Epilogue
Torch
Five years later….
“Lola!” My wife practically bum rushes the woman as she comes through the door, wrapping her stepmother up in a big hug. “I’ve missed you so much. You guys have been gone for too long.”
“We’ve missed you too, sweetie. And I told your father that we’re staying put from now on. I’m not going to miss a moment of my grandbaby’s life.”
My heart goes out for her. She never got to have kids of her own on account of what the monsters of her past did to her, but if my wife has her way, Lola will be a permanent fixture in our daily lives.
Helping her care for our child once the little tyke arrives.
I’ll be happy knowing Evie will have someone to keep her company while I’m working during the day.
Though, as soon as my kid arrives, I’m taking a long leave from the Vegas life.
“What about me?” her dad asks, feeling left out. But his daughter is quick to turn her loving attention in his direction.
“I missed you too, Dad. I’m so glad you guys are back. Now, come. I want to show you the nursery.”
She drags them off before I barely get my own hugs in, but she is beyond excited.
I leave them be and go grab the plate of burgers to grill. I light the grill and then grab a beer, waiting for the fire to get up to temperature.
“You need any help out here?” my father-in-law asks as he comes up to my side.
“I could use the company. Just waiting for the grill to heat.”
He takes a beer and takes a seat next to me.
It looks like Lola’s rubbed off on him. He’s dressed in shorts and sandals, not pinched tight in a suit.
And the wrinkles around his mouth show how much laughing he’s been doing.
I never thought those two would ever get together, but they seem to be the perfect fit.
How he cracked her tough shell though, I will never know.
“Congratulations, Torch. I’m really excited for you guys.”
Me too. I can’t wait to meet our little one. Adding to our family is going to be a miracle come true.
“You know, I should’ve told you this sooner.
” He leans forward in his chair. His eyes drawn serious.
“I’m grateful I was proven wrong the night of your fight all those years back.
I couldn’t have asked for a better man for my daughter.
I hope you’ll forgive me for how I treated you at the beginning, son. ”
There have only been three times in my life when I’ve been brought to tears.
When my wife appeared at the end of the altar looking like an angel sent from the heavens.
When Evie came home from her doctor’s appointment and told me she was pregnant.
And… right now. Knowing that I have Hemsworth’s full blessing, knowing that he considers me family, was the last piece of the puzzle to this incredible life.
I knew he didn’t hate me anymore. Knew he appreciated me for signing the prenup he drafted, ensuring I wouldn’t take a dime of my girl’s money in the event we split.
But his acceptance and love is what I was holding out for.
“I’m the grateful one, sir. I count my blessings every day that I have that woman in my life. And I don’t blame you for your concerns at the beginning. If we end up having a little girl, I’d do the same thing.”
He chuckles at the thought. “If you have a little girl, God help us both. Your entire world as you know it will end. All you’ll know is how much you want to protect her and keep her safe.
The only thing I didn’t protect her from was my stupid mistakes.
Brought some bad women into her life, and that’s one of my biggest regrets. ”
“But then you gave me the best mother ever, Dad.” We both turn, not having realized the ladies had joined us. They snuck up on us. Eavesdropping as women do.
“That I did,” Hemsworth agrees. “Finally, found the one who made me see the error in my ways. Found my soulmate.” He gives Lola a wink, and she goes to him, taking a seat on his lap. Giving him a kiss.
“Kidnapping is certainly one way to make a woman fall in love with you,” she teases and we all laugh.
“Had to get your attention somehow. It’s all about the grand gesture,” he chuckles.
I shake my head as Evie rolls her eyes, laughing at his ridiculousness.
With the sun beating down, my woman tucked in my arms, her laughter singing to my soul, I’ve never felt so calm. Or so happy.
I’ve found my peace.
And to think… I almost refused to babysit the girl.