BONUS EPILOGUE
DAMIAN
4 Months Later
“Is that the last of it?” I ask the man I’m staring at through the computer’s camera.
He looks over the paperwork, taking his time to make sure nothing’s been forgotten. I appreciate the thoroughness, however, I’m eager for this to be done with.
Finally, he nods. “Everything seems to be in order, Mr. Wolfe. Are you sure about this?”
I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life. “Yes. Please handle the rest of this and only contact me if you absolutely need to.”
With that, I end the video call and shut down my computer.
I’ve spent the last year working toward this goal and there’s no way I’m going to drag it out any longer. Managing multiple businesses and my family was too much. I finally realized that, thanks to Thea and the unbearable migraines. The events that happened this time last year put everything into perspective.
Life’s too short.
So, I’ve sold my business and I’ve hired someone to manage all of our assets, including my brother’s businesses. And thankfully, I haven’t had a migraine in months. I breathe out in relief. The tightness in my chest seems to ease immediately. I don’t know what to do with myself. I’m going to have so much time on my hands.
A devious thought crosses my mind. I have so much time to make up for with Thea. I’ve spent our entire relationship distracted and mourning and dealing with the mess that came after the fire.
The detective’s body was my biggest worry. I was confident I could talk my way out of almost everything else. But Williams was going to be tough. The police did a full investigation and found that he was abusing his power. They realized he forged warrants, conducted an undocumented interrogation, and collected DNA without reason. They were pretty quick to sweep it all under the rug and I was more than happy to keep my mouth shut.
Gavin was the other issue. He was locked up in that storage unit for over five months. The state of it was beyond disgusting. Cole would visit a few times a week to empty the bucket that was his makeshift bathroom and to bring him some food and water. He was practically wasting away by the time I got to him.
After we got back to Willow Hill the night of the fire, I dropped Gavin off on the side of the road with a warning to never bother Thea again. I doubt he’ll be a problem considering he wouldn’t stop thanking me for the first hour after I rescued him. Getting to him was an ordeal in itself.
When I got to the storage unit, the owner told me that Cole put a hit out on me. He paid the owner to kill me when I arrived. Sadly for him, I have far more money and the owner is a greedy piece of shit. I was able to pay him off and retrieve Gavin.
So, yeah, I have a lot of time to make up for and I have no more excuses to keep myself closed off from Thea. I couldn’t be happier.
Pushing up from my computer chair, I make my way to the kitchen. I faintly hear Christmas music as I get closer. Then, I hear my brothers.
“Oh, c’mon, Jingle Bells is absolutely the best holiday song,” Sutton asserts.
Thea giggles.
“You’ve got to be shitting me. Last Christmas by Wham! is definitely the best,” Adrian argues, his voice carrying from the living room.
I lean against the wall, partially hidden by the fireplace, as I watch my family debate.
Sutton scoffs and his arms fly up. “That song is so sad. Why?”
Staring at my brother, I’m in awe. Sutton has come so far and I’m incredibly proud of him. He’s held his boundaries with his parents all year and made them really do the work to rebuild their relationship with him. The divorce was finalized a few months ago, but everyone’s on good terms. They even came here for Thanksgiving.
I watch Thea’s head fall back as she bursts into laughter, completely amused by their back and forth. I laugh silently as I watch her. I was scared that Christmas was going to be hard on all of us. It is, but I’m so grateful that they are finding some joy despite everything.
Thea spent so much time and effort last year making our home look amazing. I was worried she wouldn’t be able to find that magic again. Then, a few weeks ago, boxes by the dozens started arriving. And soon after that, she was putting us to work.
We spent days hanging garland, not near the mantle this time, and putting up wreaths and stringing lights. She’s outdone herself. I take a look around, admiring all the small details that she’s thought of to make this Christmas perfect.
For so long, I had this vision of Thea being our queen of darkness. I didn’t realize that us being her catalyst would nearly destroy her. She’s transformed, there’s no doubt about that, but I don’t think it was worth the cost.
She seems lighter these days. She smiles more and there are times where it almost feels like last year never happened. Then, there are times where I see her eyes become hollow as if she’s somewhere else entirely. Glimpses of that darkness still come through. I don’t know if that will ever fade. But I’ll spend the rest of my life protecting her and keeping her happy. It’s the least I can do when she risked it all for us. She risked it all for him.
My eyes land on the picture of Wes sitting above the fireplace. Next to it is a small angel. He’ll always be with us, but it’s not the same. I miss him so much.
“You gonna join them or just stand here looking like a fucking creep?” I turn to find Jessie by the front door. Her brows are raised and she’s smirking.
I glance at the time on the oven. “You’re late.” She rolls her eyes as she makes her way to me.
“Didn’t realize I was on the clock,” she throws back at me as she leans against the wall next to me, watching Sutton, Thea, and Adrian.
Letting out I laugh, I drop my head. “Yeah, you’re right. Honestly, I didn’t think you were going to show.” I glance at her, trying to read her face.
Jessie shrugs. “Figured if I didn’t, your princess might’ve thrown a temper tantrum and set another fire.” Her voice is flat, but almost immediately, we both start laughing. I never thought I could do that—find some kind of dark humor in the tragedy of it all. She gets serious suddenly. “She’s a good one. You better not let her get away.”
“Never,” I breathe out, turning my stare back to Thea.
“Damian, settle the debate,” she calls out. Her blue eyes sparkle in the firelight and her lips curve in a sweet smile.
I run my hand through my waves. “Well, if you’re asking me, I’d say All I Want For Christmas is top tier.”
My brothers groan, but I ignore them as I make my way to Thea. I watch as her eyes travel over me. I know that look well.
“I don’t want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need,” I croon out, coming closer to her. Thea sits up a little straighter. “I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree.” She bites the corner of her lip nervously and pink creeps into her cheeks. “I just want you for my own. More than you could ever know.” I’m standing in front of her, and I watch as her throat bobs. Bending down, I take her chin between my fingers and stare into her eyes. “Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you.” My lips find hers. She kisses me soft and gentle—it’s exactly what I need right now.
Thea always knows exactly what I need.
THEA
My fingers trace over the black silk bow that’s wrapped around the crimson square box on my bed. Well, my former bed. I don’t sleep in here anymore. My nights are spent rotating between Damian, Sutton, and Adrian’s rooms these days. But my old room makes for a great storage space.
I slipped away from the guys as they said goodnight to Jessie to pull this box down from the closet. It was delivered the day after the fire last year. A gift from Wes, meant for me. I wasn’t able to bring myself to open it until now. I’m still nervous, but it’s time.
Pulling the small, taped envelope away from the box, I carefully open it and read the card inside.
Blue eyes,
One of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made was to agree to buying you ten pairs of panties every time I ruined a pair of yours. I’m looking forward to a lifetime of buying you pretty things that I get to tear off your body. This one is special though and I promise to keep it intact. I can’t wait to unwrap you. Merry Christmas. I love you.