Epilogue
Six Months Later
“You’re going to tell them tonight?” Olivia practically begs, bustling by with bright flowers in her hands. She grins when she sets them on the little table in my master bath.
“Yes. But they won’t tell me what we have planned for the honeymoon,” I say, wrinkling my nose when Ode brushes bright red blush on my cheek.
“Stop moving, bitch,” Ode quips, flicking my nose. “Or I’ll miss and poke you in the eye.”
“She will, too,” Rocco quips, leaning against the bathroom counter, watching intently.
“I will,” Ode says, grinning, pointing a makeup brush in his direction.
I side-eye Ode, who grins wider, dipping the brush into the red blush again, preparing to paint my other cheek.
“But definitely tonight?” Kaycee asks, cocking her head to the side and letting her blonde curls fall down her back. “I don’t know if I can hold my tongue anymore. This is the hardest secret I’ve had to keep in a long time.” She makes a face, shaking her head. “And I don’t keep secrets very well.”
“Please tell them before we collectively die of secret-keeping,” Rocco groans, shaking his head
I snort, ignoring his whines. “Well, the rest of them,” I say with a shrug. “Kieran kinda walked in on me peeing on the stick.”
Literally. The man knows no personal space when it comes to me sometimes. There I was, minding my own business and trying to be discreet. Then, walks in Kieran, tossing his shirt off and letting me know he’s going to hop into the shower.
“And he’s kept it a secret?” Ode snorts, brushing on the red to my cheeks.
I suck in a breath as another round of nausea rolls through my stomach. This has been happening more and more as the weeks have gone on. I mean, I’m only about seven weeks pregnant, but I found out two weeks ago. Just in time to get this wedding done and start our lives together.
“Like a good boy, yes,” I quip, taking a sip of 7-Up. “He’s been helping me ever since the morning sickness decided to come along.”
He’s been the sweetest man since he accidentally walked in on me in the bathroom. Right after I had set the test on the counter.
“Is that?” he whispers, plastering his front to my back. Those mismatched eyes peer down at the test, lighting up when the results finally appear. “You’re pregnant,” he whispers, wrapping his arms around me. “It finally happened.”
I swallow hard, tracing the test with tears in my eyes. “You’re only happy because you don’t have to wear a condom anymore,” I quip, sniffling.
“That too,” he murmurs, kissing my cheek. “Oh, River Blue. I can’t believe this is finally happening. We’re going to be here every step of the way. I can’t fucking wait.” Emotions bubble in his throat, glazing over his eyes. Silent tears fall down his cheeks, expressing the joy he’s feeling. “I’ll always regret not being here the first time around,” he confesses, rubbing a hand along my flat stomach. “Anything you need, My Blue. I’ll be here.”
“I want to wait to tell them,” I say, catching his gaze in the mirror above the sink we’re standing in front of. “Until after the wedding.” A slight smirk pulls at the edge of his lip with satisfaction. “It’ll be the ultimate surprise.”
“So I get to know before those other assholes?” His brows wiggle as his hand glides over my stomach. “I’ll keep it a secret for now.” He takes a deep breath, brushing his nose against the column of my neck. “They’re going to be so fucking excited for this, especially Rad. That fucker’s been throwing you in closets every chance he gets.”
I snort, closing my eyes and leaning into his touch. “Ever since we decided to start trying, he’s been fucking insatiable,” I whisper as goosebumps spread across my flesh.
Since we decided three months ago to start trying to expand our family, Rad’s been the clingiest. Deep down, I know it’s his guilt tearing through him for not being here for Lyric. He’s wanted more children since we went all in, and finally, we decided not to wait any longer. We started planning the wedding the moment they picked out a ring and slipped it on my finger.
This is our future, and we’re finally settling into our new normal.
“That boy hasn’t changed one bit, has he? Loyal as ever,” Ode murmurs with sincerity, eyeing my makeup with a satisfied grin. “You’re as beautiful as ever, bitch. I can’t believe…” She turns away, putting a hand to her lips.
