Epilogue #4
Dayton is still teaching at Chaplain County High School.
I doubt he could ever leave the boys who rely so heavily on his coaching.
We were all fearful of going public with our relationship and the potential fallout it could have on the guys’ careers, but much to our surprise, no one’s had much to say.
I’m sure people are talking, but none are so brave they’d make their disparaging remarks directly to our faces.
We gave a lot of thought to moving away from Chaplain entirely, away from the place that harbors such painful memories for me, but I’ve come to realize that some of my happiest moments have happened here, too.
The people who rallied around us during the trial, becoming immensely protective of the kids and me, endeared us in a way I can’t quite explain.
Raiden heavily debated whether returning to detective work was what he truly wanted.
We promised to support whatever decision he made, but at the end of the day, he couldn’t bring himself to walk away.
He’d spent years, and thousands of dollars in student loans, working towards the profession he’d been obsessed with since high school.
Not to mention, he was born to help people.
It’s simply in his nature, and he’s incredibly good at it.
Most days he comes home happy and feeling proud of a job well done, but there are times when it’s obvious that a case didn’t go the way he’d hoped it would.
Raiden bears the full brunt of responsibility when that happens, even when the outcome was beyond his control.
When those rare instances happen, we love him even harder, making sure to remind him as often as he needs us to that he’s an amazing human being.
Briggs–my dark thundercloud–has been diligent in keeping up with his therapy sessions.
In his own words, he never wants to become the man he used to be, losing days at a time to his need and desire to punish himself.
He’s been an open book with us since revealing the truth of what he went through.
I never have to question if there’s something I’m unaware of anymore.
Quite the opposite, actually. He’s become somewhat of an oversharer, but he’s so charming, I’ve learned to appreciate the constant play-by-plays of his day.
Which typically involves him and Hudson finding any manner of trouble.
Not needing the income, Briggs prefers to stay home with the kids and me, offering a second set of hands to keep Hudson and Izzy occupied.
Our days are filled with laughter and an overabundance of shenanigans, and the fact that our routine is about to change fills me with dread.
“I think we should have another baby,” I announce, cringing at my own bluntness.
Beside me, Col’s rocking comes to an abrupt halt, and Dayton straightens his lax posture from where he was leaning against the railing.
Glancing to the side, I find Raiden with his jaw practically unhinged.
Shifting my eyes slightly to his left, I’m unsurprised to see that Briggs is sporting a massive grin.
Thankfully, Rita excused herself to start dinner, and Royce has joined Hudson on the swingset.
I can only imagine the excited screeching that would be taking place if they were present to overhear my confession.
“Fuck yes!” Briggs exclaims, pumping his fist in the air. “And no one gets dibs!” He points an accusing finger at each of the guys. “We fuck our girl like rabbits and may the best sperm win.” I choke on a laugh.
“Are you sure, minha luz?” Raiden asks, kneeling in front of me so he can look me in the eye. “This isn’t because of Hudson starting preschool, is it?” His too-perceptive nature makes me smile.
“No.” I shake my head with certainty. I’d never bring another child into the world simply because I miss my son, but his concern is valid.
“I’ve been thinking about trying for a while now, but the trial was still hanging over us.
It felt like our lives were on hold, and now that I can finally breathe again, it’s something I’d like to have a discussion about.
Whether we grow our family or not, I won’t deny that I’m anxious about Hudson starting school.
It’s a big change, but it’s not the reason I’ve thought about having another baby.
I’ve known since Izzy was born that I’d want more children,” I admit.
“We’ll give you as many babies as you want, Butterfly,” Dayton promises, his blue eyes darkening and filled with promises of what’s to come.
The sound of a car approaching steals our attention, and we glance in unison towards the winding driveway that leads to the gravel parking area in front of the farmhouse.
A few seconds later, Mia’s bright red Mercedes comes into view, dust kicking up in her wake as she all but floors the gas pedal.
