40. Epilogue 2
Ipress a soft kiss to my father’s forehead as I help him settle back into the hospital bed. His breathing is labored, and exhaustion is etched into the lines of his face.
The past few months have been rough on him, but he’s still fighting like the stubborn bastard he’s always been. And today, he looks happier than ever.
“Thank you for bringing me, son.”
“Of course, Dad. Gem and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
I glance over at my wife, who stands at the foot of the bed, her hands clasped together. Even after all this time, a part of her is still unsure around him.
“Gemma, my dear.” Dad reaches out a trembling hand, and she’s by his side in an instant, taking it gently in hers. “I’m so glad you’re keeping up with him.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Charles.”
“Took the boy far too long to pull his head out of his ass.”
I snort. “Always the charmer, aren’t you?”
“Comes with the territory of being a Milton.” Dad squeezes her hand. “You’ve made my son happier than I’ve seen him in a long time.” His eyes shift to me. “Thank you for that.”
Gemma’s cheeks flush. “He’s the one who’s done all the work. I’m just along for the ride.”
I chuckle and wrap an arm around her waist. “Don’t sell yourself short, my little gem.” My lips graze her ear as I whisper, “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
My gem.
And now my wife.
I still can’t quite believe it. After all the chaos, the lies, the near misses—we made it. Gemma is mine, and I’m hers. Forever.
“You two... you remind me so much of your mother and I.” Dad observes us. “We were just as hopelessly in love when we were your age. She would have adored you, my dear. Just as I do.”
Gemma’s eyes shine with unshed tears. “Thank you, Charles. That means the world to me.”
I tighten my arm around Gemma. My mom would have loved her.
He waves a dismissive hand. “Now, go. Enjoy your honeymoon.”
“We will, Dad. Love you.”
“I love you, too. Gemma, take care of this stubborn son of mine, will you? Make sure he doesn’t work himself into an early grave like I did.”
“You’re not dead yet, Dad.”
Gemma laughs. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep him in line.”
My father turns to me. “You’ve got yourself a good one here. Don’t let her get away.”
I pull Gemma close, wrapping both arms around her waist. “Not a chance. She’s stuck with me now.”
Gemma nestles into my embrace, her head coming to rest on my shoulder. I press a soft kiss into her golden hair.
“We’ll come visit as soon as we’re back.”
“You just focus on enjoying yourselves.” Dad settles back against his pillows. “I’ll be right here waiting. And give me some grandkids to spoil before I kick the bucket.” His eyes drift shut for a moment, and Gemma stiffens beside me.
“I’ll give you two a moment alone before we head to the airport.” She leans down to kiss his cheek before unlinking her arm from mine and slipping out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.
“Never thought I’d see the day my wild, reckless boy would settle down.”
“Yeah, me either.”
“She’s a special one. Don’t ever take her for granted.” His face grows serious. “I made that mistake with your mother, and I’ve regretted it every day since.”
“Dad...” My voice cracks, and I clear my throat. “I... I don’t even know where to begin.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I know.”
I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.
“You’ve grown into such a fine man. I’m so proud of you. Your mother would be, too.”
“If only I’d—”
“Elijah. Look at me.”
I force myself to meet his eyes, seeing the same unwavering strength and resolve that has always defined him.
“I’m at peace, son. You’ve given me the greatest gift of all. Seeing you truly happy.” His lips quirk upwards. “Seeing you with Gemma... it’s everything I could have hoped for. Now I just have to get your brother under wraps and…”
“Novalie is still too young, dad.”
He gives me a scrutinizing look.
I sigh. “She’s not ready.”
Dad’s brow furrows. “I’m not asking her to marry. Just... a little more involvement. She needs to get out of her hole.”
“She will. In time.” I lean back in the chair, eyeing him carefully. “But you gotta let her heal first. Throwing her into the fire isn’t going to do her any favors.”
He lets out a frustrated huff. “When did you get so damn stubborn?”
“Must be genetic.”
“Smart ass.”
“Look, I get it, okay? But Novalie’s still fragile. You push her too hard, and you’ll end up pushing her away.”
His shoulders slump. “I’m running out of time. I must know she is in good hands before I’m gone.”
