Epilogue Two Years Later
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Family roasts at the Fisherman’s were an integral part of our fabric.
Carol asked me how I managed every time, looking between each of my men with a sense of fatigue.
Even though Tony didn’t quite understand our dynamic, he accepted it with a shrug.
Beck had become a highlight for him. They both retired to the den to watch games, speaking in silence with their hands.
Jenny was elated that I was a permanent part of the family, even though I wasn’t Ray’s, or any of their wives.
The only person who had never come around to me, was Beatrice. She was busy explaining to Carol how to care for the houseplant she’d gifted her. She came to these family nights most months as well. The chaotic banter, plentiful food, and wine made me glow from the inside out.
“I used the neem oil you recommended last time, and it really cleaned up the bugs. Thanks so much,” I interjected.
I would win her over no matter what. Who knew a wrinkled old lady would be harder to defeat than an entire shadow organization?
Beatrice’s eyes trailed from my boots to the loose ponytail holding back my shortened hair.
It lingered on my diamond necklace, the one Ray gifted me here so long ago.
Like she might find a reason for why her precious Jonah was wasting his life intertwined with mine. Ray hooked his arm over my shoulders.
“I transplanted a baby succulent, and it’s growing so well.”
“Really?” Beatrice pinched Ray’s cheek. “You’re a green-thumb prodigy.”
I gritted my teeth in an effort to stay silent and not expose Ray.
He’d tossed three brown and shriveled plants into the bin this morning.
As if sensing my intent, he covered my mouth and dragged me out of the kitchen.
Beatrice might not accept me, but she was in raptures over Ray.
He was handsome and charming, a catch for Jonah.
“Don’t be jealous.” Ray tossed his hair. “I can’t help if in-laws adore me.”
I pinched his side and raced ahead to Jonah, who was a step ahead on the moss covered, garden path.
The scent of rosemary, garlic and lamb followed us out.
Smoke curled out the top of the chimney, into the wispy clouds.
A dog barked down the street. Beatrice and Carol cackled together in the kitchen, everyone else forgotten.
“You’re a dirty cheater.” I hissed back at him.
“Beatrice playing favorites again?” Jonah gave me a lopsided smile, tucking me closer.
“There’s no competition. Even after all these years, she hates my guts.” I pouted, and irritation bubbled in my stomach.
Jonah laughed and kissed the top of my head.
“You’ll always be my number one.” Beck murmured as his hands snuck around my waist and his chest warmed my back.
We paused for a moment, soaking in suburbia and how it felt on us. Still strange after all this time. I always hunted for an escape route, searching every sound for a hint of danger.
“My monster.” I tipped my head up.
He obliged, catching my lip between his teeth for a slice of pain. An edge of danger radiated from Beck. He was jealous and territorial. But I wouldn’t have him any other way.
The garage door shuddered and rose, revealing a stern Tony.
We’re here for cars, not canoodling, he signed, and turned toward the car shell resting on blocks with a sigh.
Tony jerked his head toward the tools hanging on the back wall. We’d upgraded most of them over the years. But the sagging roof and modest cottage-style house hadn’t changed. The Fishermans were happy here, and they didn’t need any of Ray’s wasteful spending being spoiled on them.
“I’ve been waiting to get my hands on this baby since last time.”
I arched a brow. “You picked out a name for her already?”
He smirked. “This sexy little lady needs a name to match. Suggestions?”
Tony flicked his hands with impatience. Get working.
Where do you want me, boss? Beck signed.
The scent of motor oil infused the room, and wood shavings from Tony’s other projects piled into the corner. The fluorescent light flickered overhead, lighting up a rough carving of a car. If you could call it that. Jonah dragged over a stool and picked it up with a grin.
“This is yours, isn’t it? Imagine if you’d taken up woodwork, Ray? You could have been a respectable member of society.”
Ray whacked Jonah over the top of his head, but his eyes softened when he saw it.
“I always thought my family forgot me, but blood doesn’t mean bonds. We choose our own family, and I’m glad Tony chose me.”
My throat got tight. Wasn’t that the truth?
I’d been working with a therapist to deal with my claustrophobia and trauma from my mom dying.
While my fear wasn’t as debilitating as it once was, it still lingered.
I thought of her at strange moments. Like when I saw someone with the same shade of hair.
Or when I saw ads of mothers and daughters.
It ignited daydreams of a parallel life where we were living in a house like this.
Safe, simple and together.
