Epilogue 2
Gabbriella
We arrived home in the middle of the night, exhausted from the last couple of days spent with D and Sheila.
I wanted to go straight to bed, but Vic told me we needed to talk.
We’ve been sitting at the kitchen island for the last hour discussing the phone call that Vic had and the subsequent texts with Trip.
When Vic told me all about his conversation with Trip after the fire, everything fell into place.
The way that Trip acted with the girls, his scarce appearances the last week before he left for the Army, all of it.
Vic’s forehead rests on his forearms, which are folded in front of him on the counter.
I can feel his struggle between pride and hurt.
“But, Vic…” I gently trail my fingers through his thick hair to comfort him.
“Trip left for the Army over six months ago. You said that the officer said the guy was only dead for a few days.” Vic rolls his head to the side and opens one eye to look at me. “There’s no way he did this.”
“Hmm…I guess I didn’t think about that.” He looks pensive, like he’s trying to logic his way through why he didn’t put that together.
“I guess it was just a lot of information at once, and then Trip’s text and my emotions just kinda took over.
” Vic sits up and turns toward me, “But I guess you’re right. ”
A smile breaks across my face when I see Vic’s brows unfurrow.
“Emma said that Trip is coming home in a few weeks to visit. You can have a talk with him then.” I reach up and press my hand against his stubbly cheek.
Vic leans his face into my palm. If he were a cat, I bet he’d be purring right now.
“So, let’s let this go until you speak with him, yeah? ”
Vic smiles sweetly and nods his head, getting up and pulling me to him.
When he spins me around and wraps his arms around my waist, I take a moment to look at our beautiful, bright kitchen.
What was once all whites, creams, and beiges is now burnt oranges, teals, and deep blues.
Shiela’s influence is evident in our newly renovated home, and I love everything about it.
There’s color in every room with a focus on warm, cozy vibes.
Vic lifts his face from the crook of my neck after taking a deep inhale, “What’s on your mind, Rockstar?” He rests his chin on my shoulder, gently squeezing around my waist. The movement makes my belly warm, tingles spreading across my thighs.
“I’m just taking in the new look of our house and thinking about how warm and peaceful it feels.” I lean my head back on his shoulder.
Vic’s smile pushes his cheek against mine.
Then he stands to his full height and looks down into my eyes.
“Of course it does, baby. Our home reflects who we are. It’s bright and bold, warm and loving, imperfect and worth every struggle it took to get here.
I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world, Rockstar.
” He spins me back around, his mouth enveloping mine in the sweetest slow-burn kiss.
This man. My warrior King. I’m so thankful for every day with him, good and bad. It was all worth it.
The End