Epilogue
June
Three months later
“Good news. We just unpacked the last box.” I pump my fists in the air in celebration.
Malcolm chuckles. “And it only took us a month to do it.”
A cool mid-October breeze sweeps through the open front door as he pushes a long, white strip into the frame.
This house isn’t old, and it’s in great condition, but ever since we found out I’m pregnant a week ago, Malcolm’s home improvement tasks has increased. For instance, he saw a small hole in the front door’s weather stripping yesterday, and here he is, already replacing it.
I fold my arms and lean against the wall, admiring his capability as I watch him work. For the first in a long time, I’m content. I’m not alone anymore. I have a partner who loves me and takes care of me, offering me his strength, support, and protection.
I’ve been so at peace, my prescription sleeping pills aren’t necessary anymore. Although, I’ll take half of one sometimes and tell Malcolm.
That very first time I woke up and caught him between my legs, I was furious. Not anymore. I love waking up to him doing naughty things to my body. The best times are when I awake to him thrusting into me, growling into my ear that he’s going to fill me up with his cum even if I’m asleep.
My parents think I moved into this house with Malcolm to save rent, and for continued protection. Though, they don’t need to worry about the latter since Tyler was denied bail and is in custody.
My sister is the only person who knows the truth for now, though Malcolm and I are planning to tell Mom and Dad soon. We’re hoping the news of the baby will lessen their anger, and make Dad reconsider murdering Malcolm. I’m sure he wouldn’t want his daughter knocked up and alone.
My parents might disapprove of our relationship, but we don’t need anyone’s permission. Our love began eleven years ago when he saved my life. Time and distance changed it and led us here. What matters most to us is each other and our baby.
I stare at the scar on his arm, wanting to trace it like I usually do when we’re snuggled up together. A memory comes to me. It feels like so long ago since that day when we reunited at my parents’ front door.
“You told me once that I saved your life,” I say. “I always wondered what you meant by that.”
Malcolm pauses his task and looks at me. For a second, he doesn’t speak. He lowers his hands from the frame and gazes out at the front lawn. He taps his palm with the tool he was using to replace the weather stripping then meets my gaze again.
“Before the fire, my longtime girlfriend had dumped me,” he begins.
Malcolm’s ex’s name blossoms in my mind but not her face. It’s been so long ago since I last saw her.
“Lydia! I forgot about her. Why did you guys break up?”
“She said she couldn’t see a future with me.” A wry smile curves his lips. “She wasn’t wrong. I had no money, couldn’t hold down a job, and I had anger issues because I drank too much.”
I smile. “I bet she’d regret it if she saw you now. You did a complete one-eighty.”
He holds my gaze. “Maybe, but she made the best decision for me, even though I didn’t know it at the time.
A few days after she dumped me, I got evicted from my apartment.
I was living in my car until I stupidly parked it somewhere I shouldn’t, and it got towed. Couldn’t afford to get it back either.”
I give him a sympathetic look. “Bad news comes in threes.”
“Tell me about it.” He shakes his head. “I was at a real low point the night of the fire. I’d lost my girlfriend, my home, and my car in a short space of time, and it was all my fucking fault. I felt like a huge fuck up.”
He pauses, and looks away, his expression contemplative.
“I felt like I didn’t have anything to offer the world, so I should do it a favour and take myself out,” he continues in a quiet voice. “I was headed to a bar to get drunk enough to do it when your mom called me. She asked me to check if you’re OK because she couldn’t reach Paul.”
My eyes widen. If Mom had never made that call, everything would’ve been different. Everything would’ve been worse. Neither of us would be here together.
Malcolm moves closer. “I had to hoof it for ten minutes to get to that house, and I was scared as fuck when I saw the smoke coming out the window. But once I rushed inside and heard your voice calling for help, all the fear just went away. I knew what I had to do and I didn’t care if it would kill me to do it. ”
He lifts his hand to my face, dragging his thumb across my cheek. “Saving your life saved mine, sweetheart. It gave me back my self-worth, and it gave me purpose.”
“Wow, Mal. I—I’m honoured that I helped you the same way you helped me, but I’m sad you went through such a tough time first.” I caress his face in concern. “You don’t still have those thoughts, do you? The dark ones?”
“Not at all. I got help.” He smiles as he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close, giving me a sweet kiss. “Dark thoughts can’t exist when you’re around either, Jujube. You’re the colour in my life.” He turns me in his arms, kisses my neck, and caresses my belly. “You and our baby.”
* * *
Thank you for reading His Reward.