Epilogue
NICO
Eight Years Later
“ I ’m the Nightmare! ” Rocco Jr says, puffing his chest up and throwing his arms out to his sides.
I look at my son in shock. It’s like the years melt away. These past almost ten years have been the best of my life, from the wedding, the birth, and holding my son and his little sister in my arms for the first time. Spending long, lazy days with my wife, attending her exhibitions as I swell with pride.
Rocco JR hesitates. “Daddy? The Nightmare?” He rolls his eyes. “ From my favorite show? ”
I grin. “Of course I remember him.” Walking into his room, I scoop him up. Sometimes, he wriggles, telling me he’s not a little kid anymore. Today isn’t one of those days.
He smiles at me as he wraps his little arms around my shoulders. “Daddy, have you checked your phone?”
“That’s a random question…”
“Just—uh—maybe check it?”
I take out my phone. A text from Snapshot is on my phone; she’s been saved like that for years.
Snapshot: I think we should give the kids all the treats they want, especially chocolate, because chocolate is actually fantastic and tasty for strong and funny kids, and I think they should have three birthdays from now on.
From outside, Mia giggles. In my arms, Rocco JR can’t hold back his laughter, either. I carry Rocco JR into the hallway to find Mia in my wife’s arms, laughing like crazy. My woman has become even more beautiful as the years have passed.
“Did you send it like I said, Mommy?” Mia asks.
“Mia,” Rocco JR says, pretending to be annoyed, but he can’t keep the big brotherly love out of his voice. “It was supposed to be a trick .”
“What do you think, Snapshot? Are three birthdays a year enough for these two?”
She glows with love. My wife—the only woman I’ve ever wanted or needed.
“Why don’t we make it four, huh, kids?”
“Yay!” Mia cheers.
“We’ve got the best mommy and daddy ever!” Rocco JR yells.
THE END