Epilogue
Maeve
Ten Years Later
“And we have to go why?” Alice, my oldest daughter, asked.
“They’re your grandparents, and we had agreed to this.”
“But they’re going to want us to put on thick, knitted sweaters and it’s like a hundred degrees outside,” Alice said.
It was part of the summer tradition when we went to my parents, that they always wanted to get ahead with the Christmas photograph. I had been missing out of twenty-one photos, and I wasn’t going to miss another. Draven made sure we didn’t miss any.
I had thought my parents and Draven wouldn’t get along. However, my family adored him. Sure, they didn’t like his lifestyle choices; however, he seemed to make sure the worlds didn’t collide.
He was good friends with my two brothers, Francis and Theodore Barbieri. Also, I loved my sister Emily. She was amazing and beautiful. We had so much in common, or at least our interests were the same.
In the last ten years I had discovered a love of baking and cooking, with the help of Louis, our longtime chef and friend. I loved reading and had even started my hand at writing, but more for myself than anything else.
Life had been fun.
Ten years married to Draven, three children, two girls, one boy, and another on the way.
My stomach was already swollen, but at least it was the height of summer and I could use these large, flowy dresses.
It is much better than a winter baby. Wearing pants all the time is not exactly comfortable.
I hated it but loved it as well. Being a wife and a mother is a dream come true.
Being Draven’s wife is even better. I couldn’t believe being traded ended up being the best thing that had ever happened to me. I am forever grateful. How weird is that?
Speaking of my husband, he stepped into the kitchen, where Alice was still complaining.
“Is everyone ready?” he asked. He had our little girl attached to his middle. He loved carrying her around.
He was an amazing father. There was a short time, during my first pregnancy, where he didn’t think he was going to be a good dad. I told him I didn’t see him being anything but amazing. And he had proven me right.
Alice was spoiled, as was Phillip, and little Tilly he held in his arms.
We were a family. It was what I had always wanted.
****
Draven
I had never been a man for crowds, but it would seem when it came to Maeve, I would do anything for her.
It was a full house at her parents’, with me, Maeve, and our three kids, Isabella and Luca’s three kids, along with their kids and kids. There were a lot of kids, and I might not know all their names.
I was a fun uncle, though. At Christmas, I gave the best gifts. Maeve would buy the presents, and I would also include a gift card with substantial money on it. If they didn’t like the gift, they could spend the money on something else. Even Isabella and Luca loved the gift.
This was a family.
I knew my own parents had raised me the best way they knew how. My father wanted me to be strong and capable. I had fought my way into the life I have now.
Isabelle and Luca don’t do that, but I’m not going to compare. I love them as family.
I adore my wife, and I am happy I was able to give her the life she deserved.
The Taylors and the stain they made are gone. I took care of the girl Lilliana terrorized. I promised I would keep her safe, and I have kept that promise. She is now a lawyer as well, who also happens to be dating Maeve’s older Barbieri brother. I might have played matchmaker.
As for Maeve, from the moment I saw her picture and watched her, I knew she was going to be mine. I’m glad I took her and made her mine. There is nothing I would change.
She is perfect.
My wife, the mother of my children, and my soulmate.
The End