EPILOGUE
RAINA
One Year Later…
Unlike Reaper and Bella, we didn’t want a wedding with a bunch of people around, so we got married just the two of us, with only his brothers and their wives present. It was perfect and only about us. Since we have a new baby, I didn’t have the energy to plan a big event. One thing you don’t realize, before having children, is that they are simply exhausting.
And perfect.
Athena holds our son while Lorenzo takes my hands in his, as we stand near the rock waterfall at Bones’ house. It’s quiet and peaceful as the water splashes against the rocks.
“My beautiful Firecracker. One year ago my life began. You came into my life like a hurricane, threatening to destroy everything in its path. And you did. Raina, you were my destruction, and now you’re my salvation. You give me everything I need, before I even know I need it. I don’t deserve you, but I will spend the rest of my life keeping your heart safe. I will love you and protect you with everything I have.”
A tear rolls down my cheek as I take in a shaky breath.
“Lorenzo, I thought the worst thing that would ever happen to me was you finding me. It was the best thing, because you helped me find myself. I never knew love. Not like this.”
I shake my head in disbelief.
“You’re a better man than you think you are, at least with me, and with our son. Thank you for loving me in a way I never believed anyone could.”
The minister pronounces us husband and wife, and Lorenzo places his hands on my face, as if waiting for this has caused him excruciating pain. He growls into my mouth.
“Mine,” and pushes his tongue inside my mouth, kissing me aggressively, just the way I like. My husband is not sweet or gentle. He’s intense and perfect.
I turn to see our son in Athena’s arms and go to grab him, but she shakes her head no.
“Kiss him, and go enjoy time with your new husband. I promise he’s in good hands.”
Looking around for someone to back me up, I get none. Bella is holding their son Maddox, and Reaper is holding his twin, Axel.
She shakes her head and says, “We are all going to take good care of Greyson.”
Twins.
I’m very happy for her and Reaper, but I’m good with one at a time.
“Say goodnight, Firecracker.”
I kiss our son on the head, our sweet little Grey, and sigh softly. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish my mom could’ve held him, at least once. Lorenzo had her buried in the Bonetti cemetery when I was held in the basement. I didn’t like that he made the decision, but I’m glad she’s close by. Some days I sit out there for hours with her, simply talking about everything and nothing. I don’t blame him for her death, because I know it was accidental, but when I look at our son, I miss her so much it physically hurts. Grey squeezes my hand, like he knows the thoughts going through my head, and he’s offering me comfort. I smile at him softly, this little man changed me for the better. Both my men did. It’s funny how life can change in a moment. A bad thing can turn everything around.
“Firecracker,” Lorenzo growls impatiently.
I give Grey another kiss on the forehead, as he stares at me like his world begins and ends with me.
“I love you. Mommy will see you in the morning.”
Lorenzo kisses him on the cheek.
“Make sure you keep Uncle Bones and Aunt Athena up all night long, like we talked about.”
Bones shakes his head with a groan, and Lorenzo pulls me away from our son, because he knows if he gives me the choice, I’ll never leave.
You know you can fall in love with a man, but I never expected to fall head over heels in love with the child I honestly didn’t think I wanted. The moment I held him for the first time, I knew I had a love for him different from anything I’ve ever experienced. He is an unexpected gift.
Lorenzo helps me into the car, and slides in beside me with a grin.
“What are you up to?”
“Tonight, I’m taking what’s mine.”
He’s talking about my ass. I don’t have to question it, because I know it’s the one thing he wants and has never had, aside from his fingers. I’m a little worried because he’s huge.
“Still trust me, Firecracker?”
A nervous smile forms on my lips as I nod.
“I do.”
I’m terrified, but also know my husband will take care of me. He always does.