Epilogue
Tatum
“Happy Birthday!” a chorus of people shout as I step in the front doors of Mom’s Diner.
I yelp, jerking backward into Kodiak’s chest. He chuckles, pushing the door open for me as he keeps a steadying hand on my hip.
As I walk in, I’m overwhelmed by the number of people here to celebrate with me.
Bernie and Chef set off those little confetti poppers, making me laugh. I rush over, giving them a big hug each, thanking them for the sweet surprise.
Dream cheers, jumping up and down as she shakes two pom poms. This has me cracking the fuck up because why does she have fucking pom poms!?
“You’re so extra,” I snort, hugging her next. “Thank you,” I murmur, grateful for her friendship.
“Like I’d miss your birthday, bitch!” Dream shakes her head at me teasingly, sticking her tongue out for good measure.
Bubblegum is here too, which is really sweet. I haven’t seen her since I quit Haze. “Oh my god, hi!” She’s not shy with her physical affection, so she doesn’t even wait for me to fully step away from Dream before she’s hugging me.
“We missed you after you ditched us,” she playfully scolds, one hand on her hip. I blush, tucking a stray hair behind my ear.
“I’m just grateful she worked for me as long as she did,” Candy says beside us, wrapping an arm around my neck so she can pull me in for a half hug before passing me off to Lady next.
“It’s good to see you, gorgeous.” Lady gives my cheek a quick peck, making my mates growl behind us. “Oh, relax, I’m not into my friends.” She waves her hand at them dismissively, and I can’t help but giggle as feelings of intense jealousy flood the bond.
“They’re very jealous,” I whisper, leaning in. “Apparently, they think I’m so tempting that I can turn my friends’ heads.” I roll my eyes, but yelp when I feel hands on my waist.
“If you liked her, then I’m certain you could tempt her,” Easton growls in my ear, but Lady clearly hears him because she snorts.
“You know, in all my years on this earth, I’ve never wanted to fuck a friend. But if you keep it up, I’ll show your girl how a woman deserves to be treated.” Lady smirks at him, but before I can respond, Kodiak is tugging Easton away, distracting him with a sharp bite to his neck.
“He’ll be feisty tonight.” Declan sighs, and I bite my lip. He’s not wrong, but what can I say, I love when Easton gets all possessive and aggressive.
“When he was young, he’d bite your hand if you got between him and something he wanted.” Ghost says, as he steps up beside me. “Happy birthday, Tatum,” he says as he hugs me. He’s got his fingers laced with his mate’s, and Omar leans in for a hug next.
“Oh, Tatum, happy birthday, darling!” Omar leans back a step and pinches my cheek, making me laugh. It feels like something a very elderly grandmother would do. I don’t mind it. Omar is only a few inches taller than me with gray hair and brown eyes. “And it’s all true. We met back then, and Ghost often came home with stories of recently being bitten by an agitated toddler.”
“Oh, I believe it,” I say, glancing over at my mate. He’s got his eyes on me, and they keep flicking to Lady suspiciously. Kodiak keeps his arm around Easton’s shoulder so he can’t cause any mayhem. Probably by tossing me over his shoulder and keeping me far away from Lady.
That’s when I spot them. Meg is here, standing beside my mother.
“Mom…” I whisper, taking in the sight of her bright, beautiful smile. They must have walked out here while I was distracted. I stare at her with wide eyes as she looks happier than I remember seeing her in…years?
“Happy birthday, Tatum!” she says happily, then opens her arms wide, inviting me for a hug. I spin around and crash into her much too hard, but thankfully, Meg anticipated this and helps keep Mom on her feet. I’m wrapped around her like she’s my buoy in a sea storm. Lilies. Fresh, wonderful lilies. I breathe in her scent, letting the comfort of its memory wash over me. She smells like Mom again.
I’m sobbing, like full on hysterics, and for the first time in fucking months and months, my mom holds me back. I mean, really holds me. Her hands clutch my back, pulling me to her even more tightly. I feel like I walked into a dream. Everything I did, every moment of heartbreak. Every lonely night I spent crying myself to sleep while Mom got her treatment. Now here she is…
She’s murmuring soothing words, stroking my hair. She doesn’t try to let me go or stop me from crying, she just comforts me as I fall apart.
