EPILOGUE – VENOM
EPILOGUE
VENOM
Damon visiting us became a new routine, all three of us growing closer with each visit.
He filled the empty hole in our home and heart that Ev left, with his wondrous spirit, infectious laugh, and incessant questions, always eager to learn.
He quickly developed a passion for snakes and plants, making me so proud.
It was like staring at a version of myself I could have been if not for the childhood I had.
Although the Jamesons were nice folks, it became clear where Damon truly belonged. And that was with us.
I left the decision ultimately up to Ivy, not wanting to push a child on her, but she insisted she wanted this too. She wanted Damon, wanted a real family with us.
We all needed each other in a sense, to help heal and grow, and we desperately wanted to give him the life we both never had.
Ivy and Damon healed old wounds I didn’t know still lingered below the surface. My nightmares finally completely stopped as life had become so different, filled with more love than I ever had and never could have imagined.
After months of back-and-forth bullshit paperwork and court appearances, Damon was officially ours.
I’ll forever remember the way his face lit up.
“It’s done. You’re ours and officially home. Welcome to the viper’s pit, Damon,” I said.
A high-pitched screech left his throat as he launched himself at Ivy and me, squeezing us tight before breaking down in a sob with tears of relief and happiness.
IVY
“Another surprise?” I ask when we pull into town, and I begin to put the blindfold on.
“We have forever together, get used to surprises, darlin’.”
The car finally stops, and I hear Damon get out of the back seat and then my door opens and he’s grabbing my hand.
“Come on!”
I laugh and let him help me out of the car. “You guys are in on this together, huh? I’m not sure if I should be more concerned now.”
“Dad said you’re gonna love it.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Venom comes over, wrapping his arms around me and I lean against him.
“I hope it’s everything you dreamed of.”
Then he pulls the blindfold free.
In front of me is the most charming building I’ve ever seen. It gives off that hidden gem vibe, like something you might find tucked away in an alley in Italy.
The doorway is framed with peonies, roses and climbing ivy as well as hanging ferns. There’s a wooden ladder to the left with small potted lavender and succulent plants. Fresh cut roses ranging from soft pinks and deep reds to vibrant yellows and oranges sit in baskets on the ground.
I look back up to the vintage looking sign above the doorway which is surrounded by a garland of dried flowers and more ivy that intertwine with a stream of delicate lights. I cover my mouth to stifle a sob when I read the sign, the words sit curved above dahlias with a snake coiled around them.
The Blooming Viper.
I turn to look at Venom. “Is this—”
“Yours. All yours, sweet beast.”
“You’re serious? My own flower shop?” Tears cascade down my face, and I laugh with happiness.
He grabs me into his arms, kisses a runaway tear and licks his lips.
I fell in love with Venom’s greenhouse right away—the beauty of it all. I used to think baking brought me peace, but the greenhouse, being surrounded by nature and helping things thrive, gives me a kind of peace I’ve never known, a kind of happiness I’ve never experienced.
Although the greenhouse has started to feel like ours, Venom gifting me my very own space—a place where I can feel not only peace and happiness but also purpose—is the most thoughtful and incredible gift I’ll ever receive.
I kiss him, melting into him and feeling all the love he has for me.
“Ew, stop. Come on, let’s go inside! I want to show you what I planted!” Damon says with excitement.
“Alright, alright, show me.” I reach out my hand, and he takes it, running ahead and pulling me after him, leaving Venom to catch up behind us with a big smile.
And as I look back at him, still holding on to Damon’s small hand, I realize I have everything I ever wanted in life, but thought I never would ever have. A family and a visceral love—and it’s all thanks to the most venomous man I’ve ever met.