Epilogue 2
I’ve never been so nervous in my entire life.
It’s our first year hosting Christmas with everyone. We’ve had some work done over the past couple of months to the cabin, but it still isn’t enough space for as many people that are here.
Britt is basically in Taylor’s lap—which I think is on purpose anyway. Dom and the guy that set up our security, Ken, are sitting on the stairs. Cal and Ronan, with Charlotte Jayde and Ezra, then Alysa and her boyfriend, are sitting at the dining room table playing with Sofia.
Ronan has made an incredible father, and if I do say so myself, Ayden and I are great uncles. Though, he’d still rather call us Wildhart or stepbrothers. And still shit talks Ayden’s baking. Which really irks me. After everything we’ve been through?
I internally groan.
Over the past several years, it wasn’t just our challenges we faced, but the one’s we called family around us. From the incident with Jayde and Ezra, to the one that tested all of our willpower, Evelyn and Levi.
Ayden is hovering over Kali, who’s chatting with Cal’s best friend, who’s overjoyed by the news she’s a few weeks pregnant.
Today is a day to celebrate, and as I look around the room at these people, I truly couldn’t have asked for a better group to call family.
Christmas has always been an incredibly painful time of year for us. It reminds us of those that aren’t with us, and times where we could’ve done something more for one another.
It reminds me of the time without Ayden.
For him, it brings back memories of Michael.
This year is different than all the rest. We now have new people to celebrate with us, and make memories with.
I’m not usually the sappy type, but something about this season just gets me feeling… more emotional than normal. Britt tells me I need to not hold it back, and I’m doing my best to not bottle it up.
It feels good, honestly. Ayden likes it when I talk it out, and whatever he wants, he gets.
Suppose that’s why I’m so nervous today.
A knock sounds at the front door, and I know it’s our last guests. The door opens, and sheepishly, Evelyn steps inside, Levi trailing just behind her. His gaze finds mine immediately, and he grins, which lifts his scarred eye.
I give him a nod, just as he returns one to me.
“Yay, we are all here!” Alysa chants. “With the help of my twin, we’ve made quite the feast. Jayde has done us the honors of baking a few desserts, since that isn’t my brother’s strong suit.”
“Alright, come on. Not you, too! Don’t I get enough of that from Ronan?”
Snickers and laughter erupt around us. I shake my head and make my way over to him. He’s already beginning to stand, meeting me right in front of the Christmas tree the three of us set up a few days ago, together.
“I can’t get the measurements right…” he murmurs.
“Still waiting for that pineapple upside down cake,” Levi croons as he wraps his arm around Evelyn’s shoulder. Her hand appearing around his waist.
I’m not sure why, but that makes me happier than I already was. They deserve the ending they got, because I know it wasn’t easy.
“Seriously?” Ronan groans. “Even now?”
Evelyn scoffs. “Nothing has changed. I still want your wife.”
Draping my arm over Ayden, I tuck my opposite hand into my pocket. “Alright, alright. Before we either begin a food fight or an orgy, let me say a few sentimental words.”
My eyes flick to Alysa who is grinning ear to ear, which doesn’t help my nerves.
I take a deep breath, before saying, “Thank you all for coming to celebrate Christmas with us. As all of you know, this time of year is challenging for Alysa, Ayden, and myself.” My partner wraps his arms around my center, holding me tight to his side.
“But it’s incredible what a group of friends can do for your mental wellbeing.
Ayden and I aren’t destined for kids, but it doesn’t mean we haven’t grown a family moving into Wildhart. ”
Meeting Britt’s teary eyes, she smiles. “Cheers to that.”
“That’s also why, I couldn’t imagine sharing this moment with anyone else but you all.” My heart races as I step just slightly away from the man I love, who turns to look at me in utter confusion.
I take another deep breath. “Ayden.”
“Keo?”
“I couldn’t imagine my life with anyone else. Just as my soul was meant for yours, I believe yours was always meant for mine.” Pulling out the small orange box in my pocket, I steadily open it while dropping down to one knee. “Ayden Pierce, will you make me the happiest man in the world—”
“Second happiest.”
“Ronan! Shush!”
I roll my eyes, but seeing the teary laugh that lights up the man in front of me makes me chuckle. “The happiest man… and marry me?”
“Yes.” There isn’t a single bit of hesitation. He knows better at this point. “Without a shadow of a doubt, yes.”
Standing to my full height, I grab the back of his neck and meet his mouth in a kiss that drowns out all the sounds around us.
“I love you, sunshine,” I whisper against his lips.
“I love you so much, Keo.” A laugh escapes him, carrying all his affection. “I think you and I… we’re just too perfectly aligned.”
“Why’s that, my love?”
He grabs onto my hand, and drags it down to his pocket, where I feel something hard bulge from it.
Something square.
A throaty chuckle escapes me. “Wow.”
“Wow is right… fiancé.” His hands come to cradle my neck. “Will you marry me, Keoni Pierce?”
It doesn’t seem physically possible to smile wider, but I try. “Fuck yes.” I don’t hesitate to draw him back in, our lips finding each other again.
I know I’m destined to live a full life, surrounded by incredible people. But more important than anything, with Ayden.
My Ayden.
The End.