Epilogue Two
brANDON
It had been months since finishing Lexi’s tattoo—after she told me she loved me.
We were still together, and I’d never been happier.
Hearing her say those words both shocked and moved me, especially since I never imagined she’d be the one to say it first. Fucking Lexi never failed to surprise me.
I loved her then with every fiber of my being, and still do.
I tell her every single day without fail.
Was our meeting fate? If you asked Lexi, she’d still laugh in your face, but I wasn’t so sure.
Whether we met through Daphne and Nathan or at The Basement on a random night, I think she was always meant to be mine and I hers, and I plan on spending the rest of my days showing her how grateful I am for her existence.
I smiled to myself as I looked around the table. Sunday dinners at my dad’s place were a little more of a rowdy affair these days. Daphne, Nathan, Lexi, Dylan, Dad, and I were all laughing at something Coco was doing to the wall. That cat was nuts and actually pretty entertaining.
I reached my hand under the table to squeeze Lexi’s thigh. Without looking in my direction, she smiled and placed her hand over mine.
“So when are you two tying the knot? You’re not getting any younger.” Lexi’s eyes grew slightly wider, and her grip on my hand intensified until she realized my dad’s question was directed towards Nathan and Daphne. I chuckled and patted her leg.
“We’re not in any hurry, Dad. We’re just enjoying each other’s company for now,” Nathan answered for them.
“You kids these days, never in a hurry for anything,” he sighed.
“Okay, Gramps.” Dylan laughed. “You’re not even that old, Dad. Quit acting like an old man.”
“So sue me for wanting my kids happy and settled down. I don’t know what you’re all waiting for. Life’s too short.”
He was right; life was too short, but like Nathan and Daphne, Lexi and I were taking things slow. We didn’t even have any plans to move in together yet, although we rarely stayed apart anymore.
As if on cue, Coco jumped into Dad’s lap and started rubbing her face all over him and purring her little heart out. “I guess Coco Baby will be my only grandbaby,” he cooed.
“Yeah, that’s definitely the only one you’ll ever get from me,” Dylan announced.
Nathan piped up next. “I hope you eat your words one day, brother.”
Dylan arched his eyebrow. “Wanna put money on it?”
After dinner and our after-dinner routine of shooting the shit in the back room, it was time to call it a night.
Lexi and I said our goodbyes and followed Dylan out to our cars.
Coco pranced beside us, showing off her new leash and harness set.
Lexi was making a fuss over her while I chatted with Dylan about some work nonsense.
“Yeah, I can be there—” Dylan trailed off as something caught his eye down the street.
“You okay?” I asked, following his line of sight.
“What’s happening at the Davies’ place?” His furrowed brow grew deeper. “Is he moving?”
“I’m not sure. I haven’t seen anyone over there in a while, but I think Mr. Davies passed away recently.”
“He’s dead?” he asked with what sounded like concern in his voice.
“I think so. If I remember correctly, Dad mentioned it last week.” I was getting concerned myself. I wasn’t sure why Dylan would even care.
Dylan was frantically looking at the Davies’ home. He appeared to be searching for something. Then he froze.
“No fucking way,” he said under his breath. He then dropped Coco’s leash and took off towards the Davies’ house.