“Brandon and I will make sure of that.” I reach over, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. “And Novalie. She’s stronger than you think. But she has to do it on her own terms. Rushing her is only gonna do more harm than good.”
Dad nods slowly, his gaze drifting to the window. “I just wish I could do more. Wish I had more time.”
“I know, Dad. But you’ve done good. Real good. We’re all better for it.”
“I was so consumed by work, by building this empire, that I lost sight of what truly matters. Of you boys.” His eyes bore into mine, shining with regret. “And for that, I’m sorry.”
“Dad, you don’t have to—”
“Yes, I do. I was a fool, Elijah. I traded precious time with my family for material things for status. And I nearly lost everything because of it.”
I open my mouth to protest, to tell him it’s okay, but he silences me with a look.
“No, son. It’s not okay. I should have been there for you, for Novalie, when you needed me most. I’ll never forgive myself for that.” His grip tightens. “I’m so proud of you, son. Of all of you. Look after your siblings.”
“You know I will.”
Dad nods, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. “Good. That’s... that’s good. Now, off with you. I’ll be fine here.”
“You sure?” I raise a brow.
“Positive. I have the best care team in the world.” He winks.
“That you do. Alright, we’ll get out of your hair.” I turn to leave, but Dad’s voice stops me.
“Elijah.”
I look back. “Yeah?”
“Don’t screw this up.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I turn to the door.
Gemma is waiting for me, her own eyes red-rimmed. Without a word, she steps into my embrace, holding me tight as I bury my face in her soft hair.
“Thank you for giving us a moment.”
“Of course. Are you sure you’re up for this? We can postpone.”
“He wouldn’t want us to cancel.”
“What about you?”
“I’m good.”
And I am. For the first time in my life, I feel completely and utterly at peace. The demons that have haunted me for years no longer have a hold on me.
“I know how hard this is for you. Seeing your dad like that. But I want you to know that I’m here. Always. No matter what.”
“I know, my gem. And I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Gemma presses a tender kiss to my jaw. “You’ll never have to find out.”
“I don’t deserve you, you know that?”
Gemma rolls her eyes. “Oh, shut up and kiss me.”
I chuckle, obliging her with a deep, lingering kiss. As we part, I rest my forehead against hers.
“I love you, Gemma Milton.”
“And I love you, Elijah Milton.”
“So, Mrs. Milton, ready to begin our honeymoon?”
“Absolutely, Mr. Milton.”
The warm Caribbean breeze caresses my skin as I step out onto the balcony with a glass of whiskey. Below, the crystal-clear waters of the private beach shimmer in the moonlight, the gentle lapping of the waves a soothing melody.
I take a sip of the amber liquid, savoring the burn.
The sound of the sliding glass door opening has me glancing over my shoulder. Gemma steps out, barefoot and wearing nothing but one of my button-down shirts.
“There you are.” She comes up beside me, slipping her arm around my waist. “I was wondering where you disappeared to.”
I pull her close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Just needed a moment to myself. Clear my head, you know?”
Gemma nods, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest. “I understand. Today was... a lot.”
I turn to face her, cupping her cheek. “I have you. That’s all that matters.”
She inches closer, pressing a tender kiss to mine. I deepen the embrace, reveling in the familiar warmth and comfort of her touch.
“I love you. So goddamn much.”
“I love you too.” Her fingers travel along my jaw, her eyes shining with adoration. “More than anything.”
I capture her lips in another kiss, my free hand gliding down to grip her hip. Gemma molds herself against me, her body fitting perfectly with mine.
With a low groan, I tear my mouth from hers, placing hot, open-mouthed kisses along her jaw and down the elegant column of her neck. Gemma’s breath hitches, her fingers tangling in my hair, urging me on.
“Elijah...”
I nip at the sensitive spot below her ear. “You’re so damn beautiful, you know that?”
Gemma lets out a breathless laugh. “I try.”
“You don’t have to try. You’re perfect just the way you are.”
She hums, pressing herself closer. “Careful, Mr. Milton. You might give a girl ideas.”
“Is that so?” My fingers dip beneath the hem of her shirt. “And what kind of ideas might those be?”
She looks up at me through her lashes. “Why don’t you come inside and find out?”
With a wicked grin, I take her hand and lead her back into the bedroom, intent on making the most of our first night as husband and wife.