“Don’t you start,” Olivia sniffles, swiping a hand under her nose. “Every time you start the waterworks, mine starts.”
“Nobody start!” Rocco sniffles, wiping under his eyes.
“Can’t help it,” Ode says through a quivering voice. “I never thought my girl would walk down the aisle after what they did. And now look at her, she’s getting four dicks for the price of one,” she wails, covering her face with her hands.
“Please don’t cry. You’ll make me cry, and then my makeup will be ruined for the wedding.” Emotions sit in the back of my throat, burning my damn eyes.
“None of that,” Ode says, shaking her head and wiping her eyes. “We’ve got to get you down that aisle and married before they fuck up again.”
Olivia snorts. “Oh, they’ll fuck up a lot, Riv. But that’s the joy of marriage,” she says wistfully, looking out the window of the bathroom. She swallows hard, watching the movements of the men outside, working together as they put my flower arch into the sand.
I couldn’t have dreamed of a better place to get married than the sands behind my home, under the sparkling stars and moonlight. Even though I was once terrified after Van’s invasion to resume living here, I’m not anymore. This is my home. Or will be for the next few months. Just a hundred feet away on two acres of my property, the boys and I are building our dream home. Fit with six bedrooms, four baths, a basement with a recording studio, and room to grow.
As the day progresses and the sun goes down, everyone clears out to get ready for the wedding. Olivia, Kaycee, and Ode get into their dresses for the ceremony. And Rocco leaves to put his suit on.
Our ceremony is simple. Just the five of us standing under the arch. No bridesmaids or groomsmen. We wanted something where people could just come and watch with their families and celebrate with us.
“Love you, Riv. I’m so happy they came around, and you guys were able to fix this,” Olivia says, kissing my cheek. “I’m so happy for you.” She grins, stepping out of my house, and takes a seat with the audience.
“Show ‘em hell, bitch. Don’t let those assholes get one over on you,” Ode says with a wink, heading out to sit next to Olivia.
“If you ever need assistance. You know who to call,” Kaycee says, cocking her head to the side. “But I have a feeling you’re used to this.”
“Just as used to it as you are, Angel,” Seger says, sauntering into the bathroom with a cocky grin. He stops short, throwing his arm over Kaycee’s shoulders and nods. “Wow. You clean up good, Sis. They’re all ready for you. It’s not too late to run, though,” he quips, kissing Kaycee’s head with affection.
“Like I wanted to run from you?” she asks, raising a brow when his face falls.
“You’d never, Angel…” he trails off, wrinkling his nose. “Would you?”
“She wouldn’t,” Zepp says, coming to stand beside me. “You look beautiful, Riv. Congrats on the big day.”
I sniffle, leaning in to hug him. “Thanks, guys. For being here and for walking me down the aisle.”
“What’re big brothers for? Besides, Dad isn’t here. We’re the next best thing,” Seger says.
“Well, shall we?” Zepp asks, gesturing toward the back sliding doors.
I nod.
“I’ll be out there. You’re gorgeous,” Kaycee compliments before scurrying off out the door and taking a seat next to Chase and Carter, her other husbands. Leaving me alone with my two brothers, who are about to walk me down the aisle, giving me over to the four men I’ve loved, hated, and loved again.
“Seriously. It’s not too late,” Seger murmurs, offering me his elbow.
I snort. “What if I want to marry them? Hmm?” I hum, maneuvering my long, white dress as we take a few steps. It swishes with every movement I make, slightly sparkling under the living room lights.
“We’re so happy for you,” Zepp says with a grin, reaching for the back sliding glass door, but stops. “And proud, Riv. You’ve come a long way. You’ve worked hard. Been an amazing mother…”
“And sister,” Seger interrupts. “You’re fucking amazing, Riv. And I gotta say, they’ve really helped you shine these past six months since they quit. They’ve gone from cocky assholes to fucking amazing dudes.”
