Epilogue
EVIE
One Year Later
Rose’s wedding transforms our gallery’s garden into something magical. White chairs line the paths between blooming roses that Mrs. Wilson tends with religious devotion. Fairy lights twine through trellises, waiting for dusk to turn everything golden.
Watching my friend fret over her dress, I remember my own first wedding. Luca had demanded perfection—designer gown, cathedral ceremony, five hundred guests who meant nothing to me.
My parents hadn’t attended. They died in a car crash my sophomore year of college, leaving me vulnerable to Luca’s manipulation.
“You’re thinking too much.” Rose catches my eye in the mirror. Her dress is simple and elegant—everything her first life as an FBI agent denied her. “Share?”
“Just remembering.” I smooth her veil. “Thinking about how far we’ve come.”
She turns, taking my hands. “From witness protection to the MC family. Quite a journey.”
“From running scared to real happiness.” I squeeze her fingers. “You deserve this.”
Movement in the garden catches my attention. Violet races past with Owen and Piper. Daisy leads a pack of younger kids in some complex game involving chalk circles and motorcycle noises. The twins toddle after them, both of them already showing Zane’s need for speed.
“Mama!” Violet spots me through the window. “Uncle Teller’s teaching us wheelies!”
“Is he now?” I raise my eyebrow at our MC president, who has the grace to look sheepish.
“Just theory,” he protests, while Clay and Kip snicker. “No actual bikes involved.”
Ayla appears with their new daughter, who is balanced on her hip. Two years of sharing three men has only made her more radiant. “Yet. No bikes yet.”
The garden fills steadily. MC members in clean cuts mix with Rose’s remaining FBI contacts.
“Time check!” Ayla calls up to the bridal suite.
“Almost ready.” Rose’s hands shake slightly as she adjusts her bouquet. “Just need a minute.”
I shoo everyone else out, giving her space. “Cold feet?”
“Warm everything.” Her smile could light cities. “Just…processing. All those years undercover, then helping you run, then finding this…” She gestures at her reflection. “Sometimes it feels like someone else’s life.”
I hug her carefully, avoiding crushing her dress. “It’s yours. You earned it.”
“We both did,” she says, hugging back. “Now go wrangle those children before they convince their uncles to actually demonstrate wheelies.”
The garden has filled completely when I emerge. Rick catches my eye from where he’s helping Draven with his tie. My heart still skips seeing him in a suit, just like it did that first interview.
Mrs. Wilson claims the front row, dabbing her eyes already. She’s adopted all of us—three brothers, four children, one complicated wife. Her garden hosts Sunday dinners that spill onto back porches and fill the night with laughter.
The ceremony starts perfectly. Owen carries rings while Daisy and Violet scatter rose petals with scientific precision. When Rose appears, Draven’s face tells its own love story.
Their vows are simple and honest. No fancy promises or elaborate declarations. Just two people who found each other through chaos, choosing to build something real.
During the reception, I dance with each brother in turn. Rick holds me close, his leadership softened by love. Chase’s artistic soul shows in how he moves us between other couples. Zane makes me laugh with his deliberately ridiculous steps.
“Are you happy?” Rick asks during a slow song.
I watch our family celebrate. My breath catches at the serenity of it all.
“More than happy.” I rest my head on Rick’s shoulder. “Whole.”
The party stretches into the evening. Fairy lights transform the garden into starlight. Children run wild under watchful eyes while adults share stories and drinks.
Rose finds me between songs, glowing with joy. “Thank you. For everything. For trusting me back then, for giving me family now.”
“Thank you for saving us.” I hug her tight. “For being a real family.”
The night winds down slowly. Younger children crash on blankets while older ones fight sleep to stay in the magic. My parents would have loved this—the chaos, the love, the sheer life of it all.
I wish they could see the woman I’ve become. Not the scared girl Luca trapped, but someone strong. Someone who chose her own path. Someone who built a family from broken pieces and love from chaos.
“Time to go!” Jamie announces as Rose and Draven prepare to leave.
They run through sparklers toward their waiting bike. Rose’s dress flows behind her as Draven helps her mount behind him. They roar off into the night while we cheer.
My parents gave me love enough to recognize it again after Luca. Rose gave me the courage to run, and my daughters gave me the strength to stay strong.
But these men—these complicated, perfect men—gave me something else. They gave me myself. Gave me space to become someone new.
The End