SWNOVELS Chapter Just One More Temptation: Epilogue One
Six Months Later
Fallon walked around the gallery which was due to open in five minutes, feeling a sense of pride at the changes that had taken place. The reopening was a major event, covered by the news media thanks to a publicist they’d hired. Inside, it was just a few people, but a crowd had gathered outside, waiting.
Needing a few moments to breathe, Fallon walked into the larger back offices they’d put in during the renovation. After Clara recovered from the poisoning, she’d decided to take more time off and made Fallon a partner in the business. Fallon had wanted to buy in but Clara made it clear, Fallon was the daughter she’d never had. Her only child, with her son in prison for trying to kill them both.
To the twins, she was Aunt Clara, the older woman not wanting to seem as if she were usurping Noah’s parents’ place. Essentially, she became part of their family.
Noah walked into the room and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Are you ready?”
She inhaled, breathing in his sandalwood scent, familiar and calming. She nodded. “It feels like it’s been forever when in reality it’s only been six months since the fire.”
“It’s exciting that Clara was able to buy the entire piece of real estate on this corner and expand the gallery and paint ’n’ sip,” he said.
“It is exciting. We also have new employees to accommodate the larger business and many more up-and-coming artists.” Fallon and Clara were going to be overseers now, managers, and less hands-on. “And a fully staffed coffee bar. I can’t wait to see the patron response!”
“I know you’re consumed with the opening but I was hoping I could have your attention for a few minutes before the doors open.”
“Of course! You can have my attention any time.”
Since their newfound understanding, many changes had occurred. Fallon and Noah had sat down with the girls and discussed her moving in.
Their excitement knew no bounds and Noah had to call Charlie and wake her up to discuss the situation with her before the girls spilled the beans. As he’d told Fallon later, it was a good thing the girls’ mother hadn’t had an issue, since he’d blurted out his insistence that Fallon move in before running it by her.
Fallon met Noah’s gaze. “What’s up?” she asked, just as he dropped to one knee, pulled a small box from his pocket with one hand, and popped it open. “Fallon Sterling, will you do me the extreme honor of becoming my wife?”
“And our stepmom!” The girls, who she hadn’t noticed, came rushing up beside their father.
“Oh my God, Noah.” She took in the large, emerald-shaped diamond ring that stood out in a white gold setting. “This stone reminds me of my mother’s.” The happiness she felt having something similar to her beloved mother’s ring filled her up.
“That’s because it is hers. When I asked your father, he offered me her ring. And knowing how much you miss her, I couldn’t think of anything better. Now can you answer me before my knee goes out?”
“Noah, yes! Yes!” He rose and pressed a long kiss to her lips. When they broke apart, she focused on the girls. “I’m so honored to become your stepmom.” But she’d never try to take Charlie’s place and she hoped everyone, including their mother, knew that.
“Can we call you Momma Fallon?” Dylan asked.
“We wanted to say Mommy Fallon but Grandma said we’d outgrow saying Mommy and then what would we do?” Dakota said, quoting her more practical sister.
“I love you girls. You can call me whatever makes you comfortable and happy.” Her heart filled even more, threatening to overflow with pure, undiluted joy.
Clara joined them and wished them all the best. “Now, it’s time to open!”
Noah slipped the ring on her finger. He grasped her hand, taking Dylan’s in his free one while she grasped Dakota’s in hers. And as a family, they walked into the gallery to celebrate so many things.