Epilogue
Teague
T hanksgiving was my favorite holiday. I loved Christmas and all the trappings, the giving of gifts and the lights and music and joy. Halloween was fun and spooky, and dressing up was always a blast when I was younger. But Thanksgiving was all about food and family, and that made my heart happy. Especially this Thanksgiving, where we were all gathered in the dining room at Black Dog Inn, and everyone I loved was present.
Mom and Dana had become thick as thieves after Oak’s birthday back in August. There had even been talk about Mom hosting today’s celebration for the homier atmosphere. But that had been dismissed the bigger the guest list grew. There was just no way we could all fit comfortably in my parents’ house. Between Mom and Dana, they had coordinated every side dish known to man, and I swear the table where they were piled was groaning under the weight of dishes. They’d both made a turkey as well, though Mom had smoked hers and Dana had done a more traditional roast, since it was easier and faster to have two smaller turkeys instead of one large one.
Regan had claimed desserts, and they’d gone all out with both signature cupcakes created just for the occasion as well as pies. The dessert table was almost as full as the other one. It had been a challenge to keep Tristan’s fingers out of the colorful frosting, especially now that his arm was mostly healed and no longer in a cast, only wearing a brace. With both hands usable again, he was ready for sugar. Law had to station himself near the table to remind his son not to touch. We all pretended not to see when Regan slipped him a cupcake earlier on.
I stood leaning against the wall next to the door to the lobby, waiting for Charlie—Salem was in his office crate since he was at the stage where he was literally into everything, and no one wanted cat paws and hair in the food. Charlie had gone to check on him—and just surveyed the scene. Nic’s dad had arrived the day before, and the two were standing behind the makeshift bar, laughing up a storm while they mixed drinks. Dana’s parents were present as well, along with their shy girlfriend, and they were in a spirited discussion with my dad about who knew what. Knowing Dad, it was about the trees, but they seemed to be having a good time. Oak and Felix were also deep in conversation, Loreena sitting beside her son with a small smile on her face.
A screech followed by loud laughing drew my attention. Harper had mostly stuck close to her dad and had been trying to help him corral the ever-energetic Tristan. Now she seemed to be playing some sort of game of tickle tag with her younger brother that had them both in stitches. Marlie, on the other hand, had glued herself to Steve’s side. Literally, as she was on the floor leaning against the big dog while she watched one of her many dog videos, one of Oak’s newest hat creations perched on her head. Oak had made a big deal of how she’d stolen it, and the eight-year-old seemed pleased about that.
The laughter and conversation ebbed and flowed; the scents of delicious food hung in the air, and the sheer happiness that consumed the room was perfect and emotion threatened to overwhelm me. But before I could get too sentimental, I felt more than heard Charlie return. He’d been focused straight ahead, so he didn’t notice me until I grabbed him. He let out a small, surprised squeak, but the instant he realized it was me, he melted into my arms as I snugged him in close.
“How’s our boy?” I murmured, lips close to his ear. Charlie gave a delicate shudder, but he was smiling.
“Demanding to be let out and I hate hearing it, but he’s just going to have to deal for a bit. There’s no way he’d stay in the sling with all this excitement.”
“Yep.” I kissed right below Charlie’s ear, then a little further down. He had this one spot that would make him…ah, found it. Charlie gave a tiny moan, not loud enough to be heard, and then smacked my arm, making me laugh.
“Behave.”
“Can’t. I love you too much.”
Charlie turned quickly so that he was facing me, peering up at me. There were only a few inches between us, but it was enough that this close, he had to tilt his head up just a little. His eyes were soft behind his glasses, and I loved the smile that quirked his lips.
“I love you, too. So much”
My breathing picked up, just like it always did when he looked at me like that. “Oh yeah? How much?”
“More than Unicorn Farts,” he said solemnly.
“Oh, that’s serious.” I went for playful, and the way Charlie chuckled let me know I succeeded. But the truth was that kind of declaration made my heart beat fast and pleased me down to my soul. We’d come so far, Charlie especially, and the trust he showed in me every day made me feel ten feet tall. I was going to marry this man, make him mine forever. He just didn’t know it yet.
Charlie squinted at me. “What’s with the calculating look?”
I quickly rearranged my face, going for innocent. Charlie narrowed his eyes, and I knew he wasn’t buying it. To save myself, I cupped his jaw and kissed him. The instant our lips touched, I forgot we were in a room full of our family and friends. Kissing Charlie had that effect on me. And when Charlie wrapped his arms around my neck and held on, I was lost.
A tugging on my pants had me breaking the kiss with a loud smack. I didn’t let go of Charlie as I peered down at Tris. His little face was scrunched up in disgust.
“Kissing is gross,” Tristan said seriously and made the “ick” face to illustrate his point.
I tried to hold in the laugh that wanted to burst out. “You think that now, but you might change your mind when you’re older. It’s okay if you don’t, but you might. And then you’ll decide kissing is great.”
