Extended Epilogue
QUINTON
Eighteen months later . . . A Balmy Summer’s Afternoon.
The backyard is in full bloom, a landscape of color framed by raised garden beds overgrowing with flowers, vegetables, and the like. The beer in my hand is covered in condensation. I take a sip, the cool liquid sliding down my throat as I sit on the back porch.
Maise and Celeste run through the soft summer grass, arms held high, homemade giant bubble hoops in their hands. Laughter spills through the air as they create enormous bubbles over their heads. When one sinks, bursting over CC, she squeals.
Her small baby bump is only just visible under her pretty yellow summer dress. Maise spins, sending her bubble floating above her head. The smile that blooms over my face is followed by a low rumble of a laugh that emanates happiness.
The paper in my hand that I’d almost forgotten about while watching my girls has me content. The envelope simply has my name scrawled over the front, which means she was here. And hopefully, it’s the only time she ever graces this town with her presence.
I can live with that.