Epilogue
Adrian
T wo years and six months later…
Stepping outside behind my dad and Tim, I breathe in the evening air. When I moved to Amada Beach four years ago, I never expected to love the town as much as I do. Nor did I expect for my life to play out the way it has.
But as I settle against the porch railing, I can’t pull my eyes away from Blake. She’s still inside, though I have a clear view of her in the living room. Our eighteen-month-old daughter Millie is rattling a toy and talking incoherently to her mom and her grandmothers. All of them look enthralled by the moment, especially Blake as she rubs her swollen belly.
She’s eight months pregnant with our second child. A boy. Leo Michael Jones.
Truthfully, we haven’t been as careful with protection since we got married. It’s not that we never use it, but sometimes we’re desperate, or crave that connection. So, neither of us is all that surprised that we’re having our second child by the time I’m graduating with my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Blake has another year before she finishes her bachelor’s in Community Health with a minor in Business Administration.
Both times we learned she was pregnant we had long conversations about what we wanted to do—what Blake wanted to do.
There was more consideration with the first pregnancy, but ultimately Blake was sure that she wanted to start our family. And even though I was terrified for a million reasons, there hasn’t been a second of doubt since Blake and I got together. The blessing and support of our parents made a world of difference.
Her education was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to make sure that Blake understood I would support any decision we made, and we were partners in this like everything else. Although when Blake puts her mind to something, she dedicates everything she has to that. With a lot of help, a few summer courses, and a couple of half-semester ones, we made it work.
This time around, we’ll have even more help. My mom has moved into an administrative role that allows her to work from home, and the online courses my dad instructs have always allowed him a lot of freedom to work from wherever. It’s not permanent, but they have signed onto a six-month rental in a townhouse a couple blocks away from our small home.
There’s been some hard moments throughout it, like Blake having to adjust to a new medication that she can take while she’s pregnant, and my busier schedule recently. But I wouldn’t change a minute of our lives together, and she swears by the same thought.
“How are you feeling?” Tim asks, pulling me from my thoughts and my attention from my wife.
I figured this is why they brought me out here, even if I don’t know how to articulate everything that I’m feeling. “Overwhelmed, but in a good way.” Glancing back through the window, I catch Blake’s eye, and she offers me a small, proud smile. “Recently, a lot of the big milestones have been about Blake and me, together—getting married, moving in together, having two babies. And fuck, I love every second of it. But… but today is my accomplishment. Something I’ve been working on for years before I knew Blake, and the only other thing I feel dedicated to outside of my family. Maybe it’s selfish, but it’s a different feeling of accomplishment.”
Clapping my shoulder, my dad says in a thick voice, “You should be proud, Adrian. Your mother and I are so very proud that you’re our son. You’re building a beautiful life in Amada Beach, yet your individual accomplishments matter just as much. Don’t forget that.”
Nodding, I swallow the lump of emotions clogging my throat and try to find the words to thank him for everything he’s done for me in my life. I’m not blind to the fact that he and my mother worked their asses off to build a life where I didn’t have to worry about money. I’ve been blessed to have their emotional, and financial, support throughout every step in my life. And regardless of the small inheritance Blake has, she’s aware of everything my parents have offered us.
And all I can do is work to create the same life for my kids—one of stability, love, and comfort.
His eyes brim with tears and I know that there aren’t any more words we need to share. I take after my mom’s personality, though I’ve never needed my father’s words to know how much he cares about me. He shows it to my mom, and me, in a hundred other ways.
Clearing his throat, Tim takes a tentative step forward, seeming to not want to interrupt the moment. But my dad steps to my side and opens space for him.
Over the years, Tim and I have grown closer. Both as family, and also professionally. Even when I had to quit my vet assistant position in the last two years of my program, he supported me, offering advice all the same.
And we haven’t talked about it recently, still I have an idea of what he’s going to bring up.
“I’m also proud, Adrian,” Tim starts. “To have you as a son-in-law and to watch the exceptional veterinarian you’re going to become. And I agree with Will. Be proud of your accomplishments because I promise that your family is.”
