Epilogue Two
Two Years Later
“Lucian, no!”
My son ignores me completely.
The small blur of tawny curls and unstoppable enthusiasm barrels across the grass like a missile with legs, heading directly toward the decorative fountain that Enzo insisted on installing last year because he claimed it added “architectural balance” to the garden.
In reality, what it added was a drowning hazard for small children. I nearly punched him for his stupidity.
“Lucian!” I try again.
But he just screeches with laughter and increases his speed. The child has exactly two settings: asleep and mayhem.
I catch him halfway to the fountain, scooping him into my arms just as he tries to launch himself toward the water.
“Nice try, menace,” I tease, kissing his cheek.
Lucian giggles and pats my face as if he’s pleased with himself.
Across the lawn, Neomi holds our two-month-old daughter, Luna, while she watches the entire scene unfold with amusement. Zara sits to her right, laughing at my misery.
Gabriel and Enzo are manning the grill. They have formed a tight bond over the time Gabriel has been a member of the Syndicate.
It took time, but Enzo trusts him now. Dante and Sera sit on a blanket laid out next to Zara’s.
Sera looks at Dante with a softness I never could have imagined coming from her back in those early days in Austin.
Neomi, Gabriel, and I had a commitment ceremony after Lucian was born.
I replaced the rings Neomi and I had exchanged with something that belonged to all three of us, matching platinum bands etched with roses and set with small diamonds.
Seeing them on our hands felt right, like we had finally put words to something we’d already been living.
It was a small gathering, just family, and when Neomi walked toward Gabriel and I, I lost every ounce of composure I thought I had.
As we recited our vows, I remember thinking, with absolute certainty, that I would choose them again every time.
That I would choose this, choose us, for the rest of my life.
There was a lot of teasing when Neomi announced her second pregnancy to the family a year ago. Violette was ecstatic and said it must be helpful with two groups of swimmers working toward the same goal.
That woman could talk about sex endlessly. I’m still not sure if it’s just who she is, or if she’s made it her life’s mission to make us all as uncomfortable as possible.
Speaking of Violette, she walks out onto the patio with a tray loaded with a pitcher of lemonade and plastic glasses. Calvin trails behind her with a plate piled high with cookies.
“Ma, put those away until after we eat.” Enzo calls out. “The kids won’t be able to sit long enough to eat a proper dinner with all the sugar.”
Calvin, Violette’s long-time driver and big golden retriever of a man, turns to walk the plate back inside. Violette stops him.
“Calvin, sweetheart, you can put those cookies down next to the lemonade. Don’t listen to Enzo. My grandbabies deserve a little treat.”
Calvin moves to the table.
“Calvin, remember who signs your paychecks,” Enzo warns.
Calvin turns to walk back to the door.
Violette narrows her eyes at Enzo, lowering her voice. “Calvin, remember who gives you blow jobs.”
Calvin scurries to the table and sets the plate down.
“Sorry, Enzo.” He sighs.
Enzo shrugs. “It’s okay, Calvin. If having the cookies on the table means she won’t say the words ‘blow job’ again, I’ll concede.”
Calvin laughs. “Thank you.”
We all sit around the large table in the garden, plates passed between us, children in laps and laughter in the air, and I’m so fucking thankful.
Gabriel is holding a squirming Lucian and Neomi has a sleeping Luna. The two people I love, and my children are right beside me.
Everyone at this table has been through hell, and yet we were all lucky enough to find love. And we’re raising the children who will carry on our legacy.
None of it was easy, but we braved the flames, and we forged a love that no enemy could destroy.
The End