47. Epilogue Mary
“Thank you all for coming. I think we made excellent progress today.” I close my leather portfolio with a snap. “Let’s reconvene next week to review the financials and finalize the details.”
A chorus of ‘Thank you, Mrs. Milton’ and ‘Have a good weekend’ fills the conference room as my executive team files out.
I linger for a moment, enjoying the skyline view from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city sprawling out before me. A smile tugs at my lips as I think back on how far I’ve come.
15 years ago, fresh out of college, I never could have imagined I’d be here—CEO of Wempton Hotel Enterprises, responsible for locations around the whole world and shaping the future of the company my great-grandfather built from nothing.
But then again, I never could have imagined a lot of things back then. Like falling head over heels for a brilliant, brooding hacker who turned my world upside down or discovering that said hacker had been secretly watching me for years and knew every aspect of my life.
My phone buzzes in my purse. I fish it out, a grin already forming as I see the name flashing on the screen.
Connor: Landed and on the way to the last plane. Miss you already.
Mary: Hurry home. Your wife has plans for you tonight ;)
Connor: Fuck. You’re killing me, Blue.
Warmth spreads through my chest, desire already simmering low in my belly. Even after all these years, he still affects me like no one else.
My stalker, my husband, and my partner in every sense of the word. The man who sees me, all of me, and loves me not in spite of my flaws and scars but because of them.
He’s been gone for a week, and it’s killing me.
I slide my phone back into my purse and gather my things, my heels clicking against the marble as I stride out of the conference room.
Jenna, my assistant, falls into step beside me, tablet in hand. “The school called. They wanted to confirm you’re picking up the kids today.”
“I am. Connor’s flying back from his business trip, so we’re having a family night at my parents.”
“Sounds lovely. I’ll make sure your schedule is clear for the rest of the day. ”
“Thanks. Great work today. They loved your idea about the little affirmation notes for the restaurants. We’ll talk about your next steps in this company when I get back.”
She beams at the praise. “Happy to help, Mrs. Milton. Enjoy your weekend.”
With a parting wave, she peels off down a side hallway, already tapping away at her tablet while I continue to the elevator.
Family dinners at my parents are a regular occurrence now, a far cry from the tense, formal ones we had back then. In the years since Connor and I married, since our children were born, something has shifted. Softened.
Oh, my mother still has her moments. She’ll never fully shed that posh, critical veneer. But there’s a warmth to her now, a genuine joy in her eyes when she sees her grandchildren.
The elevator dings, doors sliding open to reveal the parking garage. I make my way to my sleek black SUV, sliding behind the wheel and tossing my purse onto the passenger seat.
My father will be happy to hear we managed to take over the rival hotel chain. Although he’s mellowed in his retirement, content to dote on the little ones and leaving the business to me, he’s always there if I need advice or to celebrate my achievements.
I pull up to the elementary school just as the bell rings, and a flood of children pours out of the double doors. I spot my two immediately—Nico with his mop of unruly dark hair and Ava with her bouncing blonde curls.
They race toward the car, backpacks flapping behind them .
“Mommy!” Ava flings herself into the backseat, all gangly limbs and gap-toothed grin.
“Hey, sweet pea.” I twist around to plant a kiss on her forehead. “How was school?”
“Mrs. Johnson, let us paint today! I made a picture of our family. See?” She thrusts a slightly crumpled piece of paper at me, stick figures in various sizes splashed across in vibrant hues.
“It’s beautiful, baby. We’ll put it on the fridge as soon as we get to Grandma and Grandpa’s.”
“Not at ours?”
“I’m sure your grandparents would love to have one as well. Who’s the tall, slacky one? Your dad?” Oh, he’s gonna love this.
“No, that’s Peter.”
“Who’s P—”
“Hi, Mom.” Nico climbs in beside his sister, his nose buried in a book.
At eight years old, he’s already reading at a middle school level, devouring anything he can get his hands on.
“And how was your day, my little genius?” I place the drawing on the passenger seat.
He looks up, blue eyes serious behind his glasses. “Fine. Is Dad back yet?”
“Not yet, but he will be soon. He’s meeting us at Grandma and Grandpa’s.”
