Chapter 18: To Hope
The ride back was not one of celebration. Many had perished on the road to final victory. There was however, a sense of relief. The war had finally been won. Eden's Gate was no more. Now would begin the long task of rebuilding, of healing. But before that, there was one last thing to do. Chris and Rachel packed what they could. They would no longer need the guns but both kept a pistol with them just in case. Nick had offered them a flight out since the roads were still blocked. But first, everyone had to say their goodbyes.
"I'll miss you honey." cried Adelaide.
"I'll never forget you dude" said Sharky.
"Or the good times we had." Added Hurk.
It was an honor fighting alongside you." said Grace as she shook his hand.
"Chris, you'll always be welcome here." Pastor Jerome proclaimed.
"We'll miss you dearly" sobbed Mart May.
Chris shook the sheriff and Pratt's hand and hugged Hudson. "Thanks for all you've done Rook." Said Whitehorse
"Take care Rook" Hudson said with a bit of passion. Pratt simply nodded at him.
Kim was next to see them off. "Come visit your god-daughter and us again alright?"
Chris smiled. "Count on it!"
The last one was Jess. Chris at first saw that same emotionless face. But it quickly turned to tears as she rushed and embraced Chris with a force that only Jess would give. "Please come back soon. I'll miss you." She whispered.
"We'll come back." Chris whispered back, When Jess was done with him she went to hug Rachel which shocked everyone.
Rachel smiled and embraced Jess tightly while patting her back. "We promise."
Finally, Chris and Rachel boarded Nick's plane. As they took off, they saw everyone waving to them.
"Where to?" asked Nick.
"Colorado"
As they flew higher, Chris and Rachel watched as the saw the sun was setting on Hope County "To Hope." Remarked Chris
"To Hope." Answered Rachel as they kissed in the light of the sun.
Author's Note: And that's it!. Sorry for such a short epilogue. Thanks to all who read and followed this story.