I smile, peeking out the glass door at the four men who’ve stolen my heart standing under the flower arch. Tight suits fit against their bodies, showing off their toned muscles.
Since they quit their contract, they’ve really thrived within the music industry. Rad and Callum have turned into amazing West Records talent scouts, hitting all the small venues in a fifty-mile radius. Callum’s eye for stardom and Rad’s easy-going personality has drawn in some amazing talent.
Kieran has stepped up as my assistant, since Kat had to take some time off to regain herself emotionally and hasn’t been back since. Rocco keeps me updated on her whereabouts and how she’s holding up. Day by day, she’s healing from the trauma Van put her through.
And Asher? Well, he’s anointed himself as a stay-at-home father, soaking up all the love Lyric has to give him while we all work. He takes care of the laundry. Cooks us elaborate dinners, fit with appetizers and desserts. He makes sure all the housework is done and manages Lyric’s school pick-up schedule. He’s helped Camilla get used to her new life with us and not Gloria. Although, for the most part, she’s opted to continue living at the prep school during the school year and will stay with us during the summer.
For the first time in a long time, Asher seems free of everything and is doing what he loves.
“Mommy! I look like a princess!” Lyric’s small voice carries through the house as she clutches tight to Rocco’s hand.
“You do,” I rasp, leaning down to run my fingers through her curly, dark locks. “Are you ready to throw some flowers out?”
Lyric grins, nodding. “I am! Uncle Rocco gots me this basket with pretty red rose petals to throw everywhere!” She squeals, reaching into the basket with a grin. “I’m excited, Mommy. You’re going to marry daddies.”
“I am,” I say with tears burning in my eyes. “Is that okay?”
“Of course,” she says, nodding.
“All right, my little doll. How about we start walking down the aisle?” Rocco says, nodding toward the back door with a dopey expression.
“Okay,” she says, looking me up and down. “You look like a queen, Mommy.” Her grin lights up my fucking world, sending tears down my cheeks.
This is what we needed all fucking along. She needed them. I needed them. And now, we’re all coming together as one unit. The guys, me, Lyric, and even their sister Camilla. The girl we adopted after Gloria’s ass went straight to prison for her crimes. We’re one happy family, just trying to make it day by day.
“Are you ready for this?” Zepp asks, opening the slider all the way.
The cool night air hits my face as we step out onto the back porch. Fairy lights wrap around the wooden structure, illuminating our way toward the small crowd gathered around the flowery archway. The small buzz of conversation halts when our feet hit the sand, and as one, all our friends and family stand from their chairs, watching with eager eyes as Zepp and Seger guide me down the make-shift aisle.
Lyric giggles every time she tosses her red rose petals onto the sand, finally making it up to the arch. Each of the guys kisses her cheek before Rocco guides her to the front row of chairs, sitting next to Christian and Kat. I smile, catching Kat’s eyes and she grins, sending me a thumbs up. It’s nice to see her out and about after everything that happened six months ago. She’s slowly rebuilding herself with the two men surrounding her.
I heave a breath, break eye contact, and focus on my surroundings. Ocean waves act as our symphony in the background when the bride’s music starts.
“What?” I murmur, startling when a soft guitar rhythm starts playing through the speaker at the front.
“You’re not the only one keeping secrets,” Zepp murmurs, raising a brow when I side-eye him.
Kieran’s quiet, sultry voice echoes through the quiet crowd. Tears heat behind my eyes, catching on my lashes when his soft, loving words take root in my brain.
Loved you from day one.
Time has been rough.
Broke up.
Repaired.
Now we’re one.
The future holds bright
Like a candle steady in the wind
You’re the one we want.
Forever.
Always.
Our wife.
“Fuck,” I rasp, squeezing my eyes shut in hopes I don’t ruin the mascara curling my eyelashes.
