Epilogue
A year later
To the casual observer or passerby, they might wonder if there was a local fair being held in the backyard of the mayor of Arrowtown’s house. There was a bouncy castle, a huge paddling pool, a ball pit, and a merry-go-round. Men were manning three large barbecue grills and there was a tent for drinks. Little children ran around, squealing, chasing others, and having fun, while older ones tried to look casual as they poked each other and eyed the drinks tent.
It was Hector and Samuel’s first birthday and Ra suggested they have a party and invite everyone who had made them feel welcome in Arrowtown. The local elections had been held three months before and no one was surprised when Ra was re-elected mayor and Rocky held his position as sheriff. No one else even bothered to stand against them, so that was a quick result.
But for now it was a Sunday. Rocky and Mal had set themselves up under the shade of the tree. A blanket was on the ground and Rocky was sprawled across most of it, resting his head in Mal’s lap. Hector and Samuel were curled up with each other, sleeping despite the noise.
The boys had already had a busy morning because Rocky was determined they would enjoy all of the events, even though they were only just walking. He took them both on the bouncy castle which Hector loved and Samuel didn’t. But Hector was not a fan of the paddling pool, while Samuel didn’t want to get out. Now Rocky was wondering if he could get away with having a wee doze of his own.
/~/~/~/~/
Mal shook his head at the sheer number of people who turned out to celebrate their boys’ birthday. We’ve all come so far, he thought.
Ra and Seth were also sprawled on a blanket under a tree. Mal looked around and spotted Annabelle with her brothers, Michael and Sage, eating burgers. Annabelle’s fae heritage was starting to show more clearly now – she looked so much more ethereal than her shifter brothers, although she was definitely the boss of the three of them. I wonder how that will pan out as they get older.
Mal turned his attention to Simon and Darwin. They were sitting with Doc and Joe, and Cam and Fergus. Fergus had his new daughter in his arms, holding her one-handed while he managed a beef rib with the other. Cam was keeping a close eye on Ivan, their son, and Simon and Darwin’s sons Thomas and Sebastian, who appeared to be happily playing together with blocks.
Fergus’s mother, Marybelle, was sitting in her chair with Mrs. Hooper, Nancy, and Molly. Mal noticed there was still no sign of Nancy’s husband and wondered if he’d left town. Regardless her two boys, Toby and Sheridan, were being very well behaved… And steering well clear of Rocky, Mal noticed.
Liam and Lucien were arm wrestling over by the drinks tent, watched on by their mates. Mal had wondered if Lucien worried that he and Noah hadn’t found their third yet. But Liam confided that Noah had explained their mate might not be born yet, as phoenixes were immortal, and he and Noah were very happy being uncles to Kayne. Beau and Trent, Liam’s mates, were joking about something, with Trent holding a squirming Kayne in his arms.
Mal looked over to the other corner of the yard. Now that’s not something you see every day. Blade and Cyrus were both lounging on low lawn chairs, watching Ethan, who was exploring something in the grass. Levi sat to the side, cuddling Sofia in one arm, while he signed to Hal with the other. Ness was lying face down on the grass, his eyes closed, although as Mal watched, Ethan scrambled over and climbed on his back.
Dian and Kee were supervising their kids, Isabelle, Eddie, and Jenny, in the paddling pool, their friend Eagle nursing a drink beside them. Mal hadn’t seen Eagle around town much, and the man looked tired. From what Mal heard from Dian, Eagle was still working for the shadow organization Dian and Cam used to work for, and it was clearly taking it’s toll. Hopefully he remembers Arrowtown as a place he can relax when he finally finds his mate. Although Mal noticed Eagle kept glancing over at Levi… If it’s meant to be, it will be.
“The chicken wings are done.” Brutus could be clearly heard over the noise of chatter and happy children playing. Heath piped up and added, “Come and get them while they’re hot.”
Mal’s hand, the one he had on Rocky’s head, was knocked aside as the man jumped up so fast, it was like he’d been hit with a cattle prod.
“I’ll get some for you, too,” Rocky yelled as he sprinted in Brutus’s direction. “Brutus. Hey Brutus, Heath, save some for me.”
Chuckling, Mal checked on Hector and Samuel, who had both opened their eyes at Rocky’s hasty moves. “It’s all right boys,” Mal said, keeping his voice low. “Daddy loves his wings, but he loves us more. He’ll bring us some back too.”
“Hmm. Wings.” Hector closed his eyes, his little hands reaching out for Samuel, who closed his eyes again as well.
His first freaking word, and it’s wings? Rocky was going to be so proud.
Mal reached for his water bottle and took a swig from it watching the happy families and people around him. Arrowtown was a truly special place, and he was glad to call it home. Family, friends, good food, and a sunny day. Simple things to some, but life truly doesn’t get any better than this.
The End.