“Thank you, Tim. For everything over the last four years.” Taking in his features—so similar to Blake’s in a lot of ways—I note the paternal affection in his eyes that goes deeper than me being married to his daughter. “You changed my life when you offered me that job. I had no idea how much at the time.”
He shakes his head, though it’s more in a speechless way than disagreement. “You changed ours too, Adrian. Especially my daughter’s.”
Smiling, that brings a new spark of life to my heart. Blake’s bloomed in the last few years, but I don’t want to take any credit for that.
“I know your exam is coming up soon, and I have all the faith in you to pass it.”
“Thanks.” The word comes out thick and full of emotion. I’ve never craved the approval of another man before—outside of my father and grandfathers. From my first day of training under Tim, that changed. I wanted him to see me as a competent employee with a lot of potential. As time has gone on, I’ve looked for his approval in more ways than just professionally.
And I think I have it from him.
With an almost shy smile, he rubs a hand down the back of his neck. “I know we’ve talked about you working at the vet clinic as soon as you graduated but…” My brows furrow and my heart drops. It doesn’t make sense for him to rescind his job offer, especially when Blake and I have plans for the outreach program starting in the next couple of years.
“But,” he continues, “I want you to know you have options. You aren’t on a time limit, and that position will always be available for you. This is a really exciting and new time for you, Adrian. I encourage you to consider an internship and residency if you feel so inclined.”
“Oh,” I breathe out. In the last year, I had started to think more about a surgical residency. Tim is an amazing veterinarian, and focuses primarily on patients who need intensive surgeries, leaving the less complicated procedures to some of the other veterinarians. However, we both know he can’t offer me that.
“Look, Adrian,” he lowers his voice in that way he does when he wants you to hear what he’s saying. “I know you and Blake have amazing plans for the outreach program, and I’m so proud to be a part of that with you two. Blake’s goals don’t have to be your only goals.
“So, if there’s something you want to explore or study, do it now. Blake has the support she needs to get things in order after she graduates. I’ve hired staff in the last couple of years with her future needs in mind, and Olivia’s really stepped up to help Blake, as you know. We will always be waiting with open arms, and a white coat for you, son, so chase your dreams first. Hear me?”
It’s not the first time Tim’s called me son, but it’s rare, nonetheless. Glancing at my dad, I note the appreciative smile he offers Tim before turning to look at me. I’ve mentioned the idea of a residency to Blake a couple of times, and of course she’s been supportive—encouraging me to do this for myself.
Honestly, it’s my dad who I’ve opened up to about this the most. He knows my fears—missing my opportunity to work under Tim—and where my guilt lies—taking on another educational pursuit when we’re expecting our second child. But the small nod he gives reminds me of everything else we’ve talked about.
How much help Blake and I have from our families. How I can’t lose myself in being a husband, or father, because Adrian Jones the man, is just as important as those roles. How being the best version of myself is the best thing I can be for my family.
Clearing my throat, I glance at the living room window again. Blake’s eyes are on me still. She tilts her head in a silent question, and I offer her a small, tentative smile. Her lightning eyes move from my father to hers and back to me. After years together, she can practically read my mind by now. So, the nod she gives me is enough, before turning back to the conversation around her, giving us privacy out here.
“Actually…” I turn toward Tim and square my shoulders. “I’ve been thinking about that for a while. And I wasn’t sure, because everything you, Blake and I have planned means so much to me. But I think—no, I know I want to join a residency program. One of the doctors I worked under during clinicals works at the animal hospital in Aurora Hills, and they have a great surgical program.”
Tim grins. “That’s an amazing facility, and the few people I know there are great at what they do.”
“I’ve heard. So, I’m planning on applying for that after I finish my exams.” Most of the time, an internship is a requirement for a residency. After briefly speaking with Dr. Forrester at Aurora Hills Animal Hospital, and with my advisor extensively, I should have gained enough experience to bypass that year. But even if I need that additional year, I’ll still be done with my residency a year before Blake is set to launch the program. And I want to be right there with her for that.
