Epilogue
Ocean
Six years later
The smell of buttered popcorn and the buzz of excitement hit me as soon as we walked into the theater. Shade had gone all out, renting an entire side of the building for the kids.
Skye’s hand slid into mine as we carried armfuls of candy, nachos, and popcorn. I glanced down at her, the way she was glowing, the gentle curve of her baby bump peeking beneath her shirt. Any day now, our third little miracle would be here, and I couldn’t wait.
“They’re so hyped,” she said, laughing as our girls darted toward the theater doors. Lake who was five, was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet, clutching the hand of Blue, who didn’t let being a year younger stop her from leading the charge. The sight made my chest swell.
Shade and Nyx followed behind, making sure their little ones, Jaxson and Layla, didn’t run off. But they were too busy laughing and chatting with their friends to be focused on what everyone else was doing.
I leaned toward Shade. “Man, I thought this little back to school day out with these elementary kids was a good idea, but maybe I was wrong. Who’s going to keep all these little people quiet?”
He laughed. “It will be fine.”
“Yeah, okay. Just know, if they start having a popcorn fight in the middle of the movie, I’m running out this bitch.”
“Language,” Skye scolded.
“My bad, baby.” I kissed her cheek, then squeezed her ass as she walked ahead of me with Nyx by her side.
She giggled.
I shot her a wink, then stopped to talk to Shade for a moment. “Yo, can you believe this is our life. Wives, kids...who would’ve thought? All of us just happy. No drama, no bs. Just living life.”
Shade grinned, glancing toward his kids. “Hell yeah. I’m enjoying the hell out of it. Just focusing on family.”
I nodded. “Same. I wouldn’t trade this shit for anything.”
“I feel you on that. You know, I thought it would be weird, taking a break from music, but I haven’t thought much about it over the past year.”
“Really?” I asked, walking forward.
“Yeah. I’m loving watching Nyx do her thing, running her dance studio. Kids love her. Parents love her. She’s happy, and that makes me happy.”
“That’s what’s up.”
We reached the row where the kids were going to sit, which was right in front of us. They were already chatting excitedly, pointing at the big screen. We dropped off the trays, making sure each child had snacks, drinks, and were settled in their seat.
“Got everything?” I asked, looking at my girls.
“Yep!” Blue shouted, vibrating with excitement. “Let’s watch the movie, Daddy!”
Lake nodded, her curls bouncing, “Popcorn first, then movie!”
I chuckled and ruffled their hair. Shade was laughing beside me, adjusting Jaxson’s little backpack.
The room was alive with energy, laughter, and tiny squeals of joy.
Watching my girls with their friends, seeing Shade and Nyx’s kids so happy.
..it made everything we’d been through worth it a thousand times over.
Once everything was set, I made my way back to my seat next to Skye. She reached over immediately, grabbing my hand and lacing her fingers through mine. “You’re such an amazing father,” she teased, her lips curling into that perfect smile. “I swear, you’re like putty in their little hands.”
I grinned, letting her squeeze my hand. “I’ll take it,” I said, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “They need me to be this soft for them.”
She leaned closer, resting her head on my shoulder. “I’m so in love with you.”
I turned slightly, pressing my lips to her temple. “I love you too, baby.”
“So…how many more kids are we having?” she asked, teasing, but there was that sparkle in her eyes that told me she meant it half-seriously.
I chuckled, feeling the familiar warmth and pride swelling in my chest. “I already told you, there’s no set number baby. I’ll give you whatever you want, whenever you want, just say the word and we can get started on the next one.”
She laughed again, her eyes meeting mine. “How about we get this bun out of the oven first, father of the year.”
“Fair enough. But you better believe…I’m ready to have more. All of them. Every single one.”
The lights dimmed, signaling the start of the movie. The kids squealed again, some bouncing in their seats as the trailers began. I leaned back, wrapping an arm around Skye. My other hand found her belly, feeling the life growing inside of her.
I let the warmth of it sink in. Our girls were growing, our family was expanding, and we had built this life from scratch. Through chaos, through pain, through victories big and small. And now we were here. Safe. Loved. Whole.
Skye looked up at me. “You ready to do this again?” she asked softly, her hand resting on mine over her belly.
I smiled at her. “Always,” I whispered. “I’m ready for all of it.”
She smiled back, leaning in for a gentle kiss. The world around us faded. It was just us, just this perfect little slice of our forever.
I pressed my forehead against hers. “I promise, Skye,” I said softly, “I’ll protect you, our girls, and this little one in your belly with everything I’ve got in me.”
She squeezed my hand. “I know,” she whispered. “I feel it, every day.”
The movie started, and the kids were thrilled, leaning forward in their seats, eyes wide with excitement. Shade and Nyx sat beside us, smiling, laughing, enjoying the simple joy of it all.
I closed my eyes for a moment, just taking it in. Our life. Our family. Our happiness.
It all felt perfect. Real. And as the movie rolled on, I knew one thing for sure...this was the life we’d earned. And it was just the beginning.
Forever with Skye. Forever with our family. Forever ours.
And I wouldn’t change a damn thing.
I truly hope you enjoyed Ocean and Skye’s story.