Epilogue
RAVEN
Six months later…
“You two look so good together!” Ana gushes as I sign the adoption papers.
Gray is protectively standing beside me, his arm wrapped securely around my waist. My cheeks scorch at Ana's compliment, a grin threatening to slip from my lips.
“Thank you.” I mumble shyly.
“And you are still as warm as ever.” My boyfriend compliments her, causing me to look up from the papers to smile at him.
“Here,” I finish signing. “Congratulations on your promotion again, Ana.” I add. Ana blush, her eyes glinting with happiness.
Ana does excessively good work at Atlantic. It's no surprise that she was promoted from handling the reception to being the head of operations.
Prior to Gray and me volunteering last Christmas, I didn't even know she had been working at Atlantic for years until I heard of her promotion. And frankly, I can't think of a better candidate because of how well she relates with people. Even the ex-head-of-operations turned in Anastasia's recommendation. She's literally just that good.
“Thank you,” she says. “The pets are lucky to have you as their parents.” She adds.
“Can we see them?” I ask, excited.
“Of course!” Ana chirps, rising to her feet. “Please, come with me.” She leads us to the animal section, and we stop by the cats’ cage first.
Again, the first ones I see are those two from the other day. Somehow, even after we left here, my mind won't stop wandering there. When Gray brought up the suggestion that Lulu might be lonely and we should adopt more pets, I gladly welcomed the idea and instantly thought of the two cats. Only this time, with the addition of three dogs so that we can be a balanced family.
Gray kisses my temple. I sigh, easing into him and watching Ana make herself scarce to give us some alone time.
“Do you love them?” he murmurs, squeezing my waist. I turn to him, kissing him softly.
“They are perfect. Thank you for letting us adopt them.” I gaze into his eyes, my heart thrumming with satisfaction and happiness.
“Have you thought of names?” he grins.
“Yes!” I squeal, laughing. “Since they are male and female. I'll name them Skylar and Neptune.” I grin. Skylar is the orange cat and Neptune is the mocha brown. The names feel as though they are made for them.
As my palm rests on the iron bars, the duo lunge forward as though they can sense that I'm about to become their new family.
“You two will never have to worry about anything again.” I whisper, teary-eyed. “I think we should check out the dogs now.” I nudge my boyfriend.
“Of course,” he leads me to the dogs section.
Since Gray asked me to move in with him a few days ago, I know that our family will be incomplete without adopting some dogs too. The thought of waking up next to Gray everyday is so thrilling, but knowing that I'll be surrounded by the pets I love the most makes it more exciting.
The dogs bark curiously at our arrival but I don't allow that to deter me. I plaster a warm smile on my face just to assure them I'm in, no way, a threat to them.
“You go first,” I nudge Gray. I want him to pick first. They are all so beautiful but we can only choose three.
“The white one with black tints. It's a male.” Since they are separated in breeds, Gray chose an Aussie.
“Awww, he's cute!” I gush.
“Yeah, he has to take after his Dad, you know?” he boasts with a straight face.
“Show off!” I fake a frown and huff. He laughs, the sound tugging at my heartstrings.
The glinting blue eyes of the Siberian husky to my left catches my attention, eliciting a grin from me. “We should take the husky too. He's cute.”
“I couldn't agree more.” Gray says. “What about the Eskimo puppy? She shares the same color with Blue. I think we should take her too.” He adds.
“Perfect!” I clap my hands. “Ana will fetch them when we are ready to leave.” I lay my head on his shoulder.
It doesn't take time before he spins me around to face him, wrapping his arm around me. He dips his head downwards, his lips meeting mine in a soft kiss. I clutch his shirt, moaning into the kiss. It's been an amazing six months with this man, and every gaze, every touch, every breath still feels like the first time.
He has me in a chokehold.
“I love you.” I smile into the kiss.
“God, I love you too.” He groans. “Dinner at our favorite restaurant tonight? It's been a while since we ate out. What do you say, baby?”
“I couldn't agree more.”
This. Us. It'll never get old. I'm absolutely and irrevocably in love with him.
He's my happy place.
The perfect Christmas present.
All mine. The same way I'm his.