Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
Nolan
I lost a few weeks. But I gained a lifetime.
My heroism earned me some serious respect. Apollo convinced Chief Bennigan to pay me an annual salary matching entry-level firefighters. Of course, we ran into the issue of me being unable to open a checking account, but Jessica is an excellent handler of my finances.
Mia’s designing career is really taking off. She went with Jessica to New York and now, Cyber Street is becoming a household name. In a few months, they’re headed for Paris, and it’ll be a matter of time before the Bennett brand is known across the world.
And speaking of the Bennetts, there’s a new addition to the family: we have a new niece named Iris, and I am determined to be the best funcle these kids have ever seen.
Mia and I tried to take it slow. We really did.
But slow isn’t in my vernacular. After she let me read our old text conversations and I saw my last message to her, I trusted my old self.
I knew she was it. I moved in with her the moment she was ready.
We live together now in our loft, and I cherish every single day I get to wake up next to her.
We were concerned about her parents, at first, but they warmed up to me faster than anyone expected.
I love her. So long as I have her, she’s all I need.
Mia is always there, waiting for me no matter where the job takes me.
She supports me, one hundred percent. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.
Like everyone, we have our disagreements, but our nights always end the same—lost in each other’s arms, reigniting our passion, and reminding ourselves just how much we can’t live without the other.
When I look at her, I see a phoenix rising from the ashes with me. I see her, and I’m filled with pride.
That’s my woman.
Someday we’ll get married. I’d put a ring on it in a heartbeat, but Mia needs just a little more time to settle into our new digs. Apollo and Jessica are already in on it.
She’ll never know it’s coming. I can’t wait to spring it on her, when she can appreciate it most.
Oh. And I back myself up now several times a day to make sure I never miss another moment with her. Bennigan and the Weekenders have solemnly promised it’s off-limits to company employees. And I know they’re not going to pry.
Everything is uncertain right now. President McKinley is slowly taking away our liberties. Nobody knows what tomorrow might bring for bionics.
I’ll persevere. I always do. And I take comfort in knowing I’ll outlive all of the people trying to bring me down. I have a fearless, loyal woman standing beside me.
With her? I’m practically invincible.
I am Nolan.
You bet your ass I’m alive.