Epilogue

Jessica saw her friends regularly, at least often enough not to be homesick. She loved London and traveling to Scotland on occasion. Her writing had increased but only because George was often very busy. Eventually George proposed properly and Jessica accepted. Seth agreed to be her man of honor which delighted everyone and Amos agreed to walk her down the aisle. George agreed to a reception in Cabot Cove for her friends there.

The morning of her wedding, Seth walked her outside to enter the limo with her. They would ride together to the church and then George and Jessica would ride it to the reception hall.

"You look beautiful, Jess." He kissed her cheek. "George is truly a lucky man. Nervous?"

"Not even a little, Seth. I'm just sorry I waited so long."

"Better to be ready and sure than to rush and have it end in disaster." Seth helped her inside and got her settled.

"I just want to tell you it's been an honor being your best friend all these years." Tears filled his eyes. "But now George will fill that position."

"No, Seth. You will always be my best friend. George will be my husband, which is a more intimate relationship. It will be your duty to be there for me when he isn't able, just like you did for me after Frank passed. I love you so much, Seth. You will always be dear to my heart." She drew in a shaky breath. "I expect you here every other Christmas and I'll do the same and travel to Cabot Cove."

"I love you, Jess, now you be happy, hear me?" His voice was gruff and he tried to appear unaffected but Jessica only smiled and shook her head before kissing his cheek.

Jessica leaned over and whispered softly, "I never thought I'd be so happy again."

She and George were very happy for three years. He was killed in the line of duty and Seth was immediately by her side. Since he was retired, he stayed with her for six months before she decided to return home to Cabot Cove. London would always have a piece of her heart but it was painful without George. Fortunately the castle in Wick would remain in the family and a nephew inherited it.

Once again Seth proved himself to be the best friend in the world. Only he could pull Jessica out of depression by cajoling, chiding, even bribing her to remain strong when needed or to let it out as she often did. Losing two men she loved so much was devastating but eventually she started life anew. She dove into writing furiously at first before settling into a routine that offered solace and gave her time to heal.

Returning to Cabot Cove was like a balm to her soul. Friends supported her, often inviting her to dinner or vacations. Her publisher took her RV away but replaced it with a newer model that Seth drooled over. It was parked in his backyard more often than at her place. She didn't travel much for her books and when she did, more often than not Seth accompanied her. His relationship with Veronica had failed but he assured Jessica it wasn't a happily ever after relationship anyway. She pretended to believe him but still felt guilty for taking up so much of his time.

It was only when they traveled to Kentucky for Amos' funeral that Jessica was able to put so much of her turmoil to rest. Amos had lived a full life and his funeral was filled with friends and family that loved him. The repast was filled with stories and jokes that Amos shared previously. Seth kept his arm around Jessica, prepared to shield her from any untended cruel remarks sent her way. It wasn't necessary. She told the gathering that she had loved two vastly different but similar men and she was grateful for the time she had with them.

Later, at the hotel she cried in Seth's arms. The release of the pain was enormous. Life truly does go on. Although they lived separately, when they traveled they began sharing a room, a bed. He to provide comfort and she to accept it gratefully. It was inevitable that one goodnight kiss would lead to another. Jessica shared her love, her body with her best friend with no regrets. Seth was finally able to admit he loved her all these years but wanted her to be happy more than wanting his own happiness. She couldn't marry again. The hurt, the pain would return as soon as he spoke of it so they decided to remain friends and lovers for now. Seth wasn't yet seventy and figured he would give her another couple of years before trying again.

Cabot Cove was still the murder capital of the world so it wasn't due to her presence despite what Mort claimed. The gossip in town was still horrendous but one story that wasn't critical of them was the day Seth moved into Jessica's house. A gala celebration was held for them both at the house.

Jessica wrote her memoirs sharing pieces of herself with her friends and readers. She married Seth within a year of moving in together and prayed she wouldn't outlive another husband. Grady and his wife, Donna moved to Cabot Cove and their grandchildren came to visit every summer. Jessica's great-great grandnephews Frank, George, and Seth were spoiled rotten by everyone. She continued to write and would be in front of the computer right now but a body was discovered by the side of the road….