Page 134 of From the Wreckage

And in the silence between heartbeats, the vow sears into me as I give it to her, fierce and unshakable. “As long as I’m breathing, you’ll never face this world alone.”

Epilogue: Brielle

FOUR YEARS LATER

The diploma in my hand should feel heavy, but it doesn’t. Not when the diamond glittering on my finger balances the weight. Not when Everett waits for me outside the auditorium doors, pride burning in his eyes like I just won the damn Super Bowl instead of a master’s degree in Counseling.

Before I can say a word, he sweeps me into his arms, spinning me in a circle. “Congrats, angel. I knew you could do it.”

I laugh as he sets me down, my heels wobbling on the polished floor. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

His eyes twinkle as he leans close, kissing me quickly and firmly. “So you’re saying I’m smart? Maybe I should become a counselor.”

I swat his chest, grinning. “You’re smart as hell. But aren’t you busy enough running Dad’s garage?”

For a moment, a shadow flickers across his features before he masks it. “The expansion’s going well. We hired some great mechanics. Business is booming.”

“Youhired great mechanics,” I correct softly. “And I couldn’t be prouder.”

The mention of Dad tugs at me, and for a heartbeat, I picture his smile. I’ll never stop missing him.

Everett squeezes my hand, his gaze holding mine steady, as if he feels it too. “He’d be so proud of you. Of us.”

I nod, swallowing hard. “Yeah. He would.”

“Your chariot awaits, angel.” He gestures toward his motorcycle parked a few feet away, the back decorated with a cheeky sign that reads“Congrats, Graduate.”

I giggle, shaking my head. “You’re too much.”

“Guilty.” He winks, fastening my helmet on with careful hands before taking care of his own.

Minutes later, the bike roars to life, and we speed through Silverpine, my arms tight around his waist, the wind tearing tears from my eyes. When we passKincaid’s Custom Motorcycle Repair & Restoration,I can’t stop the ache in my chest. But I’m smiling when I whisper into the rushing air, “Love and miss you, Dad.”

A flash of red catches my eye. A cardinal lands on the sign, its wings stilling as it perches proudly above the name. And I swear—it’s him. Watching. Protecting.

Still with me. Still withus.

That night, my eyes drop to my hand. I twist the diamond ring, remembering the day Everett slipped it on my finger. He hadn’t taken me to a fancy restaurant or staged some elaborate show. He’d taken me back to the dock.Our dock.The one where Dad teased him about patience. The one where I first believed Everett would never let me fall. The one where I first fell in love with him.

We sat side by side, legs dangling over the water, autumn blazing through the trees. He pulled a sunflower from behind his back—bright, bold, impossible to miss.

“You always said sunflowers made you feel alive,” he murmured, handing it to me. Then he opened a small velvet box. The ring inside sparkled like starlight. “So I thought I’d give you one that never dies.”

My breath caught, tears spilling before he even asked.

“Brielle Kincaid,” his voice was rough and reverent, “will you marry me? Let me keep proving every day that you’ll never face this world alone.”

I said yes before he even finished.

Now, as I stand in front of the mirror, the bouquet trembling in my hands, the satin of my wedding dress whispering against my legs, I close my eyes. And I hear my father’s voice.

“You look beautiful, kiddo. I couldn’t be prouder of you.”

Tears sting, but a smile breaks through.

“You’re always in my heart, Dad. And today, the day I marry Everett, I feel you with me. Every step of the way.”

Epilogue: Everett