Redemption

Chapter 17: The Epilogue

Summary: The epilogue. (The picture above should give a rough idea of what Tara and Amber's house looks like). 

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The atmosphere in the house is lively, with a comfortable hum of conversations blending with the clinking of glasses and soft music playing in the background. Guests move from room to room, engaging in light-hearted banter while sampling the variety of treats laid out on the dining table. Platters of cut-up fruits, assorted cheeses, and crackers are paired with glasses of wine for the adults. At the same time, a colorful punch bowl and bottles of soda are set aside for the younger attendees, who dart in and out of the gathering, their laughter adding to the cheerful ambiance. 

On one of the tables near the entrance, a modest collection of gifts from the guests catches the eye. The array is thoughtful and practical—simple candles with soothing scents, a sturdy knife block filled with gleaming new knives, kitchen utensils that will surely come in handy, a few carefully chosen bottles of wine, and a cookbook with pages full of culinary inspiration. There are two personalized bottle-openers, engraved with the hosts' initials, a beautifully crafted cutting board, and a set of dish towels with playful patterns. Potted plants add a touch of greenery, while cozy blankets and a new doormat round out the collection, each item reflecting the guests' appreciation and well wishes. 

Outside, in the backyard, the energy is even more vibrant. The survivors of the Ghostface attacks have gathered, their bond evident in the way they interact with one another. Laughter rings out as they recount stories and share memories, a testament to their resilience and shared history. 

Chad, in particular, is animated as he regales the group with a tale about one of his Las Vegas Raiders teammates. The story, laced with humor, involves a drunken escapade at a victory party thrown by the coach after the team's Super Bowl win. Chad's expressive storytelling has everyone around him laughing, the mood is light and joyful despite the dark past they share. 

Liv, now Chad's wife—yes, wife—sits quietly on his lap, listening intently as he recounts his story. A soft chuckle escapes her lips now and then, the wine she's been sipping having its effect. Her laughter is light, like a gentle breeze, as she nestles closer to Chad. On a nearby porch couch, Mindy and Anika are perched, indulging in cheese from a platter Mindy cheekily swiped from the kitchen. They listen to Chad with amusement, occasionally exchanging glances as they savor the snack. 

Sam and Quinn, meanwhile, have taken refuge on one of the balconies, each with a glass of wine in hand. They engage in the kind of conversation that only married couples have—easy, familiar, punctuated with quiet laughter and shared looks. They've successfully avoided most of the other guests, content to spend time only with Chad, Mindy, Liv, and Anika. After all, they've made the obligatory rounds and exchanged pleasantries, and now they're free to enjoy the evening in their way. 

Upstairs, in the master bedroom, one of the hosts sits in quiet contemplation. Tara turns a simple ring around her finger—a ring that, while not particularly extravagant, holds immense personal value. Amber had given it to her on her birthday after her metalworking business had finally taken off. It's a small token, yet it represents so much more: the journey they've been on, the love they share, and the life they've built together. Tara's thoughts are interrupted by the familiar feel of strong arms wrapping around her waist. She giggles softly as Amber nuzzles into her neck, her presence instantly soothing. 

"Where have you been all day?" Tara asks, turning to face Amber with a playful pout before giving her a quick peck on the lips. 

Amber chuckles, returning the kiss with a smile. "Just making a few calls, making sure the shop gets closed up," she replies casually as if it's the most natural thing in the world.