By the Book

Epilogue

The Tattered Tome hummed with the familiar chaos of a weekend rush. The air was thick with the scent of fresh coffee and baked goods, and the sound of cups clinking and customers chatting filled the space. Miles was behind the counter, expertly juggling orders, his eyes flicking from one ticket to the next. He always had a way of making it look easy, even on the busiest of days.

I moved around the café with a grin on my face, the same soft happiness I had felt so many times before, but this time, it felt more like a homecoming. There was a lightness in my step, a comfort in knowing where I belonged. And I did belong here—both in this café and in this life I had built.

The music played softly in the background, a song we'd chosen together when we decided to make this place ours. I couldn't help but sway a little as I moved between the tables, smiling at the regulars who greeted me. They had become more than customers—they had become part of my life. It had been a year since I made the decision to stay, to build something here with Miles, and in that time, everything had changed.

I paused for a moment, watching him work. Miles's face was focused, but the way his lips curved into that quiet smile whenever our eyes met across the room reminded me of how far we had come. The café, once just a chaotic mess of paperwork and mismatched ambitions, was now thriving—its heartbeat steady and sure, thanks to both of us.

Eleanor would be proud. I could feel her presence in every corner of the shop. It was her legacy, but it was our home now. Miles had breathed new life into it, had turned it into something that felt like it could last forever. And I had become part of that vision. I was the person who helped make sense of the numbers, the one who figured out how to balance the books while still keeping the charm, the community, that made this place so special.

I couldn't help but smile as I thought about my dad. He'd never fully understood my work or my drive—he'd been a man of practicality, of logic, always looking for the bottom line. But I knew he'd be proud of me. Proud of how far I'd come, how I'd found my way back to Portland, back to the things that mattered most. It wasn't just about numbers anymore; it was about family, about building something that meant something.

I had even moved in with Miles. At first, it had been his apartment, but it had quickly become ours. The space above the café had been perfect for both of us—cozy, full of light, and just the right size. It was where we shared morning coffee and where we fell asleep after long days, always with Percy curled up between us. It wasn't just an apartment; it was the place we built our life together, brick by brick, day by day. And every time I walked up the stairs and through the door, I felt like I was coming home—not just to the loft, but to the life we had created.

Tyler and Ben visited often, with Tyler showing up at the oddest times, always bringing his signature blend of chaos and joy. Ben had settled into life a little more, his anger simmering down as he found his own path. They'd both started to understand that life wasn't just about fighting for what you want—it was about learning to appreciate what you had. They'd grown, and so had I.

Even Chloe was thriving. Her career had taken off, and it made me proud to see her rise, especially after everything we had been through. She had moved beyond her role as my assistant and was now leading her own projects, forging her own path with the kind of confidence I had always known she had. Her energy was infectious, and it was impossible not to be inspired by her. She was building a future that was entirely her own, one that felt true to who she was. I admired her more than I could express and valued her unwavering loyalty and friendship. We were all growing, shaping our lives in ways we never expected, but finding success nonetheless.

My work had changed, too. I had gotten an in-house promotion at the firm. I stayed in Portland, focusing entirely on small businesses, helping other people like Miles find their footing, grow, and thrive. It wasn't corporate or flashy, but it was fulfilling. Every day felt like a new challenge, and I embraced it. I had come to understand that I didn't need to follow a set path to prove I was capable. I just had to find my own, and I had.