Epilogue - Ronan
Two years later
I take a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of the blooming roses that line the garden while the sun warms my skin.
I’m holding my twin son and daughter in my arms, their chubby cheeks flushed with excitement on their first birthday, while I search for their mom.
All around me, our friends and family mingle, laughter and the chatter filling the air.
“Where’s mommy?” I ask my children.
I see my daughter-in-law Nadia, heavily pregnant with her and my son, Oscar’s third child. She chats animatedly with my daughters, Amelia and Olivia. I can’t help but smile at the sight of our growing family.
“Can I help with one of those?” Niall asks, holding out his hands. Over the past two years, our relationship has gotten better. Mainly after speaking to him about the way he treats Lucia. He admitted he was hard on her, but it came from a good place. I’m still not sure I’m on board with his decisions, but because of Lucia, I choose friendship rather than have him as a foe.
He takes Freddie from my arms, because my daughter is quite clingy. I’m not complaining, I’m not making the same mistake twice.
My gaze finds Lucia. She is laughing along with her friend Violet and a few of her work colleagues. She’s still a lawyer but now works part time, telling me she refuses to give it up, despite not needing to work. But working part-time has allowed her to pursue her love of painting.
She’s sold a few pieces of artwork in the past year. She loves to relax with a paintbrush when the children are napping.
She laughs again. The sound makes my heart swell. Two years ago, I never would have imagined I’d be here, surrounded by my family. Once over, I thought working in my clubs and making money was all I needed. But I wouldn’t change what I have right now for anything.
Yes, I still have the clubs. Zander and I bought a club in Miami and another in Chicago. I’m always looking for more ventures.
“Dada,” Flora babbles, her tiny fingers gripping my shirt. “Down dada.”
“Alright, my little princess,” I murmur, carefully placing her feet on the soft grass. Freddie wiggles in Niall’s arms when he sees his sister on the grass. He wants to be wherever she is. I love that they are so close.
Niall chuckles as he sets him down next to his sister. The twins immediately clasp hands, Freddie protectively guiding Flora as they take their wobbly steps.
“They’re growing so fast,” Niall says, a fond smile on his face as he watches my children. “And Lucia, she’s never been happier.”
I nod, surprised by his words.
“I’m glad she has you, Ronan,” Niall continues, placing a hand on my shoulder.
During the first year of my relationship with Lucia, Niall had been wary of me, concerned that I was taking advantage of his daughter. But now, he seems genuinely pleased that we found each other.
Before I can respond, my daughter Amelia approaches, a warm smile on her face. “Dad, can I steal you for a moment?” she asks, her gaze flickering to the twins. “I have something I want to discuss with you.”
I glance down at Flora and Freddie, who are now chasing a butterfly, their laughter ringing out.
“I’m here for them.” Niall says.
“Thanks.” I follow Amelia to a quiet spot near the rose garden, my heart hammering against my ribs. She turns to face me, her hazel eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Everything Is prepared, Dad. Are you nervous?”
“Terrified.” I run my hand through my hair, a habit I’ve never managed to break when I’m nervous.
“What do you think she’ll say?”
“That’s why I’m terrified. What if—”
Amelia’s hand rests on my shoulder. “She loves you. You love her. And I love this new version of my dad. She gave you that.”
“What are we talking about?” Olivia appears beside us, her dark hair swept up in an elegant knot.
“Dad’s big moment,” Amelia says.
Olivia’s face lights up. “About time. You know, she changed you. Made you better. Not that you weren’t great before, but now...” She gestures vaguely. “You smile more. You are so much nicer.”
“It means a lot.” My voice cracks. I love that these beautiful, strong women—my daughters—support me like this when I was not the perfect father for them growing up. I clear my throat. “Really.”
“Get prepared,” Amelia says, shooing me back to the party. “We’ll handle everything else.”
When Amelia gives me the thumbs up sign, I position myself under the arch of white balloons Amelia and Olivia arranged.
Amelia’s voice booms over the portable speaker system. “Would everyone please make their way to my dad? He’d like to say a few words.”
I wave Lucia over, my heart thundering against my ribs. She strolls across the grass, her sundress floating around her legs. The moment she reaches me, she wraps her arms around my waist, pressing against my side.
I clear my throat. “Thank you all for coming today to celebrate Flora’s and Freddie’s first birthday. Having friends and family here means—” Movement catches my eye. My words falter as a figure appears behind the crowd. Sweat breaks across my forehead, but I force myself to continue. “Means everything to us.”
Turning to face Lucia, I capture her hands in mine. She tilts her head, her brow furrowing.
“Two years ago, I thought I had everything figured out. My businesses were thriving, but I was empty inside. Then you walked into my life and turned everything upside down. You showed me what real happiness feels like. You gave me these beautiful children. Your love transformed me into someone worthy of you, of them, of this family we’ve built.”
I lower myself to one knee.
“Hope he can get back up!” Zander calls from the crowd. “At least we have a couple of doctors here.”
I laugh, the tension in my shoulders easing. Once, that comment would have sent me spiraling into self-doubt. Not anymore.
“I love you, Lucia Simmons. And I thought it was about time I bought you a diamond.”
She laughs. The sound is pure joy. “About time too. I’ll have a tennis bracelet, please.”
A deep laugh escapes me. God, I love this woman. “I’ll get you one for our first wedding anniversary.” I pop open the black velvet box, showing her a five-carat diamond sitting atop a thin platinum band. She gasps. “Because today, I’d really love for you to take this diamond and agree to become my wife. To be Mrs. Bridge. Will you marry me?”
Tears make her eyes hazy as she nods. “I’d love to. Yes.”
Everyone cheers.
I stand and press my forehead to hers, so overwhelmed as I breathe in the scent of her skin. “Thank you.” I brush my thumb across her cheek, catching a fat tear. “I love you.”
She leans into my touch, her eyes glistening with more unshed tears. “When do you want to marry me?”
“Now.” I nod to the lady who comes and stands beside us.“I’m Christine George. I’m your celebrant today.”
Lucia gasps. “Today?”
I brush away another tear with my thumb and press a kiss on my lips. “I can’t wait a moment longer.”
The End.