Nico nods, seemingly satisfied, and returns to his book. The title is ‘Advanced Coding for Kids’. Connor. He’s been teaching Nico the basics, nurturing that same brilliant, analytical mind .
It terrifies me sometimes, how much our son takes after his father.
That same intensity, that same single-minded focus. I pray every day he uses it for good, that he doesn’t fall into the same traps and temptations that once ensnared his father.
But then I see the way Connor is with him, the patience and care he takes in guiding Nico. The love that shines in his eyes when he watches our children. And I know, deep in my bones, that he will move heaven and earth to protect them.
I steer into my parents’ driveway, the sprawling estate as imposing as ever. But there’s a warmth to it now, a lived-in feel that was missing in my childhood. Flowerbeds burst with color, and toys scattered across the lawn.
“Grandma! Grandpa!” Ava barrels through the front door without knocking, Nico trailing behind her.
“There are my darlings!” My mother sweeps them into a hug, pressing noisy kisses to their cheeks. “Let me look at you. Ava, did you grow another inch overnight? And Nico, such a handsome boy. You look more like your father every day.”
I step into the foyer, setting my purse on the entry table. “Hi, Mom.”
She turns to me, her smile softening. “Mary, you look lovely as always.” She pulls me in for a hug, her heavy perfume enveloping me.
She’s more relaxed since she has grandkids to look after.
“How are you, Mom? Where’s Dad?” I ask .
“Oh, he’s puttering around in the study. You know how he is, always tinkering with some new gadget or another.” She waves a hand dismissively. “Come, let’s get the children settled. I had Rosa prepare their favorite snacks.”
We usher the kids into the kitchen, where a spread of fruit, crackers, and juice awaits. They dig in with gusto, chattering excitedly about their day.
My father appears in the doorway, a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. “There’s my girl.” He opens his arms, and I step into his embrace.
“Hi, Daddy.”
“How are things at the office? That new acquisition going smoothly?”
I nod against his shoulder. “Finalizing the details next week. It’s looking good.”
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you.”
My mother clears her throat pointedly. “Richard, let the girl breathe. She’s not here to talk shop.”
He chuckles, releasing me. “Of course, of course. Forgive an old man’s curiosity.”
She shoos him toward the table. “Now, sit. Spend time with your grandchildren.”
I hide a smile behind my hand. Some things never change.
We settle in, munching on snacks and listening to the kids regale us with tales from school. Nico goes into intricate detail about the robot he’s building in science class, his face alight with excitement. Ava proudly talks about her latest art project, a collage of brightly colored tissue paper.
This. This is what I’ve always wanted. A family, a home filled with love and laughter. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. Ours.
The doorbell rings. Connor.
“I’ll get it!” Ava scrambles out of her chair, racing out of the room.
I round the corner just as Ava flings open the door, launching herself at the tall figure on the other side.
“Daddy!”
Connor catches her easily, swinging her up into his arms. “There’s my princess.” He peppers her face with kisses, eliciting delighted giggles.
Nico appears at my side, a wide grin splitting his face. “Dad!” He barrels forward, crashing into Connor’s legs.
Connor shifts Ava to one arm, reaching down to ruffle Nico’s hair with his free hand. “Hey, bud. Did you miss me?”
“Duh.” Nico rolls his eyes in a perfect imitation of his father. “You were gone forever.”
“A week, Nico. Hardly forever.” I step forward, my eyes locking with Connor’s over our children’s heads.
Heat simmers in his gaze, a promise of things to come. “Hello, wife.”
“Hello, husband.” I go up on my tiptoes to brush a kiss across his lips. “Welcome home.”
He leans into me, his forehead resting against mine. “Fuck, I missed you. ”
I swat his arm, nodding toward the kids. “Language.”
A wicked grin curves his mouth. “Don’t worry, I’ll save the rest for later. When little ears aren’t around.”
Heat spreads through my whole body, already imagining his hands on me, his mouth hot against my skin. Even after all this time, he can undo me with words and a simple look.
“Mary? Connor? Are you going to join us or keep canoodling in the foyer?” My mother’s amused voice floats out from the kitchen.
