Epilogue
Six months later
Beverly Hills, California
Six months had passed, and life looked nothing like it used to for either of them.
Jamie stood barefoot on the balcony of their villa, the ocean stretching out in front of him like a living painting.
The breeze was warm, salty, and soft against his skin.
Daddy Spencer was inside, strumming his guitar while sipping coffee, his hair longer now, a little wild, and his ear freshly pierced—a small silver hoop that somehow made him look even more like himself.
They lived within walking distance of Nathan and Alfie, which meant spontaneous dinners, beach hangouts, and band rehearsals that sometimes turned into wine-fueled jam sessions.
Daddy Spencer and Nathan had started a new band called Proud Insanity after Nathan fired Billy, who’d been more drama than talent.
They brought in a new guitarist and keyboardist who actually showed up on time and knew how to vibe.
Their first gig was this weekend in Hollywood, and everyone was buzzing with excitement.
Daddy Spencer still worked with Malcolm remotely, checking in on Saddle Creek Ranch once a month.
They’d fly out for the weekend, feed the horses, walk the land, and make sure Malcolm hadn’t turned the barn into a man cave.
Jamie loved those visits—loved seeing Daisy, loved the quiet of Montana—but California was feeling like home.
That morning, Jamie got the email. He stared at it for a full minute before yelling Daddy Spencer’s name.
“I got in!” he shouted, waving his phone like a trophy. “UCLA nursing program!”
Daddy Spencer broke into a grin so wide it made Jamie laugh. “You’re incredible,” he said, pulling Jamie into a hug. “We’re celebrating. Fancy dinner. No arguments.”
“What’s in that envelope?” Jamie asked.
“This came from Tom. Sorry, but I opened it first, and it’s good news.”
“From him?”
Daddy Spencer handed him the envelope. Jamie saw a nine by twelve picture of his brother Ben in a Marine uniform.
There was a short note for Jamie. He unfolded the note slowly, the paper soft and creased like it had been handled with care.
His eyes scanned the words, and for a moment, everything around him faded into a quiet hum.
Jamie,
I found your brother Ben. Enclosed is his email address. Currently, he is serving overseas as a Marine in Germany. His tour ends on September 30th.
Wishing you the best of luck with your rock star cowboy. He’s a great singer and guitarist.
—Tom
Jamie’s breath caught. Ben. His brother. The one he hadn’t seen in years. The one he’d thought might never come back. His heart thudded hard against his ribs, and he blinked fast, trying to keep the sudden wave of emotion from spilling out.
He stared at the email address written neatly at the bottom of the page, like it was just another line, but it wasn’t. It was a lifeline. A connection. A chance.
“You’re getting all the good news today, aren’t you?”
Jamie nodded, but his voice was stuck somewhere in his throat. He held out the note, eyes wide, lips parted like he was still trying to process it.
Jamie finally exhaled, a shaky breath that felt like it had been waiting years to escape. “I forgot I’d asked Tom to find him, and honestly didn’t think he would.”
Daddy Spencer stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Jamie’s shoulders. Jamie leaned into him, letting his warmth and steadiness ground him. “As much as I hate Tom, he has redeemed himself by finding your lost brother.”
“He’s coming home,” Jamie whispered. “September thirtieth.”
Daddy Spencer kissed the side of his head. “And when he does, he’s going to see how strong you’ve become. He’s welcome to stay here with us too.”
Jamie nodded, still clutching the note as if it might vanish. Inside, he felt a mix of hope, fear, and something close to joy. Outside, he looked calm, but his heart was racing with the possibility of reunion, of healing, of finally filling in the missing piece of his story.
That night, they went to a sleek rooftop restaurant in West Hollywood, the kind with velvet booths and menus that didn’t list prices.
Jamie wore a blazer Daddy Spencer had picked out for him, and his daddy looked like a rock star in black jeans and a vintage tee.
They toasted with champagne, and Jamie couldn’t stop smiling.
It felt surreal, like all the hard stuff had led to this moment.
Later, they met Nathan and Alfie at a gay bar downtown.
The place was packed, music pulsing through the floor, lights flashing in every color.
Jamie danced with Daddy Spencer, their bodies close, laughter spilling between them.
Alfie twirled Nathan dramatically, and someone handed Jamie a glow stick he didn’t ask for but happily waved around.
They danced until their legs ached, until their cheeks hurt from smiling, until the night blurred into joy.
Jamie looked at Daddy Spencer under the neon lights—his daddy, his boyfriend, his anchor, his future, and whispered into his ear, “This is what love feels like.”
Daddy Spencer lifted Jamie off the floor and spun them around. “I feel our love too.”
The End