24. Epilogue
Morgan- Six Months Later
The days have become much warmer, but at night a cool breeze still blows off the ocean. Tonight the air is heavy with the sweet resinous scent of mango blossoms. Oliver, who never misses an opportunity to go for a walk, is at my side.
Every day I grow more in love with the men who I have chosen to share my future with. I started seeing a therapist to help me deal with my fears. Carolyn specializes in issues related to love and loss. She says I have made substantial progress in a short amount of time.
But I still get scared. Not of Zak or Dante changing their minds—their love for me and one another is as unwavering as mine for them. But I still struggle with the knowledge tragedy could strike and I might lose one of them forever.
Zak’s revelation at dinner did not help. Part of me is happy he is being considered for a transfer to the Medevac Unit. It will mean more money and fewer hours. That should be a good thing, right? Less hours at work means more time with me and Dante.
But when I think of him zooming up and down The Keys in a helicopter, all I can think of is how much could go wrong. Isn't it enough that I have to worry about one boyfriend being shot every time he goes to work?
As I look up at the moon, Caroline’s words from our last session flash into my mind. ‘If God forbid something ever happened, wouldn’t it be a shame to look back and see every moment you wasted worrying about the future instead of living in the present?’
I stoop and pick up Oliver. “Let’s get home to your daddies. It’s movie night and I don’t want to miss a moment of it.”
Z ak and Dante- Three Years Later
“ You are so handsome in your dress uniform. You should wear it more often,” I tell him. We are in the living room waiting for Morgan to finish getting ready.
“I don’t enjoy dressing up as much as you do.” Dante pulls at the starched collar. “You’re going to sweat your ass off in that black suit.”
“It will be worth it.” I beam. “It's not every day the man I love gets promoted to lieutenant.”
“You realize the ceremony lasts like fifteen minutes and it's going to take us an hour to get there?” He looks in the mirror and reties his tie for a third time.
“It doesn’t matter.” I straighten his tie and brush a strand of Oliver’s fur from his lapel. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Neither would Morgan.”
He continues to fuss with his collar, and although he would never admit it, I know the promotion was important to him. Having Morgan and me at his side will make it even more meaningful. “The extra money will certainly come in handy. Especially now.”
“And since you will only work days, you'll be home for all those 2:00 AM feedings,” I smirk.
From the moment Morgan told us she was pregnant, Dante and I have been adamant we did not want a DNA test. There is no reason for one. We are a family and will love our child the same way we both love Morgan—unconditionally.
“Funny. I can’t help worrying that somehow I will screw up. I mean, it’s not like my own father was much of a role model.”
“It’s natural to be scared. I had two terrific parents and I am still afraid I’ll make mistakes.”
“I don't know what the two of you are worried about.” We turn to see Morgan descending the stairs. Sheathed in black silk and six months into her pregnancy, she is even more beautiful than the day we met.
“With you as his fathers this child will learn integrity, courage, and compassion. You have nothing to worry about.” We each kissed her on a cheek. “Unless we have a daughter. Then you’re both screwed, because she will have you wrapped around her finger five minutes after you meet her.
“Just like her mother.” I smile and take her hand as Dante leads us to his five star safety rated SUV.