His lips tug even further up, matching the energy of my dad next to me. Pulling me into a hug, Tim tells me, “Let me know when you need a letter of recommendation.”
Smiling and nodding at him, a weight lifts off my chest, and I know I’ve made the right choice. More than that, I know Blake and I will get everything we want from life with the people we’re lucky enough to know.
After another couple of minutes of talking, I find a lull in conversation and slip back inside. As soon as the sliding door opens, Blake and Millie’s heads turn in my direction from the kitchen island.
Everyone inside has moved to the kitchen now. Selena and my mom are getting another glass of wine and preparing dessert—berry cheesecake with chocolate sauce, Blake’s favorite. Sweets in general aren’t my favorite, though I find myself eating them a lot more since I met Blake. Millie’s taking after her mom in that way though.
Walking up behind her, I wrap my arms around Blake’s shoulders and place a soft kiss on her head. Millie’s sitting on the counter in front of her, playing with an edible slime Selena makes for her sometimes. She does well at not eating it, yet she stays entertained for hours.
Maria and Bonnie walk back inside at the same time our dads do. They had gone to Bonnie’s for a couple minutes, having bonded over gardening and become good friends in the last few years. By this point, everyone knows Maria’s a lesbian. She was dating a woman for about two years until they recently broke up. Not that I’d ever ask, I’m not sure how interested Bonnie is in Maria. I can’t help but notice there are hints of something more .
Taking a look around, almost everyone that we care about is here, celebrating my graduation.
Grady couldn’t make it, but he’s been more distant lately. It hurts Blake. Though outside of Catalina and me, she doesn’t talk about it much.
Over the years, Jatin and I have stayed close. It’s been nice having a friend to go through the program with. He’s planning on moving to New York City to be with his siblings. I’m not worried about our friendship. Blake’s still best friends with Margo and Meera. The former is on a family vacation in Europe, and the latter is celebrating her brother’s graduation with their family. We have plans to celebrate over dinner when Margo gets back into town. It’ll be our typical group of friends—Jatin, Dev, his fiancée Lina, Meera, her boyfriend of about a year Zane, Margo, Blake, and me.
For a while, Blake was worried about Margo feeling left out, or rejected by Jatin, with everyone else paired up. But after our winter trip to Durango, she’s starting to see what I always did. Jatin’s growing interest in Margo and the real chance she has.
It’s been a good few years.
Blake’s hands grab onto my forearms, pulling me closer to her back. Her familiar fresh melon scent envelopes me as I get lost in the chatter of our family, and the sight of my daughter giggling in excitement. One of my hands drops to Blake’s belly the same moment our son kicks, causing her to slightly flinch, but smiling up at me all the same.
And I know it’ll be an even better life.
Blake
Four more years later…
Standing next to my brother, I take in the sight before me, tears in my eyes.
It’s been about seven and a half years since Adrian, and I first talked about the possibility of opening this program to help pet owners and animals in the area. From that day in his old apartment, it feels like time has sped up. More than my professional future changed that day—like my relationship with Adrian, which has brought us seven years of marriage and three children. Our youngest and last child, Kayson, is a little over a year and a half now.
He wraps an arm around my shoulder and asks, “So, how are you feeling?”
Looking up at him, a peace settles over me. It’s been about three weeks since Grady moved back to Amada Beach with his two daughters. He and Arielle separated when their youngest daughter Daisy was three. I know he has mixed feelings on the situation, even if he won’t talk about it. He’s lighter in some ways, and the happiness of being back in our hometown is apparent. But I see the way he looks at our parents, or Adrian and me.
It makes me feel a little guilty to be so happy that he’s permanently back in town. Though it doesn’t change the fact that I am. Our kids get to grow up together. They get the same sense of camaraderie we had with the Davies siblings, despite our mostly estranged relationships with them now.
