Epilogue
MARA
Three Months Later
In my darkroom, I pick the photo from the chemical tray and pin it up to dry, then smile.
I remember the day we took it, just a week after the wedding.
We were at the ocean, Rad reclined on a deck chair, eyes closed, a soft smile on his face.
I snapped it when he wasn’t looking. No glare.
No fierceness. Just him, the inner, unprepared for the world, Rad.
Just that serene, contented happiness that soothes me like a balm every day. I should call it my Rad balm.
Three months on the West Coast. Three months of laughter and love and my body setting alight with desire every time Daddy takes me to the bedroom …
Or kitchen. Or study. Or the second bedroom, just to mix it up.
Or even, and this is my favorite, out into the woods.
I smooth my hand over my belly, walking through the house. We’ve got a view of the sea and quiet for miles around, peaceful, scenic countryside.
When I see his car approaching, I get a tingle in my belly. Not just because I do every time. He’s working as a security specialist, earning good money, and I’ve managed to earn my own place as an art gallery assistant.
No, this isn’t just usual happiness. Today, there’s a special kind.
We started in darkness. In confusion and conflict. But now, we’re straightforward, just a simple, beautiful love. Some might say, boring love, but not me.
I just know he’s going to be overjoyed when I tell him.
I can’t even wait for him to fully step out of the car. My husband, with his tall, wide build, his intense eyes, and a smile that never leaves his lips these days.
“I’m pregnant!” I yell.
He rushes from the car, then slows down, stops and stares like he’s convincing himself I’m real. He knows me, too well.
We were so lucky to find each other, soulmates, despite it starting in blood. Such opposites. In a dark, dark place. And with so many torn, conflicted emotions. These days, I just don’t reflect. Dare not. Only look forward.
“Oh, God,” he says, pulling me into a fierce embrace. “This is just … perfect. Perfect, Mara. We’re going to be a real family, finally.” He genuinely looks relieved and content.
“I’m so excited too,” I murmur, resting my head against his chest. “But we’re going to need to be careful when we tell them how we met.”
“In a car park,” he snaps.
He laughs, hugging me tighter. Then we find each other’s lips, and thinking about anything else is completely impossible. For now.