Epilogue
Dade
For a relationship that started out as a fake pretense, things sure felt real by the time spring came.
Horatio bought me thermal gloves and a thick, down-filled coat for Valentine’s Day. Good thing, because when I showed up for filming on Vigilante Justice, our first scene was at the top of Grouse Mountain on Vancouver’s north shore.
Wardrobe had a coat for me, but they preferred the one I had. Since a bitter cold had set in, I was happy for the protection from the wind.
I nailed that scene. With Julie Reyes—who played, Lyric, Justice’s nemesis. My scenes with Cole Hamilton came later. After intense training with the fight coordinator, Donovan Riggs. Yum. He was as sexy as Cole.
Not that I noticed such things. I was too hung up on my fiancé.
Yeah, we got engaged in late May.
Horatio wanted to wait.
I asked why.
He said for propriety’s sake.
I pointed out no one was really looking that hard. We’d sort of fallen into the relationship, and all our friends and family were happy for us.
Mom and Kristoff most especially. All they ever wanted was happiness for the two of us. I had to say, they were both shocked Horatio and I found it with each other. We just…clicked.
Oh, and I might’ve convinced him to use some of those millions of dollars in corporate profits to help remove plastic garbage from the ocean.
He humored me.
So I wouldn’t harass him about the fact he was adding more plastic to the environment.
He also might’ve ramped up his partnership with municipalities to ensure more plastic got recycled.
Yeah, I’d take credit for that too.
I might’ve taken him to bed that night and rewarded his environmental stewardship.
We might’ve stayed in that bed for a week.
Now, as we stood in front of a Shaughnessy home, with the autumn leaves falling around us, and matching wedding bands on our fingers, I fidgeted.
“It’s big.”
Horatio chuckled. “You always say that. And I’m always flattered.”
Juanita, our realtor, approached. Her high heels clacking on the sidewalk was our first clue.
“They’re willing to accept your offer.”
My grip on Horatio’s hand tightened.
“Did you want another tour?”
“Sure.” Horatio offered her a genuine smile. “Although we’re pretty much decided.”
“Still, heritage homes are a lot of work.” She tapped her phone. “I can find you something more modern.”
“Wouldn’t suit our sensibilities,” Horatio assured her. “We like the idea of restoring her to her former glory. And making it childproof won’t be difficult, since we’re renovating anyway.”
Juanita didn’t bat an eyelash. Likely because my future husband had made it abundantly clear we were looking for a family home.
We’d already begun the paperwork for adoption.
My network of friends had expanded to include Thomas Walsh, a production assistant on VJ, as well as Seamus and Valentino Langston, a couple who worked on various aspects of the show.
Thomas was married to Peter Erickson, one of the biggest stars in Hollywood.
While Peter and Thomas had adopted a couple of special-needs children, Seamus and Valentino were foster parents to an adorable little boy.
Horatio and I wanted that. We didn’t care how it came about—we just knew we wanted that.
By the end of the house tour, our certainty had cemented.
Juanita had us sign a pile of paperwork, and the house was ours. The previous owners had moved out months ago, so the property was ready for us to start renovations immediately. With Horatio’s wealth, and a few well-placed connections, we were in by Christmas.
The house enchanted during the holiday season.
We even had a party with Alessandra and MacLean—as well as their one-year-old son Wesley.
Bethany and Walter attended. Bethany was taking on a larger role at the company, much to my delight.
Horatio had a better work-life balance since he’d made the changes.
Oh, Lucille and Gordon Forbes attended the party.
Lucille was mush when she saw pictures of the little girl we’d arranged to adopt in the new year.
We were waiting for the paperwork to come through, but she was a war orphan whose young aunt wanted a better life for the girl.
With her disabilities, living in a refugee camp would’ve been the height of cruelty.
We couldn’t rescue all the children, but we could save this one.
That night, long after the guests had departed, Horatio and I sat on the couch in the family room, enjoying the fire.
“This is so bad for the environment,” I moaned.
He ruffled my hair. “Just this once. I want to share a special moment with you.”
I gazed up at him. “Every moment is special with you.”
“You’re so easy to please.”
“Because I want us to be happy.”
“Valentine’s Day this year is going to be extra special.”
“And extra chaotic.” I had another two months of shooting for VJ. Therefore, Horatio was taking paternity leave. “You’re going to be exhausted.”
“I don’t mind.” His green eyes sparkled in the firelight.
I fingered his hair, which was a little longer these days. All the better for me to grab when we made love. “No, I believe you don’t.” I snuggled up against his broad chest. “Forever.”
He pressed a kiss to my temple. “Yeah. Forever.”