Epilogue 1
EPILOGUE 1
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Lauren – Three Years Later
The auditorium buzzes with excitement as I adjust my cap one last time. My palms are sweaty, but it's not from nerves. It's anticipation. Pride. Joy.
I scan the crowd, searching for the faces that matter most. There, in the third row - Dakota, Roman, and Shannon. My family, both chosen and born.
Dakota catches my eye and grins, giving me a thumbs up. Roman, now six and growing like a weed, waves enthusiastically. Shannon, who flew in from Seattle just for this, blows me a kiss. I wave back, my heart swelling with love.
Three years. Three intense years of late nights studying, of juggling clinicals and motherhood, of building a life with Dakota. It hasn't always been easy, but we've made it. Together.
As I wait for my name to be called, my mind drifts back to where we started. The broken pieces we've put back together. The trust we've rebuilt. The love that's grown stronger with every challenge we've faced.
Dakota's sobriety journey has mirrored my nursing school path - about three years now. It hasn't been perfect, but he's committed, attending meetings regularly and working hard every day. Chaos Fuel is thriving, too, finding a balance between touring and home life that works for all of us.
"Lauren Hudson," the dean calls.
I step forward, my gown swishing around my ankles. As I accept my diploma, I hear familiar voices rise above the applause.
"Way to go, Mom!" "You did it, Lauren!"
Then, clear as day, I hear it. A moment I'll cherish forever.
"Dad, did you see? Mom did it!"
Dad. Roman called Dakota 'Dad.'
My eyes find my little group again. Roman's standing on his chair, Dakota's hands on his shoulders to steady him, both of them beaming with pride. Dakota's eyes are wide with surprise and joy, glistening with unshed tears. Shannon's on her feet, cheering loudly, happy tears streaming down her face.
By the time I make it back to them, Dakota's composure is mostly back, but his eyes are still shining.
"Congratulations, Nurse Hudson," he says, pulling me into a hug. "We're so proud of you."
"Mom, you were awesome!" Roman chimes in, wrapping his arms around my waist.
Shannon engulfs us all in a hug. "I knew you could do it, girl. I'm so proud of you."
I kneel down to Roman's level, cupping his face in my hands. "Thank you, sweetheart. I couldn't have done it without all of you cheering me on."
Roman grins, then looks up at Dakota. "Can we have ice cream to celebrate? Please, Dad?"
There it is again. Dad . It sounds so right.
Dakota meets my gaze over Roman's head, love and wonder clear in his eyes. "What do you think? Ice cream sound good to you?"
I nod, too choked up to speak. Instead, I pull them all into a group hug, my cap going askew in the process.
We head to the car, Roman chattering excitedly about his ice cream plans, and Shannon and Dakota discuss dinner options. As we walk, Dakota leans in close to me.
"I have a surprise for you later," he whispers. "Let's just say, I think it's time we made this family official. If you'll have me, that is."
My heart skips a beat as I realize what he's implying. I squeeze his hand, a silent yes.
Our story isn't over. In many ways, it feels like it's just beginning. But whatever comes next, I know we'll face it together - me, Dakota, Roman, and Shannon supporting us from wherever she is. Our little family, stronger than ever.
Standing here, with my nursing degree in hand and my favorite people by my side, I know one thing for certain: This is our happily ever after. It's not perfect, but it's real, it's ours, and it's better than anything I could have dreamed.