Contents
Epilogue
Overview
Six months later, Nell thrives with Lee as guardian while Casey homeschools her and grows closer to Lee. A photo reveals Nell’s father is Anton, Lee’s imprisoned brother and Casey’s first friend. Lee’s prison visit confirms he’s concealed Anton’s identity and has been watching Casey for Anton’s sake, delaying romance until he has Anton’s blessing.
Summary
Six months after the storm, Casey teaches Nell poker over breakfast at Lee’s cabin. Nell has gained weight and confidence under Lee’s guardianship, while Casey homeschools her and relishes teaching again. Police pinned Jolene’s death on Jax’s violence, and neither Casey nor Nell faced charges. Lee promises pizza but continues his unexplained Friday absences, which Casey tolerates despite lingering questions.
At the door, mutual attraction simmers, but Lee only squeezes Casey’s arm and leaves. Back at the table, Nell uses an old photograph as a bookmark—her father as a boy. Casey recognizes the boy as her first friend from years ago and breaks down, realizing Nell’s father is someone she once loved and believes dead.
Shifting to Lee’s point of view, he drives to prison for his regular weekly visit with his older brother, Anton. He has maintained the lie that Anton is dead at Anton’s insistence and secured Anton’s signature to become Nell’s guardian. He brings a new photo of Nell and updates Anton on her progress, honoring Anton’s wish to remain hidden from his daughter.
Lee recalls their abusive father and reveals Anton is serving life for killing the man after a brutal beating of teenage Lee. Lee also explains his long-standing tie to Casey: at Anton’s request, he rented the nearby cabin to watch over her after a news story. Now in love with Casey, Lee refuses to kiss her until Anton approves, fearing a refusal yet prioritizing family loyalty over his desire.
Who Appears
- Casey (Elizabeth Casey Carter)Narrates the first half; homeschools Nell, develops feelings for Lee, recognizes Nell’s father in a photo and breaks down.
- Lee Traynor (Bradley)Nell’s guardian; secretly visits his imprisoned brother Anton weekly; in love with Casey but holds back pending Anton’s blessing.
- Eleanor “Nell”Thriving with Lee; sharp and playful with poker; shows Casey a childhood photo of her father.
- AntonLee’s older brother; Nell’s father, alive and imprisoned for killing their abusive father; insists Nell think he’s dead.
- JaxArrested after Jolene’s death; previously stabbed her, supporting the official conclusion that absolved Casey and Nell.