I will not fucking cry over a beautiful song they obviously wrote for our wedding day. I will not fucking cry in front of all these people! Fuck it. Who am I kidding? I’m borderline hormonal from the pregnancy, and they wrote me a fucking song. Who does that? The men of my dreams, that’s who.
Slowly, we walk through the sand, making our way toward the four men who stare at me with tears in their eyes.
Asher glances away, rubbing away the moisture collecting on his lashes before looking back and smiling at me. He takes in my appearance. Inch by fucking inch, slowly making his way to my gaze. He nods in approval when we finally stop directly in front of them, under the flowery archway.
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” he rasps, stepping forward with his hand held out.
“Jesus, Pretty Girl,” Rad chokes out, covering his quivering lips with his hand. “You look so beautiful. I can’t wait to rip that dress in half and then?—”
“Don’t fucking finish that sentence,” Seger grunts, plowing his fist into Rad’s stomach.
“Groom!” Rad wheezes, bending at the waist. “You can’t punch a groom on his wedding day.”
“When you make comments like that about my sister, I do, asshole,” Seger grumbles, shaking his head.
I crack a smile when he slowly lifts my hand into Asher’s, joining us together as one. Gently, Asher squeezes my fingers in his.
“You take care of my fucking sister, or you four won’t have lives to live.” He gives them a meaningful look when he steps back, running a finger across his throat for dramatic effect. “Grumpy knows how to dispose of bodies.” He tilts his head in Carter’s direction.
Carter grins from the audience, throwing an arm over the back of Kaycee’s chair, nodding like he knows exactly what Seger is talking about. Casually, he lifts his fingers in a tiny wave, solidifying the threat further.
“Fuck,” Callum murmurs, stiffening at the look of pure joy on Carter’s face.
“He’s going to kill us,” Rad hisses, jerking his gaze to me. “Pretty Girl, tell your brothers we’re good boys.”
I shrug, biting the inside of my cheek to hold my smile. My stomach churns from either the nerves or my morning sickness, coming back with a vengeance. Up until now, Kieran’s helped me hide the need to rush to the bathroom and puke my brains out. But nothing will hide it now if I spew all over the beach.
Please don’t barf. I suck in a breath, breathing through the torment squeezing my stomach into knots.
“Stop it,” I grunt at my brother, shoving him away.
“He will,” Rad rasps, rubbing at his abdomen. “I have zero doubts he’ll chop us into tiny pieces.” He wrinkles his nose when Seger’s grin grows, and he nods.
“Just be good,” Zepp mutters, kissing my cheek.
Slowly, Asher pulls me forward, helping me maneuver my long dress through the sand.
“You really are gorgeous, Pretty Girl,” Rad murmurs, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “This dress is…beautiful.” Tears form in his eyes, and he sniffles. “I’m finally marrying my dream girl. My one true love.” He cups my cheeks, swiping away the rogue tears dripping down my damn cheeks. Despite my efforts not to cry, it seems impossible at this point. “I knew from the moment I watched Kieran fuck you over that desk that you were the one for me.”
“Dude,” Kieran grumbles, shaking his head. “We have an audience.”
“What?” Rad asks, wrinkling his nose. “It’s true! You think we didn’t stand there for the full thirty seconds…” Rad grins when Kieran rolls his eyes.
“Was longer than thirty seconds, asshole,” Kieran huffs.
“Try three minutes,” Callum says, side-eyeing Kieran as he turns beet red.
“I hate you all. I can’t believe I’m strapped to you idiots for eternity. You know, River Blue. It’s not too late. We can run away together,” he says with a sly grin, falling over when Asher pushes him aside.
“I won’t let you take my girl,” Asher grumbles, straightening out his suit jacket.
“Psst. Get in your spots,” Chase, Kaycee’s other husband, whispers, pointing to a few spots in the sand. Without a second thought, the five of us take our spots.
