18. Epilogue
Epilogue
Soren
Quinta Mosley was even more beautiful in person than she was on camera. And even more charming, kind, and able to tease her uncle at every turn.
If Sam’s dark skin didn’t hide his blushes? I suspected he’d be perpetually sporting pink cheeks. His niece also made him laugh. All the time.
My heart soared every time I heard the wonderful noise. Not that he didn’t laugh with me. He did. Lots. But with Quinta, those laughs had a different tenor. A carefree quality that brought me joy.
Laurent was bold, brash, and everything I’d expect from a stereotypical New Orleans gentleman. His adoration of Quinta was so complete that, at moments, it took my breath away. His dark-brown hair was always a little mussed.
Probably something to do with Quinta running her hands through it.
His blue eyes were always sparkling.
Probably because Quinta rarely left his side, and she made him smile all the time.
I couldn’t ever remember being to be that besotted in my youth. Hell, even with my wife. But now, with Sam, I saw my happiness and love reflected in his niece.
“You really love him.” Quinta nudged me as I grilled lean chicken on the barbecue.
Laurent was inside with Sam while they chopped vegetables. The couple had been here a day, and this was the first time they’d left each other’s company.
“That obvious?” I checked to ensure I wasn’t burning the meat.
“Uh, yeah. Totally.” She checked behind her. Apparently satisfied we were alone, she nudged me again. “And what are your intentions with my uncle?”
“To keep him here forever. To love him until the end of our days. To rescue cats and dogs until we’re too old to take care of them.
” A tacit acknowledgement that Tibby, Peaches, and Jack wouldn’t be with us forever.
Hopefully many, many, many years…but not forever.
Nope. And I planned for my relationship with Sam to outlast them.
“Rescue animals? I like the sound of that.” She grinned. “I think Peaches is adorable. I wish I could have an animal. Maybe when we get married. Oh shit.” She pressed her fingers to her lips.
I laughed. “You think I hadn’t already figured that out?” I checked the chicken again and then added the shrimp kebobs. “Have you told Sam?”
“Nope.” She rolled her eyes. “The thing is…I guess about losing Mom, Dad, Nan, and Pappy that I sort of see life as…I don’t know.
That tomorrow’s not guaranteed? I talked to a therapist. To make sure I wasn’t clinging to Laurent because of what happened to my family.
She assured me that I’m healthy. Also, that Sam’s guidance has given me a great life, and to embrace love.
She might’ve also suggested waiting until I finish undergraduate studies.
I’m so lucky that Laurent secured a job in LA. I’d have followed him anywhere—”
“That wouldn’t go over well with Sam.”
“Hence me being glad he can stay. But I can transfer to another university or do virtual studies.”
I eyed the onions on the shrimp kebobs and worried they might singe. “You’re being very mature and responsible.”
“Grew up fast. Sam tried to shield me, but nothing to be done about it. You don’t lose most of your family and it not have an impact.” She tapped my shoulder. “I would’ve been lost without Sam.”
I met her gaze.
“More lost.” She nodded. “Yeah. But those early experiences shaped who I am. I’d do anything to have my parents back, but being raised by Sam was the next best thing. I know how damn lucky I am.”
“True. Okay, do you want to set the table?”
She laughed. “Sure.” She clicked her tongue.
Tibby stood, stretched, and then followed one of her new favorite people into the house.
Peaches and Jack were still relegated to the house. I doubted we’d ever let them outside unless they were on a leash. Another question to ask Noah. Not just the dog whisperer—he also did cats pretty well. We’d been practicing his socialization tips, and the kittens were learning manners.
“Hey.” Sam wrapped his arm around my waist and pressed himself against me. “We have two-point-two seconds to be alone.”
I chuckled. “Did you grill Laurent the way I’m grilling this food?”
He pressed a kiss to my temple. “You know it.” He pulled back and moved to put the salad bowl and tongs on the table. “He’s an amazing young man.”
“Trying to impress you?”
Sam shook his head. “Nope. Getting him to talk about himself was like pulling teeth. He just wanted to talk about how amazing Quinta is.” His expression sobered. “And to thank me for being such a great uncle to her.”
“Oh? That seems…a little odd.”