Tristan regarded me for all of three seconds before the dramatic child made a gagging sound like someone had told him to eat liver and onions. Charlie had to stifle his laughter with his hand, not wanting to encourage the behavior. It took my boyfriend a second to get himself under control, then he pulled out of my hold and squatted down to Tristan’s level. The little boy didn’t hesitate to snuggle up to his uncle.
“What can we do for you, Tris?”
“Grams says it is time to eat.” He said it with all the importance the statement required, and it was clear my mother had sent him specifically to interrupt us. I glanced over at Mom where she was standing by the food table, and the merriment in her expression showed just how devious she was being. I loved it.
Tristan had heard Oak refer to my parents as Grams and Gramps and immediately started calling them that too. We’d tried to explain that they weren’t actually his grandparents and therefore the nicknames weren’t right, but Mom had hushed us instantly.
“Those kids are family now, and it doesn’t hurt anything,” she’d said with her patented “don’t mess with me” glare. “And who was ever hurt by extra grandparents?”
She was, of course, right. And I certainly didn’t want to make my mother angry.
Charlie stood and grabbed Tris’ hand, his left since that one wasn’t in a brace. It was lucky the left-handed child had broken his right wrist because it hadn’t affected him too much. And since it still got tired and sore sometimes, he wouldn’t have any trouble eating today. And man, for being only five, Tristan sure could eat.
“Then let’s eat!” Charlie said with a huge smile, turning toward the food. Most everyone had gotten up and headed toward the plates, though I noticed Felix remained sitting. I tried to catch his gaze, but he was clearly avoiding me.
“Uncle Charlie?”
“Hmm?”
“If I a-cide to like kissing, am I gonna kiss girls like Daddy or boys like you?”
Charlie nearly stumbled over his own feet, but just like always, I was there to catch him before he hit the ground. Tris looked at him expectantly, waiting for an answer. Charlie had to compose himself before he could respond.
“You know what, Tris? I don’t know. You might want to kiss girls. Or it might be boys. Or maybe you’ll want to kiss both, like Uncle Teague.”
Tris let go of Charlie’s hand and turned to me. I could tell he was ready to leap, so I braced myself and scooped him into my arms the instant he jumped. He was too big to be picked up, really, but that didn’t stop any of us from doing it. To be honest, I was happy to cart any of the kids around. I missed most of that when my own niblings had been small, since Erin was…. Erin.
Tristan’s eyes were wide, and he leaned in close, shout-whispering, “You like to kiss boys and girls?”
I had to laugh, but I quickly schooled my expression. “Well, now I only want to kiss your Uncle Charlie because I love him. But before I met him, yeah. I liked boys and girls and people who were neither or both.”
The confusion on Tris’ face nearly made me laugh, and Charlie shook his head even though he was smiling. He held out his arms.
“Come on, kiddo. I’ll help you make a plate. And then later, we can talk to Aunt Regan. They know all about not feeling like a boy or a girl. How’s that sound?”
He was happy enough with that answer, and practically dove into Charlie’s arms. Charlie gave him a quick cuddle, but then set him on his feet. I let them go ahead, once again just absorbing everyone and everything.
I was so damn lucky. I’d never thought much of my future, just knew that I wanted to find someone to spend my life with. Charlie had been a surprise, but the best kind. I loved him more than anything. Oak was here, healing and thriving. The people in my life were healthy and happy, and all gathered together.
I had so much to be thankful for, and before I joined the food line, I made sure to send a quiet thanks into the universe for all of it.
Charlie
Normally, at a Thanksgiving like this, people would eat their fill and then some, then congregate in the living room. Since we didn’t have one, we cleared the tables and just hung out in the dining room.
At one point, I saw Law getting a bit restless and nudged Teague.
“Baby? Can you look after the kids? I need to….” I tilted my head toward my brother.
“You bet. Oak and I will distract them.” He gave me a quick kiss and went to his nephew.
I got to my feet and wandered over to where Law was chatting with Dana’s parents and their plus one.
“Hey, wanna go for a walk?” I asked him.
He excused himself, and we wandered into the lobby to get our coats.
Cricket, who had been sprawling on the marginally cooler lobby floor, heaved herself up and looked at me. Then she pointedly looked toward the closed office door.
“Oh shit. Sorry, girl,” I said and went to the door. At my brother’s quizzical expression, I explained, “She couldn’t go to the baby. Let me get him.” I put the sling on and gathered Salem, then came out to see my brother look fond and a bit wistful in some way, too.
The four of us went out. Steve was still babysitting his heart out and didn’t care about us leaving.
“Let’s walk up the hill so Salem can run.”
Once we hit the edge of the parking lot, I let Salem down and he immediately trotted off.
“Teague said it smells like it might snow,” I mused to fill the silence.