My cheeks warm, caught out like a teenager. Connor just smirks, completely unabashed.
“Be right there, Victoria.” He sets Ava down, taking her hand in his. “Come on, princess. Let’s go see what goodies Grandma has for you.”
Nico grabs his other hand, and together they walk into the kitchen. I take a moment to compose myself.
This man. This infuriating, intoxicating man.
I join my family in the kitchen, sliding into my seat beside Connor. His hand finds my thigh, squeezing possessively. I glare at him, but he doesn’t relent.
Conversation flows easily as we catch up on the events of the week. Connor shares a few vague details about his trip, something about a new security system he’s implementing for a client. I’ve learned not to ask too many questions. Plausible deniability and all that .
My mother, of course, can’t refrain from a bit of needling. “You work too hard, Connor. You should take more time off and spend it with your family.”
He inclines his head, a polite smile fixed in place. “I couldn’t agree more. In fact, I was thinking of whisking Mary away for a little getaway soon. Just the two of us.”
My head snaps toward him, surprise widening my eyes. “You were?”
His hand tightens on my thigh. “Of course. We haven’t had any alone time in far too long. I think we’re overdue for a second honeymoon, don’t you?”
“I think that sounds perfect.”
“It’s settled then.” He turns back to my mother, who looks equal parts pleased and put out. “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure the kids are well taken care of. Between you, Richard, my father, and our friends, they’ll be in good hands.”
My mother sniffs. “Of course they will. I just think—”
“Victoria.” My father cuts her off with a gentle hand on her arm. “Let the kids have some time to themselves. God knows they’ve earned it.”
She subsides with a huff, the sides of her mouth quirking up. More time to spoil her grandchildren rotten, no doubt.
As the meal winds down, I catch Connor checking his watch, a small frown marring his brow. He catches my eye, tilting his head toward the door in a silent question.
I rise from my seat. “This has been lovely, but I think it’s time for us to head out. The kids have had a long day. ”
A chorus of protests rises from Ava and Nico, but my mother quickly hushes them. “Now, now. You’ll see Mommy and Daddy tomorrow. It’s time for bed.”
We make the rounds of hugs and kisses and promise to get them in the morning. Connor’s hand rests low on my back as he guides me out the door, a possessive brand that sends heat licking through my veins.
The drive home is charged and electric. Connor’s fingers drum against the steering wheel, his jaw tight with barely leashed tension. I cross and uncross my legs, my skin prickling with awareness.
We barely make it through the front door before he’s on me, kicking it shut and pressing me up against the wall.
His mouth crashes over mine, hot and demanding, tongue delving deep. I moan into the kiss, my hands fisting in his hair, nails scraping against his scalp.
He growls, low and rough, hips grinding into mine. I can feel the hard length of him through his slacks, pressing insistently against my stomach.
“Fuck, I need you.” His words are muffled against my skin as he trails open-mouthed kisses down my neck. “Need to be inside you.”
“Yes.” It comes out as a gasp, my head falling back against the wall. “God, yes.”
He doesn’t bother with finesse, his hands yanking at my clothes with desperate urgency. Buttons scatter, fabric rips, but I couldn’t care less. Not when he’s touching me like this .
Cool air hits my overheated skin as my blouse falls away.
“Look at you.” Connor takes a step back, his eyes raking over me with blatant hunger. “Fucking perfect.”
I arch into his touch as his hands skim over my lace-clad breasts, thumbs grazing my nipples. They pebble instantly, straining against the delicate fabric.
“I should punish you for teasing me like this.” He pinches one tight bud, making me gasp. “Sending me naughty texts, telling me to check the cameras. Fuck, Blue, you’re lucky I didn’t fly straight back.”
“I was hoping you would.” I roll my hips against his, seeking friction. “Wanted you to see what you were missing.”
“Naughty girl.” He nips at my collarbone, soothing the sting with his tongue. “I think you need a reminder of who you belong to.”
“Remind me.” I scrape my nails down his back, feeling the muscles bunch and flex beneath his shirt. “You’ve been gone like forever.”
“A week. I thought that’s hardly forever.”
“Shut up and take me.”
I fell in love with the fantasy of Chris and the thing is, Connor made it real.