Coming to a sudden stop, the back tires slide to the side, leaving her parked at an angle.
When she steps out of the car, her bottom lip is jutted out in a pout.
“Damn. Really thought I’d nailed down that whole drifting thing last time,” she gripes, waving a hand in front of her face to clear away the dust.
“For fucksake, Mia,” Raiden scolds, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose as he looks towards the sky in hopes of a higher power giving him some insight on how to deal with his lunatic sister.
“What if one of the kids had been playing in the exact spot you just decided to Dominic Toretto your luxury sedan?” Before Mia can formulate a response, the passenger door opens.
Bel tumbles out, pressing his lips to the ground while repeatedly mumbling his thanks.
I snort, having concluded that Mia’s daredevil stunt was likely due to Bel pissing her off.
She likes to get her revenge when he least expects it.
Gotta keep these men on their toes, as Mia would say.
“As if I’d ever put my niece and nephew at risk,” Mia retorts, looking miffed that her brother would dare question her ability to keep them safe.
“I texted Rita before arriving and made sure they were both clear of my landing pad.” She saunters forward, leaving Bel on his hands and knees, still gasping for breath.
I shake my head at how diabolical she is, but if history repeats itself, I expect a phone call tomorrow of her recounting the filthy make-up sex they had after arriving home tonight.
I couldn’t have been happier when Mia announced that she and Bel were moving in together, and it was only made better when they mutually decided to call Chaplain home.
It’s been incredible having her so close, and Izzy and Hudson love their aunt and uncle fiercely.
Likely in part because of the gifts they come bearing every time they visit, but as Mia has admitted on numerous occasions, bribery is the best tool she has in her arsenal.
Stopping to peck her brother on the cheek, she states smugly, “By the way, Mom and Dad found a house for sale. They’re planning a visit next week to view it.” Her grin is devilish as she continues forward, swooping down to steal Izzy from my arms.
Mia might not want children of her own, but she certainly excels at being an aunt.
Raiden’s groan makes her cackle, but she’s too busy making silly faces at Izzy to pay him any mind.
He gives me an apologetic look, but I smile and shake my head.
As Mia predicted, their parents took some time to come around to our relationship.
Truthfully, it’s still a bit of a sore spot.
They struggle to understand the appeal, and Raiden has no desire to constantly explain our reasoning.
But they’re trying, and that’s all we can ask for.
They love Hudson and Izzy, and knowing they want to be closer is a huge step in the right direction.
They’re phenomenal grandparents, and if there’s a chance our children can grow up visiting them as much as they do Royce and Rita, I’d never stand in the way of that.
We’re blessed to have such an abundance of people who want to be a part of our lives.
It’s something I still struggle to wrap my mind around sometimes.
As someone who’s lacked any semblance of family, I find myself overwhelmed with emotion that I’ve been so easily accepted into other people’s.
Having only Dayton’s grandfather as an example, both he and Col have an intimate understanding of how difficult it can be to trust others’ intentions at face value.
And Briggs, though he had a family, they can hardly be called that.
It takes him a while to believe that people are being genuine, and after learning about how horrid and fake his parents are, none of us can fault him for being guarded.
“Dinner’s ready!” Rita calls from the doorway.
I take the hand that Col extends and allow him to help me to my feet.
The moment we step inside, my stomach growls loudly.
I could barely eat my breakfast this morning from how nervous I was, so I’m thankful my appetite has finally returned.
After washing our hands, we take our seats at the table, not the least bit surprised when the front door bangs open, announcing Hudson and Royce’s arrival.
“I beat you fair and square, PopPop!” Hudson brags, hands planted on his hips as he fights to catch his breath.
“That you did, kid,” Royce admits, not the least bit winded, making it obvious that the most effort he gave their race was a brisk walk.
“That’ll be a hundred bucks, mister.” Hudson holds his hand out expectantly.
“I believe the bet was twenty dollars,” Royce deadpans, raising a brow at his grandson’s attempt at swindling him out of more money.