Law hummed. “If it does, the kids will flip. They’ve never seen snow.”
We meandered toward the cabins, and I waited him out. Law had always been great at taking care of everyone else but bad at opening up about his own needs. I’d learned that poking and prodding didn’t work, you just needed to give him space to get the words out.
Eventually, as we got to where the road to the yellow house was, he opened his mouth.
“I don’t know what to do when Caitlyn moves. She’s saying she wants to see the kids, but how can that happen if we’re so far away? I have my job, which… you know, it’s a bit shitty but still brings in money. She’ll pay child support, of course, but…. I just….”
“You’re not necessarily happy in Phoenix,” I concluded the thought.
“Yeah.” He sighed long and hard. “I guess so.”
“Because I’m not there,” I teased, but he bumped shoulders with me and said nothing, which told me more than any words could. “Let’s go here.” I pointed toward the house that we couldn’t see yet.
Cricket and Salem realized we weren’t going to the cabins and course corrected like pros.
“It’s beautiful here.” Law looked around. “I really like the nature.”
“The kids seemed happy with the hiking earlier.” We’d tried to get some of their energy out by walking one of the shorter loops we’d established. It had helped some. Not much, but some.
“Yeah.”
We popped into the clearing where the house stood, and Law almost collided with my back.
“How is this here?” he asked, looking awed.
I told him the story about the owners of the Inn and their family, and then took him inside the house to show him what I could. The electricity wasn’t on, but our cells had flashlights, and I showed him the whole place.
He realized what I was insinuating about a third of the way into the tour and glared at me a little. I paid no mind and continued to show him the rest.
“Nic says—”
“I don’t—”
“Nic says,” I cut him off. “That if you ever need a job where you can help with rebuilding shit and taking care of the grounds and whatnot, you just let them know when to turn the electricity back on.”
Law stayed quiet as we exited the house and started the trek back. Salem ran ahead of us, then turned and meowed at me. I crouched a little so he could jump onto my shoulder.
“He’s so funny,” Law scratched Salem under his chin.
“He’s grown up so much. Our vet is very happy with his progress,” I said in a tone that was all proud parent.
Law put a hand on my arm to stop me. When I turned to face him, he murmured, “I’m so happy for you, Charlie.”
“Thank you for telling me to go.” I looked at him, how even in the nearly non-existent light I could tell he was tired and worn out in a way I’d never seen him before, and it made me feel sad. “I wish you were happy, too.”
Law snorted a little, then started to move again. “Eventually, maybe.”
Yeah, I certainly hoped so.
Later that night when I curled up with Teague in our bed, and Salem purred up a storm above our pillows, I told Teague about how much I hated that my brother was unhappy.
“I want him here. He and the kids have a place here and….”
“Of course, you do. And yes, that’s true, but it needs to be his choice. Besides, Caitlyn hasn’t moved yet, right? And the kids have school. Give him time to figure it out. There’s no rush.”
I sighed and moved impossibly closer to him. “Fine.”
“The kids are awesome,” he mused after a while. “They’re all so different but equally as awesome.”
I smiled. “They really are.” Absently, I began to trace patterns on Teague’s chest with my fingertips. “Oak seemed to enjoy their company a lot.”
Teague hummed. “I think he misses his younger siblings.”
“Yeah, he does. He’s conflicted about that.”
“I think what everyone needs is time.”
“I want to say I hate it when you’re right, but I can’t.” I kissed his chest, then not at all sneakily trailed my fingers to his nipple.
Teague made a happy sound, so I turned my head so I could nip at one nipple while I rolled the other between my fingertips.
“You sure you aren’t too full from all the eating?” he asked, then moaned when I bit down harder.
I let go, and grinned. “I went for a walk, remember. Are you sure you’re not too full?”
Growling playfully, he grabbed me and threw me down, then hovered over me while I laughed. “I’ll show you how to—” he stopped to think, then snorted and continued, “Insert a joke about stuffing here, I guess?”
We cracked up even more, and I realized I had never laughed as much as I had in the last months with Teague. I cupped his cheek when the laughter died down. “Hey, happy Thanksgiving.”
He dipped his head to kiss me as he carefully let his weight sink on top of me.
“Happy Thanksgiving,” Teague murmured against my lips.
Salem made an affronted sound and left the room. He knew the signs by now and knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep with us doing stupid human things.
“I love you,” I whispered, feeling as if I truly understood what gratitude meant for the first time in my life.
“I love you too.” Teague kissed me unhurriedly for a moment, then reached for the lube. “Just like this?” he asked, while settling between my legs.
I nodded. “I’ll close my eyes if….” If it became too much. If I got overwhelmed.
He nodded right back, smiling in the loving way I now cherished as one of my favorite expressions of his.
He trusted me, and I trusted him, and while life would never be perfect, it wasn’t meant to be. We were together, safe, and loved. I couldn’t imagine a better place to be.