Me in the middle with the four of them surrounding me, leaving me in the center of their circle. My stomach swirls again as hot acid leaks up my throat, begging to come out. I take a deep breath, working through the constant nausea. Nervous sweat leaks from every pore.
“Ready, Little West?” he asks with a megawatt grin.
I nod, not daring to speak when he begins the ceremony. The crowd settles into their seats, watching us with rapt attention as Chase belts out the words animatedly.
Kieran squeezes my waist, staring down at me with furrowed brows. “River Blue, you’re pale,” he whispers right in my ear, not garnering the attention of the rest of the boys.
I shake my head. If I open my mouth, I’ll…
“Fuck,” I hiss, pushing through the boys, barely making it to a clear spot away from the prying eyes watching our every move.
“I got you,” Kieran says, rushing to my side and holding back my hair.
“Well, I was going to say you may kiss the bride, but…” Chase’s joking voice trails off as the murmurs start in the crowd.
“I’m okay,” I whisper through a ragged breath, holding back the next wave of nausea threatening to pull me under.
“Maybe we should talk to the doctor about those pills?” Kieran says, helping me stand tall. I let out a sigh of relief when he rubs a tissue along my lips and cleans me up.
“Yeah. Might have to. Wait, how’d you know about those?” I whisper, wiping the moisture from my cheeks.
He smiles, fluffing my hair back out. “You mentioned you had to do that with Ly in the beginning. That it had gotten so bad you couldn’t go to work or class.”
“Pretty Girl, are you okay?” Rad asks with concern, finally making it to my side.
“Are you sick?” Callum asks, turning green when he blinks at the little pile on the sand.
Fuck. I press my lips into a tight line, breathing through the swooping feeling taking over my stomach.
Kieran hums, rubbing a hand over my stomach, which seems to soothe the waves of vomit attempting to come out again.
“Little Star,” Callum says with wide eyes, watching Kieran’s movements. “Are you…”
I smile, taking his hand in mine and gently placing it on my stomach over the dress. I do the same to Rad and Asher, bringing them in a circle around me again.
“Welcome to fatherhood, boys,” I whisper with more damn tears falling down my cheeks.
Rad falls to his knees, pushing everyone away. Gently, he lays a kiss on my stomach, cradling it with his hands.
“I’m going to be the best father I can be, Little Peanut. Just ask your older sister Ly. I swear I owe her two-hundred thousand right now, but fuck, baby. I’ve longed for you.” His dark eyes crawl up my body, meeting my gaze. “Thank you, Pretty Girl. For indulging me any chance you got. I loved helping to create this.”
“It’s not just possibly yours, dickface. It could be mine, too,” Asher says with a grin, kissing my cheek. “Do you need anything, Little Brat?”
“Hmm. No,” I murmur, leaning into his kiss.
“It-it could be mine,” Callum stammers, staring at my stomach with big eyes. “Holy shit.”
Kieran snorts, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Well, it can’t be mine…”
“Back door or shut up,” Rad quips, jumping to his feet.
“Yeah, that,” Kieran cringes, gazing at the crowd watching.
“Do you guys want to continue getting married?” Chase asks, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Yeah,” I say, taking their hands and leading them back to our altar. Turning to the crowd, I grin, soaking in their faces. “We’re going to have a baby!” I shout, thrusting my fist into the air, laughing as they cheer us on.
“A baby,” Rad says, clinging to my hand.
His eyes never leave my stomach, and that includes the entire nine months she cooks to the moment she comes out with rich, dark curly hair and dark eyes.
I guess all those extra moments he shoved me into closets, came to see me at work, and locked me in my bedroom really paid off.
The moment she cried her first breath, Rad scooped her into his arms and proclaimed her as his. And she was. Aria. Our little mischievous one, named for songs and melodies, living up to her father’s legend.
Our family grew one by one over the next few years, happening almost right after another. Lyric. Aria. Alana. Maya.
Four girls for four men who helped make me whole.