Epilogue
Kain
Three months later
Inside Godfrey’s office, I stood at the conference table, reviewing the blueprint of our new project.
After several conversations with the boys, we purchased Ozarrow Woods, which included the lake.
Most people would stay clear of a place that had haunted them, but Godfrey, Hudson, Timber, and I wanted to look the monster in the face when we demolished it to rebuild something better in its place.
It was our healing journey and the preparation for a more secure future.
People like Hawthorne were everywhere, and we had to prepare.
The data I’d stolen from Hawthorne was passed to Detective McNally and the media.
I gave the information to my friend Orion Reinmann, who owned a media company.
His reporter wife had shared the names of those who had hired Hawthorne to kill people for their organs.
People needed to be aware of the corrupt world.
We knew this information would disrupt the elites, but we were ready for them.
“The first draft looks good,” I said. “We’ll talk it over when Timber returns from London. Where’s Hudson?”
“Stuck in a meeting,” Godfrey said. “He’ll come later.”
“I can’t stay long today. Dinner plans with Eva.”
“I’ll let him know what we discussed.” Godfrey’s phone rang. “Speak of the devil. What’s up?”
I snapped photos of the blueprint on my phone to review again later.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll go help her.” Godfrey walked over to his desk. “It’s no bother. Text me her address.”
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Hudson is supposed to help Stori move some furniture to her new apartment, but he can’t get out of the meeting. I’ve got to go.”
“Okay, we’ll resume another time.”
I texted Eva.
Kain: Heading back now.
Eva: Don’t come up yet.
Kain: Why not?
Eva: Need more time. Will text you when I’m ready.
Kain: Want me to pick up anything?
Eva: Vietnamese iced coffee. Thank you!
Kain: Got it.
Eva had moved in with me and completely changed the energy within the penthouse. The air was sweeter; the vibe was gentler. Love radiated throughout our home now. Even the plants seemed happy. I retired from making floral arrangements.
Right now Eva was busy decorating our shared office space, which had been my office inside Kessler’s Studio. We painted it a light yellow last week. This week was for decorations, and I trusted her judgment.
I entered my building and ordered her coffee from Saigon Café. The Marketplace was a hit for the community, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision for the retail space.
With coffee in hand, I stood and looked out at Etched Square, where college students, business professionals, and families with kids filled the sidewalks.
More retail shops now occupied the vacancies at the boys’ buildings, and the common area at the center of the square was always bustling with energy.
When my friends and I developed the square, we wanted a place that mirrored our personal growth.
These buildings represented our foundation and a vision for a bright future that prepared us for whatever may come.
So much had happened, and yet we remained steadfast. I was proud of myself and my friends.
My thoughts wandered to the dinner with Harry, Camila, and Emilio last week. They had expanded their bingo game after I renovated a room on the first floor to be a communal area for the residents. Harry, Camila, and Emilio volunteered to manage it for me because they were living there rent-free.
It was hard to convince them to accept my offer. Emilio, Camila, and Milo all helped me find Eva when she was kidnapped, and I was forever grateful to them. I had more money than I needed in this lifetime, and I didn’t mind sharing it with those I cared about.
I hired Milo on a part-time basis, developing security software to protect my assets. The kid was a genius, and I’d learned more about his fascinating past, which would help my friends and me locate Hawthorne and destroy him forever.
But that could wait. I had a life to live with the woman who loved me. My life revolved around her now.
In addition to Milo, I also hired Newton, who turned out to be Emilio’s nephew. Newton stayed on the West Coast working his day job while helping his uncle compile information about Scorpion Trine, an organization I hadn’t had time to look into yet.
So many changes had happened, and I welcomed them all. My phone buzzed, pulling me out of my thoughts.
Eva: Ready for you!
I grinned at her text, feeling like an idiot for loving something so simple. It wasn’t meant to be sexual, but my mind went there anyway. She had no idea what I had planned for her.