“I thought so too. But he explained that, if not for my caring for her, he was quite certain she wouldn’t be the amazing woman she is today.” He turned when the screen door opened. “Great! Plates and cutlery.”
“Duh.” Quinta smiled. “I think we can manage to set the table. Oh, I forgot glasses.”
“I’ll come with you while Laurent sets the table.” Sam headed toward the house.
Quinta followed.
Laurent watched them both go. Then he turned to me. “Is this some kind of test? Do I have to say the perfect thing to you?”
I chuckled. “Nope. Quinta’s happy. Sam’s happy. You’re responsible for a lot of that. Oh, I forgot. I’m happy. So as long as you feel the same way—”
“I do.”
“Then life’s good.” I gazed out over the lake. “You up for a swim later?”
“Yep.”
“And we’ll go and see the fireworks later.”
“Wouldn’t be the Fourth without them.” He put out the plates and organized the cutlery.
A soft breeze blew in across the lake. The little ripples brought me a sense of peace.
“They’re good people.”
I startled as I hadn’t realized Laurent had moved closer. I met his crystal-blue eyes. “Yeah, they are.”
“Making Quinta happy is my goal in life.”
“Along with graduating with a PhD.”
He chuckled. “Sure. But only because I want to continue my research. Finding cures for horrible diseases is on my bucket list.”
“That’s an impressive item. Mine is to eliminate all hackers from the world. I think you’re more likely to succeed.”
As I hoped, he laughed. “Lofty goals.”
“Yes.”
“I love her.”
“I see that.” I offered a broad smile. “And I appreciate you trying to win Sam over. I think you’re mostly there.”
“Part of winning Sam’s approval is also winning yours.” Laurent sobered. “Quinta wants him to live his best life.”
“And my goal is to give him that life.” Here, I could be honest. “And assure Quinta that eventually there’ll be a marriage proposal to go with it.”
Laurent’s cheeks pinkened.
“Probably before yours.” I flipped the chicken. “I like the idea of waiting until she’s finished her undergrad studies. I know Sam will as well.”
The screen door opened.
Niece and uncle stepped out, carrying glasses of lemonade. Sugar-free for me. My doc had run some tests, and my wonky liver enzyme hadn’t gotten worse. I’d also received a stern talking-to, and the doc extracted an easy promise to take better care.
As if Sam would ever let me slip.
Before I could ask, Laurent had a clean plate for me to pile the barbecued food on.
We sat at the table and passed the plate around. Then the salad.
Quinta and Laurent grinned like the young people in love they were.
Sam gazed at them with a benevolent smile.
I shook my head at Tibby who decided a nice spot in the sun was an alternative to food. I’d give her something later.
Laurent held his glass aloft. “To our hosts. You provided a beautiful home, lovely pets, and perfect weather.”
We clinked glasses as I laughed. “I can only take ownership for two of the three. The weather is just a bonus.”
Quinta grinned. “This is, like, the best day ever.” She leaned against Laurent, but her gaze settled on Sam. “Thank you.”
Her uncle blinked several times. “I just want you to live your best life. If that means with this guy—” He gestured to Laurent. “—then I’ll give you my blessing.”
I squeezed his knee under the table.
“Oh, perfect.” Quinta grinned. “And you two have mine as well.” She sipped her drink. “To the future.”
“Yes.” Sam said the word with surety. Then he turned to me. “I really love you. Thank you.” Heartfelt, sincere, and completely unnecessary.
“You agreed to this.”
He cocked his head.
“Kittens, Tibby, and me.”
“Yeah.” He grinned. “Matchmaker kittens.”
Quita and Laurent burst out laughing.
That carried us through lunch, swimming, dinner, and fireworks.
As Sam and I settled in for the night, he lay on his back and held me to his side. “You were right.”
I placed my hand on his sternum. “Something every man wants to hear from a loved one.”
He chuckled. “You said we’d make this work. We have. You said to give Laurent a chance. He’s great for Quinta.”
“And she’s good for him.” Because I wanted Sam to see that his niece had agency in the relationship.
“Yep.” He stroked my hair. “Here’s to forever.”
I kissed him. “You bet.”
With that, we cuddled and, I, at least, dreamt of all the forevers we’d have.
More to come…