Epilogue
Tizzy
“Tizzy, baby, I got a little surprise for you.” I hear Devon say from the front of the bowling alley. I’m putting the finishing touches on the disco ball I made the guys buy.
“One second. Omen, can you move it one oomph to the left, darlin’?” I ask, hand on my chin and judging if that's a good spot. Omen moves it, but I still can't tell if that's it.
“No offense, Tiz, but I’m gonna need this hand to watch your man's back in the future. You keep me up here any longer I’m afraid I’ll lose circulation to the poor limb for good,” Omen grunts, but still holds the disco ball high.
“Oh, oops,” I wince apologetically. I hadn't realized I’d been taking so long to decide. “That's perfect right there. Now I just need the pink flamingo fairy lights hung, and this place will be…”
“Bunny, you’ve been working for three days straight on this party. I’ve missed your sweet ass, and I’m trying to show you somethin! Get your beautiful ass over here!” Devon grumps, and I can't help but throw my head back and laugh. Oh, that man and his ever-growing obsession. As long as that obsession is focused on me, mama ain't gone complain.
“What is it, man meat? You need another romp in the…”
“Mama, I beg you not to finish that statement!” Lyra says from around the corner, coming out and shaking me right out of my high-heeled boots. Even more so as I watch her wobble out from behind the counter. I’m stunned speechless.
“No, no, let her finish. I’ve been dying to know if Pops is as bossy and commanding in bed. Ohhh, or is he a talker, you know..”
“Pet…” Loki warns as Halle and her man pop up, too.
“GIRLS!!! Oh my stars, what are you all doing here? And when did you swallow a watermelon seed, baby girl?” I squeal, then pull them into my arms. I pull back and touch her stomach. “You're glowing! I can't believe you're making me a Mamaw!” I screech again, and Lyra just chuckles.
“I wanted to be able to tell you in person, but you’ve all had a lot going on.” Lyra gives me a worried look. I hug her again around her big belly. My guess is she's about seven months along. I can't believe she’s here.
“Heard y’all were in a bit of a scrape not too long ago. We couldn't handle the thought of you being hurt,” Piper says, walking up with Izzy by her side.
“We had to come see for ourselves that you and Dad were alright.” Izzy smiles as they stop at my side. I pull them all into my arms and then try to secretly fan my eyes. “Oh, the breeze in here always gets me leakin’ like a rusty pipe.”
The girls chuckle as I hold on tight to all of them.
“This is the best surprise ever. All four of my girls. Right here in my arms.” I take one more minute to soak it all up before pulling back.
“Oh goodness, now where are all my babies at?” I ask, looking around. Grease, Hitter, Swift, and Loki clap Devon on the back.
“Gwow up, Bonx,” Jett says, toddling in and up to her daddy, Hitter.
“I want to pway outside!” Bronx replies, sticking his tongue out at Jett as he grabs onto Swift's pants leg. Swift and Hitter both chuckle as they pick up the two toddlers. Each still locked in a heated stare-down.
“There’s Mamaw’s babies!” I yell before snuggling both of them, causing them to giggle.
“Oh, you all must be so hungry from traveling all day. Let's get you all fed!” I say, turning back to the main area. Stopping in my tracks, I see my whole family, Caesar, Omen, Crypt, Taz, Mania, and Rasp, smiling my way. In the front of the crowd is my man with a box in his hand. I look around, confused.
“Now that the whole family is here, it's time for our happily ever after. Come over here, Little Mama,” Devon says, holding his hand out for me. I don't even hesitate a millisecond to take it, and he pulls me straight into his chest. “I never in a million years thought I would find a woman not only patient enough but strong enough to fit into my life. But then you, my beautiful baby girl, came bouncing into my life. This small little thing with the biggest personality—and hair—I have ever seen. A woman not only strong enough to endure this life, but one brave enough to risk it all to be at my side. Even if that's the last place I want her to be.” He smiles, and I chuckle through the tears streaming down my face.
“I couldn't imagine sharing every magical moment, every priceless memory with anyone else.” He gets down on one knee in front of me and pops open the box. Sitting inside is the biggest pink rock of a diamond I’ve ever seen, surrounded by a halo of white diamonds and placed on a small pink gold band. It’s absolutely perfect, and there's only one thing for it.
“Happily ever after sounds too easy! Let's go for this lifetime and always! I ain't ever lettin’ you go, Big Papa!”
The End