Epilogue

January 7, 2024 by Grey 8 Comments

Sabin ending up in France and stumbling upon my shop four years ago was indeed a chance occurrence. He respected my space as much as I respected his–he had no clue that I was opening up a shop outside of the US. But it was wild for us to see each other after all this time–what a twist of fate. Frankly, we debated the legitimacy of this from the moment we met for dinner that one evening in France all the way to each date that followed once we were both back home, back in St. Claire.

After time apart, we wanted to see if what we once had was still there or if the spark we felt in France was simply residual feelings that lingered more as a memory than truth.

It wasn’t.

Telling him I loved him came naturally as if we never skipped a beat, but we tried to be gentle with each other–after all, we had a brand new layer of ourselves to share with one another. All this time, I missed the sound of his laughter and the sound of my name on his lips after he told me he loved me.

Sabin felt like home.

We took our time getting to know each other again, but what once brought us together pulled us in close again. This time we were stuck like glue, unwilling to let go of each other again. We talked about what we did during our time apart and where we were now. Sabin ended up moving about 6 months after we broke up to Twinbrook where he took his therapy more seriously than ever. He dated around too, but nothing went beyond a few dates here and there. He took his time working through everything he went through–and that included more than just what happened between us. Now he was back in St. Claire working closely with other veterans who needed the same help and support that he did. He wasn’t alone and wanted to make sure that others in similar situations received and felt the same support that he did.

Both of us would always be a work in progress, but this time it felt better, it felt like the timing was finally right.

Nothing that happened between us could ever be forgotten, but that included the love we had for each other–a love we couldn’t fully give or receive when we needed to love ourselves first.

Given our history, I felt more sure of us. In all this time, I tried to move forward, as did he, but no one ever made me feel the way Sabin did. I couldn’t imagine spending my life with anyone other than him.

After things settled down with Hope’s Blossom and all my locations were finally operating without me hovering from store to store, Sabin and I finally got married in a small ceremony. Our most immediate family and friends were present to hear us exchange our vows. Sweeter words couldn’t have cradled me more than those of Sabin professing his love and promise to me and I to him.

In all those years, I couldn’t forget him.

When we exchanged rings, I felt the weight of our journey. I felt the rollercoaster of emotions and struggle and growth–all of which finally brought us together again. Every moment, even the ones I tried to forget–it all led to this. So when I cursed the fates while I hurt, I now found myself thanking them, because without the pain, could I truly see this moment for what it was? This was everything. Sabin was always going to be the one.

I took my time to heal and move on, but…I couldn’t erase this love. I admit I would have respected him if he came to my store with a woman around his arm. I would have smiled and looked the other way even if my heart hurt. But for him to show the way he did, I would have been a fool to turn down his invitation. This crossing of fates was of a colossal proportion–to ignore it would have been the greatest mistake of my life.

I couldn’t walk away.

And neither could he.

Over the next few years, we spent our time together–traveling and making new memories with our friends and family. We spent time in Amsterdam where Kaden was indeed planting his roots, but no longer alone. During my time away, I learned that two of my favorite people found comfort in each other. Gia was now living in Amsterdam and bringing her knowledge of psychology to the senior animal organization that Kaden was helping run. And while wedding bells weren’t sounding quite yet–the two seemed more at peace than I’d ever seen them.

Dani and Otto were still very much their old selves–just with a few more kids. Four total, actually. Even as their family grew, their roots were planted firmly in St. Claire, which meant Sabin and I had the pleasure of continuing our immensely missed monthly get-togethers of games, drinks, and reminiscing about all the good times we shared together over the years. Our lives would always be tangled with theirs and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Grandma Atoli and Grandpa Crescendo were going to outlive us all–at least it sure seemed like it. They were still so active around their friends and of course, our family, but took more time to rest. After everything they’ve done for us all, they certainly deserved it. They actually spent some time volunteering at my shops, leading small workshops for kids in St. Claire who wanted to learn about flower arranging…with a touch of science, of course.

Their love showed no signs of dimming.

Oren and Jax were making us all proud in Germany. They were involved with a talented team of doctors and researchers, helping bring our grandfather’s vision of curing Alzheimer’s into a reality that wasn’t too far out of reach.

And of course…Mom and Dad. My two wonderful supporters, protectors, and amazing examples of a strong and healthy relationship. They finally took some much-needed time off together from sculpting and music to travel together. Get new tattoos together. And document their adventures with postcards that decorated our fridge.

But now…four years later…where were we in our grand adventure?

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“Thank you for stopping by!” Sabin said, handing a small bag to a customer.

He turned on his heel and glanced at me as I was peeking out the glass window of my office door. He chuckled and walked to me once the store was clear. “Are you spying on me?” He asked, planting a soft kiss on my forehead.

“You know, I could have totally helped them,” I admitted, but gasped when Sabin’s hand traveled from my shoulder to my stomach. That sensation still startled me. I wondered if he could feel the flutters beneath my skin that I was just beginning to experience.

With Hope’s Blossom doing well, we were able to set more money aside. Despite feeling completely content with our lives, we talked, and weighed our options, and only when we truly felt secure and ready for any outcome did we put our trust in science to help us start a family. It was a complicated process that I couldn’t have imagined or afforded all those years ago, but we wanted to give it one more try.

And our final try…stuck.

“I know you are very capable of helping and running all of this on your own, but would you really deny me the pleasure of experiencing this vision firsthand? And well, letting you finish getting ready to close?” He smirked, moving his hand to my side. “Now, come on, let’s lock up and grab some dinner. I have my session with Dr. Riley tonight, so that means we’re going out tonight. What are you and baby in the mood for?”

“Can we get wings?” I pleaded as that’s all I had been craving the last twelve hours. That and pita chips with cinnamon sugar. Man–it was good to crave things again.

“You name it–we’ll get it,” Sabin grinned and stopped to cup my chin in his hand. He was gentle as he planted his lips on mine.

Each taste of his lips made me hungry for more. But as I tasted him, I tugged on the sleeve of his shirt and exhaled softly against his chest. “You know, I think we would end up here every time, Sabin. No matter what universe we’re in,” I smiled.

“I think you’re right,” he whispered as he rubbed my back soothingly. “If not right away, we’d never stop trying to make our way back to each other…” He brushed my cheek one more time before heading out the door to start our car. “You ready?”

I quickly grabbed my keys and turned off the lights. Before locking the doors, I took a moment to admire my now quiet store.

Hope truly did blossom here even when I saw no sign of light. All that was left for us to do now was to turn the page and proceed down the lines of the chapters that would follow–no longer needing a name to guide us to be just who we were meant to be.

My name is Alma Rowan. I come from a long line of strong and resilient women whose bravery and love reside not only in me but also in the little Hope inside me.

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