Life had unique plans for me, and while her absence made my heart throb with absence, I’d found a loving family of my own. Ray was right. Being born with the same blood didn’t make you family.
But shedding blood for someone did.
Jonah slid his fingers underneath my chin and turned me to him. I leaned into the offer. He always knew when I needed strength.
“You getting sentimental?”
“Maybe,” I admitted.
Ray clicked his tongue, tossing a rag in my direction. “Well, don’t get too emotional, we’re supposed to be rebuilding an engine today.”
Any time this century would be nice. Tony shook his head at us.
“Come on, Little Liar.” Beck shot me a devious glance. “Time to get dirty.”
An hour later, my hands were filthy, and my lower back throbbed. Beck was wiping down the tools and placing them back on the wall with a meticulousness Tony appreciated. Jenny burst into the room with a bright smile.
“Lunch is ready.” She raced toward me, pulling back only when she saw grease painted up my arms.
“Your brother thought it was so funny,” I explained, shooting Ray a death glare.
He crept up and apologized into my neck. His words sent a shiver down my spine.
“Sorry, mia volpe, you’d better get washed up.”
“I don’t have a change of clothes,” I complained, but Jenny waved away my concerns. She took me to her room and gave me a pair of shorts and a lacy top to change into.
“This is nice, is it new?”
“Don’t tell Ray, but my boyfriend got it for me.” Jenny’s eyes shone.
“Boyfriend?” I squawked.
Jenny shushed me, watching the door like she thought Ray would burst in. She was too young for romance, wasn’t she? I probed her gently for details, knowing I’d have to run a background check on him later.
I was as protective of Ray, just more subtle.
Because the kitchen was too cramped, we crammed into the rarely used dining room, knees knocking together around the full table.
It was set with mismatched plates and cutlery.
The people I loved surrounded me. Even Beatrice.
I grabbed a serving of crispy, duck-fat roasted potatoes and let Ray pour a glass of red wine.
We’d come a long way from pretending to be a fake couple.
Jonah’s hand fell on my thigh, and the warm weight anchored me.
Beck sat with his long legs sprawled out under the table.
“I thought it was my turn to sit with Lyra,” he grumbled.
“No, you got to sit with her on the drive down.” Ray argued, eyes sparking with glee.
Beck pursed his lips together, looking like he wanted to fight, realized everyone else was watching him and made peace. I smothered a laugh as Ray winced. Beck didn’t want to argue in front of family, but he could still kick him under the table.
Jonah rolled his eyes, and his chair creaked underneath him.
“This room isn’t big enough for you oafs, especially not if you misbehave. What about if we have company next month?” I complained.
“Who else could come?” Ray filled his mouth with a bread roll.
“Your sister could have a boyfriend one day. Or three if she takes after Lyra.” Beatrice passed down the steamed vegetables.
Cutlery clanked as Ray dropped his knife, and Jonah growled. “Over my dead body.”
Beck cracked his knuckles in silent agreement. I tried not to laugh. I really did. But the sound burst out, startling the frozen Jenny and the overprotective trio playing murder in their minds.
Everyone regained their appetite, and the room, cramped and mismatched, burst with laughter and robust arguments. Ray stole the last of my potatoes, while Jonah tried to add more food to my plate. Beck reached around Jonah, his fingers brushing my shoulder like a silent reminder of his presence.
How could I forget? Even if he said nothing, he was magnetic. It had taken a while for Ray’s family to warm to him. There was something about Beck that others unconsciously knew, a silence that warned caution. But as in the beginning, Beck learned to soften.
After a lifetime of violence and pretending, he amazed me every day. Beck was forever my monster, but warmth existed in him I never thought possible. Beck’s heart was pure steel and, heavy to hold. Luckily, I had help.
As the food dwindled, conversation turned to presents.
“Let me,” Ray darted out of the room.
While he was gone, Beck abandoned his seat and stole the empty spot, ignoring the way Jonah rolled his eyes.
“I missed you,” Beck explained when I gave him a look.
Ray returned with a stack of presents wrapped with elaborate glitter bows that made Carol exclaim and her cheeks color.
“It’s too much,” she protested.
Ray pursed his lips when he saw Beck in his seat, before a smug smile brightened his expression. He passed them out and paused before handing me the last one. A black velvet ribbon secured the small, square box. Ray lifted me and sat me on his lap instead.
“Remember the first time you came here?” he whispered, breath hot against my ear.
“How could I forget?” I kissed his jaw.