SNOWBOUND HEARTS: Epilogue

But he’d learned that the women in his life, both living and deceased, didn’t really give two hoots about his discomfort.

Snowbound Hearts is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations, reviews, and articles.

Copyright © 2024 by Mina Beckett

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-7375127-6-9

Print ISBN: 978-1-7375127-7-6

Published by: CurtissLynn Publishing

Cover design: Shiver Shot Design

All rights reserved.

BEHIND THE WORDS

Writing this epilogue felt a little like saying goodbye to old friends—bittersweet but filled with warmth and hope. Dwight’s conversation with Tamara’s memory was emotional to explore, because it symbolizes the reality of grief: the way it fades but never fully leaves us, gently guiding us forward until we're ready to let go.

Dwight had to face his deepest fears here—the fear of losing someone again, of not being enough for Anna and their family. But love always involves taking a risk, even when the past whispers in our ear, reminding us of what we've lost.

This scene came from a heartfelt belief that we all carry our past with us, but it doesn’t have to define our future. Dwight’s quiet realization—that life is unpredictable, sometimes painful, but also incredibly beautiful—is something I hope resonates with readers who know the messy yet wonderful reality of second chances.

And that surprise at the end? It was just my way of showing that life keeps moving forward, even when we're still holding tight to yesterday.

Ultimately, this epilogue is about healing. It’s about finding the courage to reach out and grab hold of new beginnings, even while honoring the love and memories that shaped who we’ve become. It’s Dwight’s gentle goodbye to Tamara, yes, but it’s also his hopeful hello to the beautiful future that awaits him with Anna and their family.

I hope this final glimpse of Dwight and Anna leaves your heart full and believing that love always finds a way—even after loss.

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EPILOGUE

Dwight.

Hmm?

Are you awake?

Was he?

He shifted his gaze towards Anna, who lay sleeping next to him. His eyes traced the contours of her face, softened in slumber. The gentle curve of her dark lashes created crescent shadows on her cheeks.

The voice clearly wasn’t hers. “I think I am.”

His gaze swept the bedroom. No one was there.

Don’t be alarmed. It’s only me.

He could hardly believe it was her. He hadn’t heard her voice in nearly a year. “Tamara?”

Anna stirred beneath the covers.

Shhh… don’t wake her. She needs her rest.

He shifted his head on the pillow, not knowing what to say to the voice that he’d once longed to hear.

You don’t have to talk. Just listen.