I pull back, my hands gripping her shoulders, not sure who I’m trying to steady as I hold her.
“You’re here… How are you feeling? I’ve missed you so much. I’m sorry I didn’t visit you sooner,” I glance over my shoulder at my men, shooting them a glare. “I thought that's where we were going today!” I guess I should have known better. They told me to dress up, and then at the last second, they said we needed to stop at Mom’s because she wanted to give me my birthday cake to take with me to visit Mom.
I knew they were planning something, but I never thought it was a surprise party… I’ve always wanted a surprise party.
“I missed you, too, Tatum,” she giggles, amused by my rapid fire questions. “I’m good, Honey. They have me on stronger meds, and they are finally helping.” She reaches her hand up to swipe my tears away. “And I know. Your mates explained.” She gives me a few moments to get my shit together, taking a napkin off the table behind us and dabbing at my makeup for me.
“They talked to you?” I ask, taking one of the napkins so I can wipe my nose. I glance at them, and they all look nervous and…shy? Oh, that's cute.
“They did. They called to find out how I was feeling and were surprised when I answered the room phone myself.” She leans to the side and winks at them. “That was when we plotted this. It was their idea, of course. I’m so happy to be here.” She cups my cheek now, her own eyes filling with tears. “You did amazing, my sweet girl.”
“Mom…” I reach up, swiping at her tears now as they streak down her cheek. “It’s okay…”
“No, listen. Tatum, your father would be so incredibly proud of you. I am so sorry that I haven’t been…here.” She sniffs, and I try shaking my head to stop her, but she shushes me so she can continue. “This is important, and I need you to hear it. You were so strong, and I am so grateful to you for everything you did to take care of me. Thank you, Tatum. Because of you, I have another chance.” Her voice cracks with emotion.
“Of course… You don’t have to thank me, Mom. I know you struggled, and I’m thankful you got me as far as you did. I love you so much.”
“I love you with all my heart, Tatum.” She pulls me forward and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Now, are you going to introduce me to your mates? I think those boys deserve to know their mother-in-law, hmm?”
Her words make me laugh, and when I turn to the rest of the room, I realize everyone was staring at us. Half the room is in tears, including Hayden.
“It’s good to see you, Hayden, outside of you breaking into the apartment, that is,” my mom says as she pulls my large Alpha into her for a hug. Hayden is pale, and I look up at him with suspicion.
“What's that now?” I ask, eyes wide. Hayden lifts his hand, gripping the back of his neck.
“I checked on her from time to time…” He shrugs.
“He’s a good boy, Tatum, go easy on him,” Mom chuckles.
Watching the gentle way my mates attend to my mom fills me with so much fucking love. I didn’t even know that I could love these men more than I already do, but seeing them caring for her?
Someone call my ovaries and tell them to settle the fuck down.
For the first time since I was seven years old, my birthday feels like something worth celebrating, as I’m surrounded by so many people that love me more than I ever thought possible.
They are my family, and I’ve never been happier.
Mom still has a long road ahead of her, and she’s going to keep living in There For You until she’s deemed able to care for herself on her own by the doctors there.
The guys are already building a mother-in-law guest house on their property. Hayden has even agreed to speak to his mother again to see if they can repair what was broken all those years ago.
As for me and my mates?
We found home in each other's hearts, and no matter what happens in this life, I know we’ll always have love.
The End
Did you enjoy Knot Happening?
Check out Knot Their Valentine, releasing on Valentines day 2025!
Here’s a teaser:
“Dare.”
“I dare you…to…” I squint at him. “Kiss me. On top of being a virgin, I’ve never kissed anyone before.”
“Never?” His eyes are wide as he pushes away from the counter and steps toward me. I shake my head.
“Nope. Alphas have tried, but I was scared I’d suck, and they’d know it was my first time.” I shrug like it’s no big deal, even though it’s a huge deal.
Kissing my roommate is not the best idea. But what could go wrong? He he won’t want to commit to anything.
“Alright, I’ll kiss you.”