Epilogue
~~Drakos~~
I sit back and watch the festivities planned by the WAGs. They’re throwing Aria and I a baby shower combined with a housewarming. It’s a joyful atmosphere, as we won game seven last night and proceed to the Conference Finals, which start in a few days.
The house is full of laughter and boisterous joking. Children race around the yard as it’s a warm May day in Portland. My heart is so full, it feels as if it’ll burst right out of my ribcage.
“I never thought I’d see the day.” Koko slides up to me and winks.
“What day?” The guy instantly annoys me, but I try for the sake of the team to hide my dislike.
“That you’d allow your wings to be clipped. It’ll never happen to me.”
I’ve heard that pledge before from my own lips. “Never say never. Though in your case I don’t what woman would tolerate you on a permanent basis.”
He glares and stomps off. I’ll consider his anger a win.
“What was that about?”
I jump and whirl around. Kirby has a way of sneaking up on people, like a stealth mode. “Did you ever consider warning a guy before you give him a heart attack?”
Kirby snorts with laughter before he turns serious. “I’m happy for you. I really am. You’ve met your soul mate.”
“I guess I have.” If someone would’ve asked me months ago about soulmates, I’d have responded vehemently and claimed I didn’t believe in soulmates or fated mates or what the fuck ever. Times have changed.
“Are you going to get a roommate?” He’s now in that big condo by himself. He can afford it, but Kirby likes company.
He shrugs. “If it happens.”
“I see.”
He smiles and slaps me on the back before heading for the bar setup in one corner of the room.
He grabs a water and joins a group of guys.
I stand back and watch, feeling more contented than I have in a very long time.
I have no doubts I’m doing the right thing with the right person, and now we have a son to raise and maybe a few more kids if Aria is willing.
Speaking of Aria, she’s making her way through the crowd toward me.
“You’re too serious.” She links her arm in mine.
“Am I?”
“Having second thoughts.”
“Fuck no. I’m taking it all in and enjoying every moment. The team is warming up to you.”
“You noticed?”
“I notice everything about you because I’m a man in love.”
She leans in and kisses me. “Same here.”
“Good because it’d suck if one of us wasn’t all-in.”
“But we are.”
We stand in comfortable silence for a while as we survey the room full of guests. I hope this’ll be the first party of many.
“Gardenia just told me some good news?” She cocks her head and smiles up at me.
“And that is?” Damn, I love this woman. I’d gladly stand here all night and hang with her because there’s nowhere else, I’d rather be.
“They charged her stepmother with murder.”
“Good. I’m happy to hear it.” I really am. Things are looking up for all of us. The team is playing lights out, or as many of the media claim above our abilities. Whatever. They aren’t ruining my good mood.
“Aria. Good to see you. Love your new house. You’ll make beautiful memories here.” Kirby rejoins us, and Aria gives him a quick hug. Her eyes are suspiciously moist. I pull her close to my side, loving the feel of her next to me.
Addison enters the room. She was working late and had finally shown up. She’s flanked by a woman none of us know. She strides straight to Aria and me, congratulates us, and turns to the stranger with her.
“Aria, Drakos, Kirby, this is Shelby’s sister, Eloise. She’s in town to find her sister.”
We exchange pleasantries. All but Kirby. He’s staring at her as if he’s seen a ghost. She glances in his direction but doesn’t have the extreme reaction he does. It’s weird, but Kirby is weird, so I don’t give it another thought. It’s probably a vibe thing. He’s big on that stuff.
“Aria, I’ve been meaning to talk to you. We have a position open on our media team. It’s yours if you want it.”
Aria smiles and shakes her head. I know her answer. She’s going to work for Gone Missing. She loves investigating more than she loves reporting.
“I really appreciate the offer, but I have other plans. Thank you, though.”
“I guess I should’ve caught up with you earlier. My loss but their gain.” Addison moves on with Eloise to introduce her to others in the group.
Kirby wanders off but I note he’s keeping his distance from the newcomers while keeping an eye on them. Aria watches him quizzically before looking at me. I shrug it off. I never know what Kirby’s thinking. Besides, he can handle himself.
“Let’s get some air.” I take Aria’s hand and lead her out onto the deck. The kids shriek with laughter on the lawn below us as they chase each other. It’s the sweetest sound.
Aria leans against me, and I put my arm around her waist. She feels so good, so right, so perfect for me. I kiss her forehead.
“I never thought I’d find someone like you.
Not that I realized what I was missing, but now I understand my constant partying and hooking up with random women was a cry for help disguised as having a good time.
I guess I did have fun, but there was always this emptiness the next morning, this feeling that I can’t describe.
Now I have you, and I can’t imagine life without you.
” I stare into that stunning face and soak in all the changes in my life in such a short time.
It’s hard to believe a few short months ago, Aria and I were mortal enemies.
It seems so long ago. Maybe even back then I realized she was special, I just didn’t acknowledge it.
Now I know, and I’m here to stay.
Noah barrels up the deck steps and hugs each of us. “Dad, can I have a dog now? Rowen and Ryder have a dog. We have a big yard. We have room. Can I? Please? Can I?”
Love for this kid spreads through me and warms every corner of my soul. I’ll never tire of hearing him call me dad. I want my boy to have everything. Hell, I’ll buy him a pony if he asks. I look to Aria because we’re partners now, and we make decisions together. She nods slightly.
“I think we can manage that,” I say.
Noah cheers and runs off to tell his friends. Aria and I shared a laugh. My gaze goes to the sky. The stars are starting to come out, and I stare at them. Aria’s gaze follows mine.
“My sister is happy for Noah and I,” she comments.
“I’d like to think she’s up there looking down and smiling.
I think I understand somewhat why she did what she did.
She was my parents’ creation, their masterpiece, the heir to their research throne, while I was just the spare.
All the pressure was on her to be what they wanted her to be.
That’s a heavy burden to carry. For all her faults, I loved her, and she loved me.
I forgive her for the lies she told and the fake life she built. ”
“Forgiveness is always better than the alternative, but a lot of people don’t understand and wallow in resentment and hatred.”
“Like I did with you?” Her smirk is a mixture of amusement laced with a silent apology.
“A little. You were pretty hard on me.”
“But you emerged unscathed.”
“Barely. You’re ruthless.” I snort with laughter, and she gives me a little pinch on the arm. Being dramatic, I cry out in pain, while she rolls her eyes.
Aria’s gaze returns to the sky. “They’re proud of you. You know that, right?”
“My family?”
She nods.
“Their last visit to the US, things were getting scary in Ukraine. I begged them to stay here, but they wouldn’t. I’ve never forgiven myself.”
“It’s time you do so. They’d want that for you. They made the best decision they could at the time, you can’t beat yourself up. No one can predict the future.”
“Yeah, I know. I see that now.” I feel lighter, as if a weight I didn’t realize I’d been carrying had been lifted off my shoulders and I’ve been set free thanks to this beautiful woman by my side.
“I love you.” I see that love reflected in her gaze, and I’m at peace.
“This is the best day of my life.” I gaze down, and she places her hand on my chest, right where my heart is—the heart that beats for her.
“Until tomorrow. Then we’ll have a new best day.”
“Every day with you will be my best day ever.” We stare into each other’s eyes like two lovesick fools, which we are and always will be.
Thank you for reading COLLIDING. The Portland Icehawks Series continues with Kirby and Eloise’s story in CHECKING.