Tapping the jewelry box in my jeans pocket, I made my way back to my office. Eva stood outside our office, beaming and looking suspicious.
“Here’s your coffee.” I offered it to her and looked at the closed door. “What did you do in our office?”
“I painted it pink.” Laughter flickered in her eyes as she sipped her coffee.
“You did not.” Half believing it, I cupped her face and kissed her.
“Would you still love me if I did?”
“Yes.” I tried to envision the office in shades of pink and cringed. “But you’d have to pay for the visual assault.” I pulled her close, giving her ass a good squeeze.
She laughed and opened the door for me. “Welcome to your side of the new office!”
Different plants in a variety of colored pots covered my conference table.
Some pots had abstract faces on them. Some vases were in the shape of men’s torsos and human organs.
One vase was modeled after an arm holding up a small potted plant.
A few of them sported leather ribbons and metal wire accents.
A wooden board with the words Fine SpeciMens burned into it described the collection.
She’d added accent pillows to the couch and chairs at the conference table. The curtains at the windows were now modern blinds, brightening the entire room.
I walked up to the two frames highlighting the two passionflower pieces I’d drawn for her.
“They look nice in this gold frame.”
“Sure do.” She placed her coffee on my desk and walked over to me. “Do you like your office space?”
“It’s incredible.” Turning around, I took in all the decor. “I’m glad the office isn’t pink.” I picked up a gray vase with a smiley face. The small aloe gave it a spiky-haired appearance. “This is your new collection for the shop?”
“Yes.” She wrapped one arm around my waist. “You inspired all of this. You’re a fine specimen—the perfect example of what a man should be.”
My heart thudded at her statement.
“Thank you.” I kissed her. “It’s a fine collection indeed.”
She rolled her eyes but smiled. “Women can buy these plants for their men. Or men can pick them up for their loved ones. They’re gifts that keep growing and growing.”
“Just like our love.”
She placed a gentle hand on my cheek. “Like plants, our life will flourish forever and ever as long as we feed it with love.”
Eva may be a lot younger than me, but she possessed wisdom that taught a man like me how to love—how to live.
Nerves danced in my stomach. “Eva.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve got a decoration for you too.”
“What?” She lifted her face to me, looking adorable.
“Close your eyes.”
Eva
“Don’t open your eyes until I say so.”
“Okay.” I covered my eyes with both hands, waiting.
What was he up to? Did he create another floral arrangement for me? Did he draw another tattoo design for me? The passionflower on my shoulder looked gorgeous. I showed my friends, and they were all interested in getting inked too.
I heard shuffling noises but kept my eyes closed.
“Okay, open your eyes.”
My heart raced seeing Kain down on one knee, holding out a box with a gorgeous diamond ring. Oh my God. I placed a hand over my pounding heart. This incredible man wanted me to be his forever.
Kain met my eyes. “Eva, I love you more than I can say. You’ve changed my life for the better. Since you believe I’m the finest ‘SpeciMen’ to ever exist, I’d be honored if you married me to strengthen our deep roots and grow old together.”
I didn’t need to think about the answer.
“Yes!” I choked out a joyful sound as tears streamed down my face.
Joy blazed from him as he slipped the brilliant-cut diamond onto my finger, fitting perfectly.
He got up, lifted my hand to his lips, and kissed it. “Ready for the adventure of a lifetime with me?”
“I’ve been ready since the day you came into my flower shop.” I threw my arms around him. “Can’t wait to share the news with Grandpa and the others.”
“There’s a place I want you to visit with me.”
“Where?”
“To introduce my fiancée to my mother.”
Warmth spread through me. “I want to meet her too.”
I knew he’d dispersed her ashes at sea. “I can get rose petals, and we can offer them to her.”
“She’d love that.” He wrapped his arms around me. “Thank you.”
Life was a bouquet made of all the beautiful things you put into it. Kain had filled my life with so many wonderful flowers and colors, and I couldn’t wait to see what new bouquets we could create together.
Thank you so much for reading!