turning a crimson red. The she remembered falling hard and blacking out.

Less than a month later, Holly and Ryder had their dream wedding. In Vegas. They eloped secretly and sent pictures to their friends and family to show that they were legally married.

Kim was arrested on several charges, the major one being attempted murder. Although, she pleaded insanity, the judge had ruled that bipolar disorder was not a sufficient defence for her. It was also established with several witnesses and evidence that Kim had been looking for ways to destroy Holly and Ryder's relationship right from the very beginning.

She was given the maximum sentence of twenty years in prison on the charges of first degree attempted murder.

Jake on the other hand was nowhere to be found and there was no way that he could be persecuted for his crimes.

Although after Holly gave birth, someone sent a postcard from Jamaica with the initials J.S & C.S.

Ryder's theory was that Jake was probably in Jamaica since the initials indicated that it was he who sent the letter. The postcard also contained a short apology to Ryder.

When Holly asked who C.S was, Ryder pointed out that it might stand for Chandice Summers, the girl that he had claimed Ryder took from him back when they went on a trip to Jamaica. Jake might have gotten the happily ever after he wanted after all. Although there was no way he was coming back to the United States without paying for his crimes.

"Finally!!! Effie and I thought you were never going to come."

Charlie said as Holly settled into the blanket and giving Charlie a hug. She kissed little Effie's head and the baby gurgled happily.

"How are you doing?"

She asked as Charlie started bringing out the snacks.

"I'm good. Ben says hi."

"Ohh! I brought treats. I know how much you loved that pumpkin spiced chocolate chip muffin I made that day. I made an extra batch."

Charlie cooed.

"Awwwn.  Thank you. How's Ryder doing?"

"Oh! He's great! He's a bit sad that I'm going back to work. I think he likes having me home a little too much."

Charlie shrugged.

"I really don't regret being a full time mum and housewife. It's better everyday. Besides my vegan YouTube channel is going well "

"Yea!!! I saw it! Twenty three thousand subscribers. That's great!"

Holly commented as she took Skylar out of her stroller. The baby girl stirred a little before opening her beautiful green eyes.

"Awwwn. Her eyes get me every time." Charlie said as she smiled.

"I know. Sometimes I stare at her for hours and I can't believe how unbelievably perfect she is."

"And she's all mine." Holly commented with a smile.

Ryder started calling her and Holly smiled.

"Is that Ryder?" Charlie asked and Holly nodded.

"Yea, how did you know?"

Charlie rolled her eyes.

"Well your face practically lit up when you picked up your phone. I don't know anyone who makes you that happy other than Skylar Rae."

"Hey baby!" She called out as she put her phone next to her ear while holding the stroller with the other hand.

"So, my meeting got cancelled. Guess who's cooking dinner today."

He said and Holly chuckled.

"Will you make salmon? I want salmon."

"Sure. Salmon it is. Do we have any groceries left."

"No, we don't. I have a list in the kitchen. Can you get some of those rice cakes I like?"

Holly asked and Ryder replied with a yes.

"Yes, anything else? How's my little princess."

"Peaceful as ever. Let's hope it stays that way this night."

Holly said as she lovingly stared at her daughter's face.

Ryder chuckled.

"Not a chance. See you later babe. Love you."

"I love you too Ryder."

Finally! The end. Please drop a nice comment if you enjoyed this book, I certainly enjoyed writing Holly and Ryder's story. I love you all.