The next morning I wake up and prop myself up on an elbow, gazing down at the woman who has somehow become the center of my entire fucking world. Gemma. My wife.
The early morning sun streams through the open balcony doors, casting a warm glow over her bare, golden skin. Sheets tangle around her hips, exposing the gentle swell of her breasts and the long, lean lines of her body. She sleeps on, oblivious to my hungry stare, her lashes fanning across her cheeks, full lips parted softly.
Fuck, she’s breathtaking.
I reach out, tracing the delicate curve of her jaw with my fingertips, marveling at how soft and flawless her skin feels beneath my calloused touch. My little gem, so strong and fierce, yet still so fragile. I’ll never get used to the way she surrenders that iron will to me, trusting me to keep her safe.
Slowly, her eyes flutter open, the emerald depths hazy with sleep, and a lazy smile spreads across her face when she sees me. “Morning, husband.”
“Morning, wife.” I lean down to capture those sinful lips in a slow, languid kiss. Gemma hums in pleasure, arching up into me.
“Sleep well?”
“Mmm, like the dead.” She stretches, the sheet slipping lower to reveal her breasts. My fingers itch to touch her.
We’ve got all the time in the world now.
“Good. You deserved the rest after that killer show last night.”
“I still can’t believe you bid half a million dollars for that ring.” She holds up her hand, the Alexandrite glittering in the sunlight. “You really know how to make a girl feel special.”
I catch her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “You’re worth every penny, Gem. And that ring is just the beginning.” My eyes drop to her left hand, admiring how the alexandrite sparkles.
My wife.
The words still feel like a dream.
Gemma is my wife. Mine.
Getting here has been a long, hard road, but every second has been worth it.
“What are you thinking about?” Gemma props herself up on an elbow, her hair tumbling over one shoulder.
I reach out, twirling a silky strand around my finger. “Just how goddamn lucky I am.”
“Oh yeah? And why’s that?”
“Because I get to wake up next to the most beautiful, talented woman in the world every single morning.” I lean in, nipping at her lower lip. “And she’s all mine.”
“Am I?”
“Yes.” I roll us over, pinning her beneath me. “You’re stuck with me, little gem. Forever.”
“Well then, I guess you better make the most of it, Mr. Milton.”
I crush my mouth to hers in a kiss, my hands roaming over her curves. Just as things are starting to heat up, a sharp knock at the door interrupts us.
I groan in frustration, pressing my forehead to hers. “Fucking timing.”
She giggles, pecking me on the lips. “Duty calls, husband. Better see who that is.”
With a resigned sigh, I pull myself away from her tempting body and snatch up a pair of sweatpants, pulling them on as I cross the room.
I yank open the door to find a young boy with a food cart standing there, shifting from foot to foot.
“Breakfast as ordered.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Ordered?”
“Your wife.”
“Thank you.” I step aside to let the young man wheel the cart into the room.
Gemma sits up, wrapping the sheet around her chest. “Ooh, nice. I’m starving.”
The server starts uncovering the various platters. “We have fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, bacon, and a selection of juices.”
“Mmm, delicious.” Gemma’s eyes light up as she surveys the spread. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, ma’am.” The young server nods respectfully before making his exit.
I close the door behind him and turn back to Gemma, an eyebrow raised. “Hungry, are we?”
She pats the spot beside her on the bed. “Starving, actually. Come join me?”
I don’t need to be asked twice. In seconds, I crawl back onto the mattress and pull Gemma into my arms. She snuggles against my chest, popping a grape into her mouth.
“So, what’s on the agenda for today, husband?”
I trace the line of her jaw, marveling at how easily the word ‘husband’ slipped off her tongue. “Well, I was thinking we could spend the morning in bed...”
Gemma laughs, swatting my chest. “Is that all? I was hoping we could do a little more than that.”
“Do tell.”
But she can’t because her phone starts buzzing on the nightstand. She reaches over and peeks at the screen.
“It’s Lil.”
“Take it.” I massage her shoulders as she accepts the call.
“Hey, Lil.” Gemma stiffens up. “Lil? What’s happening?”
I lean in to hear more.
Lil’s voice comes through with disturbances. “Gem? Are you still there? I’m scared… there are men…”
“Lil?”
The line goes dead.