Epilogue
Violet
Five Years Later
The hum of my computer fills the room as I type, but my focus shifts when I hear the faint crackle from the baby monitor. I pause, my fingers hovering over the keys, and listen. There it is again—a soft cry.
Lilly.
I push my chair back, the warm afternoon light streaming through the window. At ten months, she already has Austin’s green eyes and a tuft of dirty blond hair, the perfect combination of both of us. I smile to myself, my heart swelling as I stand and head toward her room.
I find her sitting up in her crib, little face scrunched, arms outstretched in search of comfort. When she sees me, her face lights up, and my heart skips a beat. I scoop her up gently, her tiny body a warm bundle in my arms. Her baby scent, sweet and familiar, fills my senses, and I close my eyes for a moment, taking it all in. This right here is my peace.
I rock her lightly, humming a soft tune, while the world outside feels so much like it should—complete, full of love, and just a little chaotic.
Austin and the boys headed out for their weekly grocery run earlier. It’s a routine they have every weekend one that I am never going to complain since I don’t have to go.
Adrian is almost seventeen now. I can hardly believe it when I look at him—tall, confident, and full of that quiet strength I always knew he had.
The years have flown by, and my firstborn is well on his way to adulthood. He’s still the best big brother to Lilly and Ethan, never hesitating to pitch in with whatever they need, from diaper changes to impromptu soccer lessons in the backyard. And despite his growing independent, he’s always there when I need him.
Ethan, at four, is a constant echo of my younger self, with his mischievous grin and wide, curious eyes. He’s Austin’s shadow. Wherever Austin goes, there’s Ethan, always asking questions and soaking in the world with the wonder of a little boy. I can see so much of Austin in him, how he copies every move Austin makes, and how he already knows what it means to love unconditionally.
I think about the years we’ve spent together how we built this life from the ground up. From the early days of working side by side with Josy at the coffee shop to growing it into something bigger than we ever imagined—it’s been a journey filled with hard work, joy, and unexpected blessings.
Josy invited me to partner with her a few years ago, and together, we expanded the business into three thriving locations. Managing the marketing for all the shops keeps me busy, but it’s a challenge I love. And on top of that, my side business of working with small businesses has taken off. I’ve found a way to blend my passion for marketing with my desire to help others succeed.
But none of that would mean anything without Austin, without this family.
I glance down at Lilly and I see her in deep concentration. I wonder what she is thinking when all of the sudden the smell hits me. The girl can poop like no other and a soft laugh escapes me. I never imagined this life, this beautiful, full life and I’m so grateful for every moment.
“Girly, what did you eat? My gosh,” I say to my princess as I place her in the changing table. I clean her up trying not to puke from all the mess and once she is clean, I pick her up.
As I hold her close, I think of the future—of Adrian’s college dreams, of Ethan’s first soccer game, of Lilly’s first steps, and I can’t help but smile. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing that this is the family that I always dreamed of, and every day, we’re building our forever.
When Lilly doesn’t want to keep napping, I carry her downstairs so she can be with me while I finish working on my computer. I place her in her playpen where she start playing with her toys while I work. An hour later, I hear the front door creak open. Austin’s voice booms cheerfully from the hallway.
“Honey, we’re home! And we’ve brought the entire grocery store with us!”
Ethan rushes in first, his little feet pattering across the floor. “Mommy!” he exclaims, flinging himself into my arms with all the enthusiasm of a four-year-old. I kneel to hug him tightly, laughing at his exuberance.
“Hey, buddy! Did you have fun shopping with Daddy and your brother?”
“Yes! Daddy let me pick the cookies!” Ethan announces proudly.
Austin walks in, balancing several bags of groceries in both hands, flashing that charming smile that still makes my heart flutter. “Ethan may have gone a bit overboard with the cookies,” he says, winking at me.
Adrian trails in behind them, carrying a few more bags. He rolls his eyes but can’t hide the smile tugging at his lips. “You guys are so gross,” he mutters.
I laugh, standing up with Lilly on my hip. “Oh, come on, Adrian. You know you love it.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Adrian says, setting the bags on the counter. “Just keep it PG, alright?”
Austin chuckles, wrapping an arm around my waist and kissing my temple. “Don’t worry, Adrian. One day, you’ll understand. Besides, aren’t you in love with your best friend? Maybe you could learn a thing or two about how to treat her.”
Adrian blushes slightly, looking away. “Whatever, bruh.”
I smile at the playful banter. Life with Austin and the kids is everything I've ever dreamed of and more.
I still go to therapy every month, not for the past but to discuss my daily struggles and continue my journey of self-improvement. The past is now a distant memory, and I feel at peace.
As Austin and Adrian put away the groceries, Ethan tugs at my hand. “Mommy, can we have cookies now?”
I laugh, ruffling his hair. “Sure, let’s have some cookies.”
Austin looks at me with a twinkle in his eye. “How about a little dance party in the kitchen while we’re at it?”
Adrian groans, but there’s a smile on his face. “Do we have to? I am too old for this.”
“Yes, we have to!” I say, grinning.
“But, Mom, I need to call Lacey and this dance party will take forever.”
“You are so dramatic. Lacey can wait a few minutes. Let’s just dance one song and then you can go and call your best friend.”
Adrian huffs “Okay. Better be quick.”
We turn on some music and start dancing around the kitchen, the kids laughing and joining in. I place Lilly on Adrian’s arm while he shakes her around, making her giggle. For someone that always complains about the dance party he sure knows how to dance with his
Austin twirls me around, and for a moment, it’s just the two of us, lost in each other’s eyes. The love between us is palpable, and I know, without a doubt, that we’ll continue to create beautiful memories together. He leans down and whispers in my ear, “I love you, beautiful.”
I look at him and reply, “I love you more,” and then kiss him again.
“Come on, now. Didn’t I just say to keep it PG?” Adrian teases, still dancing with Lilly. I roll my eyes and stick my tongue out at him.
This is our happily ever after, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
THE END