Epilogue
LUKA
We landed in Croatia three days ago. But it took us just as long to get to the cemetery in a small Dalmatian village where my ancestors are from.
The sun is high in the sky, the shade of the cypress trees sparse to find. An old church sits on top of a small hill, surrounded by headstones, most of them forgotten. There aren’t a lot of graves here, maybe fifty all together, but every important family member of mine is here.
When Father died, we brought his body here to bury him, next to the woman he loved most. Their grave is dark marble, polished and kept, because Leon and I pay people to maintain it.
Yellow carnations adorn the flowerpots, fresher than any flower in the whole graveyard.
A wooden cross sits on top of the headstone, signaling Father’s recent death.
A sniffle escapes me, and Sophie wraps her hands around my biceps. We both look ridiculous. Her head sports a large straw hat and she’s wearing a flowery sundress. She looks amazing, but the look is not her. I’m in a beige baseball cap and grey sweats.
It’s why it took us so long to get to the village. We needed to make sure we wouldn’t be recognized. It’s why we’re wearing these ridiculous outfits, and we came bright at noon, when the sun is beating down on us with merciless force.
“What was she like?” Sophie asks, her voice barely audible.
“I never met her.” My throat constricts.
“I know. But you must have heard stories about her.”
My lips turn up into a small smile. “I know she loved flowers, yellow carnations in particular.” I point to the flowerpot and Sophie shoots me a smile. “She also loved the sea, and her favorite movie was The Breakfast Club. But mostly he talked about how much he was missing her.”
“He must have loved her a lot.”
I scoff. “He was crazy about her. Even after so many years, he spoke about her like she was right there. Like his memory and love were as fresh as day one.”
“That’s beautiful.”
“Well, now they’re both dead.”
“Or they’re finally together again…”
Moisture pools in the corners of my eyes to the point where it becomes uncomfortable.
She breaks the silence. “Maybe you should talk to them.”
I let out a huff.
“I’ll take a seat there.” She points to one of the shaded benches. “Take your time.”
I see her settle on the weathered old bench and turn around to face the place where my parents lie, hopefully in peace.
I shake my head because what I’m about to do is stupid.
“Hi, tata,” I start, hoping no one can hear me.
I look back to see Sophie checking her phone, paying me no attention.
I clear my throat before continuing, “It’s me, Luka.
I was supposed to avenge your death, to kill the man responsible.
” I sneak another peek at Sophie. “I didn’t.
And I don’t regret it. I think you’d understand.
” I let out a soft cough, trying to push back tears.
“Hi, mama. I should have visited more often. I hadn’t really known what to say.
I’m not sure I do now.” I slip my hands into my pockets, rocking on my heels.
“I’m not sure you’d be proud of the men Leon and I became.
We do bad things. I’ve killed, tortured, and kidnapped, sold drugs and weapons.
But mama, I’m pretty sure if you’ve met the girl I’m here with, you’d be proud.
She’s the smartest and strongest person I know.
She doesn’t take my shit, and she makes me want to be a better man.
” I huff a laugh, surprised by my cliché speech.
“I’m pretty sure if I told you I planned to marry her, you’d be squealing with joy.
And I am. I will marry her. That’s what I wanted to say, I guess. Volim vas. Until next time.”
My hands turn into fists in my pockets, but the efforts are worthless.
My vision is hazy with tears. I turn to reach Sophie, and she jumps up from her seat the minute she notices me.
Extracting a tissue from her purse, she hands it to me.
I wipe my eyes and blow my nose; grateful she doesn’t expect me to talk.
We walk in silence as the church bells start to ring. The melody bounces off the surrounding hills, and I drink in the familiar sight. Sparkling sea in the distance, an olive grove to both sides of the graveyard and the mountains behind us.
But only when the breeze carries her signature coconut scent into my nose do I feel it.
Home.
Sophie
We left Luka’s village after only a day, not risking someone finding out we were there. We’re still in Croatia, though, exploring the country like typical tourists.
I close my eyes under the warm spray of the water, washing off the grime from sightseeing all day.
We’re still on the run. As far as we’re able to track from here, the war between Luka’s family and the Russians is still raging, meaning it wouldn’t be safe to come back.
I know Luka misses home. Some days I battle the guilt about taking him away, but day after day, he reassures me he’s right where he wants to be.
Still, I hope we’ll go back one day. I hope he’ll be able to make his club what he envisioned and that I’ll see Alex again.
Shutting the water off, I grab a soft towel and pat it over my drenched skin.
My hair loose, I tie the towel around my chest and leave the bathroom.
The place we’re renting is a charming studio with historical stone walls and beamed ceilings.
My eyes lower, only to find Luka kneeling behind the living room coffee table.
“What…” I say, before my eyes realize what’s on the table and I let out a gasp. “What’s this?” I approach the table, dropping to my knees in front of it.
“A chess set,” he responds, his voice hoarse.
A chess set is a gross understatement. It’s the most beautiful chess set I’ve ever seen. My fingers wrap around the queen. “What’s…”
“Diamonds.”
The pieces are heavy and covered in diamonds. My hands trail over them. “I don’t understand…”
“You’re not really a ring person, are you?”
He’s right, I don’t wear jewelry at all, and there’s probably a point he’s trying to make, but I can’t quite connect the dots while I stare in awe at the chess set.
Luckily, Luka continues, “It’s why I didn’t want to propose with one. But you still deserve diamonds, mila.”
My damp eyes look up at him.
He licks his lips. “I know it’s not an ordinary gift. We’re not really an ordinary couple.” I snort at that. “Nevertheless, will you marry me?”
My breath hitches and the first tear drops to my cheek.
He mentioned marriage a few times before, but I thought it was far away.
I definitely hadn’t expected he’d propose while we’re still on the run.
Let alone propose with the most thoughtful gift ever.
“You sure? I have cost you a lot. Your business… your family… your brother…”
He rises from the floor and picks my chin up with his fingers, lifting me in the process. Even when I stand, he still towers over me. “If you cost me everything I ever had, it would still be a bargain just to have you. But you, mila…” His voice is as soft as a caress. “You gave me life.”
I swallow, closing my eyes to stop the impending flood of tears. He’s the one who gave me life. I’m finally living, not just surviving.
“What do you say, Sophie? Will you marry me?”
“Of course, I will.” I open my eyes, just in time to see him crash his lips to mine. A whimper escapes me as he growls into my mouth, dropping my towel within seconds. The diamond chess set drops to the floor, while he shows me just how alive we both are. Again and again.