All five of the kids—my three and Grady’s two—are with my mom and Cami today. Adrian’s dad and Maria are volunteering in the registration tent, along with our friends. Jatin included since he isn’t licensed in California. But now that Margo has had him wrapped around her finger for about two years, I know he prefers being with her when it’s possible. He’s the oldest of the Iyer siblings, and the last to get married, though everyone’s parents are very excited about their families joining in the future.
“I’m overwhelmed,” I admit. “What if it fails? What if it ruins our dad’s business? What if—”
Shaking his head, he turns toward me and grabs me by the shoulders. He’s less than half a foot taller than me, but he leans down to look me in the eye all the same.
“No, kid.” The last time he called me that was when I gave birth to Millie. In a lot of ways, I appreciated that he dropped the nickname. It felt like he was starting to see me as more than someone he has to take care of. But at this moment, it’s a comfort I didn’t know I needed.
“You’ve put too much into this,” he continues. “You have every ounce of Dad’s support in this. You have an amazing team who has dedicated the last three years to this and so much family that loves you. Not to mention, a husband who would never let you not reach your dreams. But more than anything, you have the heart, and the brains, for this.”
Feeling like a young girl afraid of rejection and disappointment again, I quietly ask, “Do you mean that?”
“ Yes , with everything I have. I believe in you, Blake.”
Stepping back, he sweeps an arm out to the side. My eyes follow the movement and take in the large tents that cover the clinic’s parking lot. Part of them will be used for check-in, and the other half will be used for routine exams and vaccinations. The scheduled surgeries we have for the day, including room for limited walk-ins, will be handled inside as usual. We have the full staff volunteering, as well as staff from Aurora Hills Animal Hospital and another clinic in San Diego.
And with the budget we’ve worked out through grants, donations, and fundraising, it’s more than I ever could’ve dreamed that night on Adrian’s old leather couch.
“This is just the beginning,” Grady promises.
Smiling, I look at him from the corner of my eye.
I don’t see Catalina anymore. It depends on what I need at different times, but I’m still on my medication and I’ve started to see another therapist. A couple of years ago, she suggested it was time. That we’d gotten to a point in our professional relationship that had sort of met its peak. It took me a while to understand that without feeling rejected or dismissed, and I’ve talked about it with my new therapist.
But Grady’s sentiment reminds me of her, sending a wave of comfort through me.
Catalina promised that my life was just beginning, that there was so much good to come, and that I had no idea.
And… she was right. I’m confident in saying she’d be proud of me today.
“You’re right,” I tell my brother.
Nodding toward one of the registration tables, he takes a step in that direction. “I’m going to talk to Olivia and see where she wants me to help up here. However, in case you didn’t get the memo, I’m proud of you, Blake.”
Rolling my eyes, I turn to walk inside, instead coming face to face with Adrian.
He’s a few feet away, leaning against the front door’s frame with his hands in his pockets, and that goddamn perfect grin of his.
He’s as handsome as ever. Maybe more so since time has only been in his favor. Some of his boyish features have faded. His round face has sharpened slightly into a more defined jaw and cheekbones. But his deep dimples and affectionate gaze are the same as seven years ago.
Taking a step in his direction, I watch how he takes in my body every second of the way. When he runs a hand over his buzzed hair, and down the back of his neck, it never fails to send a thrill through me. He has this ability to make me feel like I’m getting more beautiful by the day too.
“Hey, pretty girl,” he greets in a low voice and wraps an arm around my waist.
Leaning on my toes, I press our lips together, knowing we’re going to be busy for the rest of the day. “Hey, love you.”
Pulling me in for one more long, but chaste kiss, he murmurs against my lips, “Love you. And I’m so fucking proud of you.”
Falling on my heels, I tilt my head and let my gaze move affectionately over him. “Don’t fight me on it, but I couldn’t have done this without you.”
He squints his eyes and shakes his head as he smiles and doesn’t argue with me.
I mean it though. Deep in my soul, I know it’s true and he does too. Maybe our lives would’ve been happy, but it wouldn’t be this life.
And I wouldn’t want any other alternative because it couldn’t be better than ours.