Epilogue
SHAY
“Erica! Listen, I’m on my way to the office right now, but let’s meet up for brunch this weekend. I’ll come out to the city, and maybe we can meet up with Carrie.”
“Okay! Be careful, talk soon!” The line goes dead as I rush down the street—my heels clicking on the concrete sidewalk as I approach the office building.
It’s been two years since I went to the Meridian Institute and got my life back.
I’ll be forever grateful for everyone who works there, but especially Rayne.
We never reconnected after I left—well, that’s not entirely true.
“Good morning, Ms. Clarke!” My assistant, Star, is always so cheery; I love it.
The only business I kept that Arin left me was the investment firm.
At first, I had no clue how to run this place, so I stayed far away.
Then I got curious and started coming in to help with clerical work here and there.
One of Arin’s closest advisors took me under his wing and taught me about the business.
He felt it was only right since I was the owner.
Long days turned into shorter, easier ones once I got used to what I was doing.
I’m no expert, but I like having control over this place and my life.
I found my calling. Earlier this year, I bought a house closer to the office, got a dog and named her Isis, and overall I enjoy the loudness of being around other people and the quietness of being alone.
The quiet was no longer a punishment, but instead a reprieve.
There was always just one thing missing.
“Ms. Clarke?” Star peeks her head into my office.
“Yes?”
“There’s a man here asking for you. He doesn’t have an appointment,” she whispers. That’s odd.
“Alright, well bring him in.” I continue going through the paperwork on my desk when I smell a hint of cologne that I instantly recognize. My eyes move before my head does, and the shock of who it is almost makes my heart stop.
It’s Rayne.
He’s just as handsome—no—even more handsome than the last time I saw him. My jaw almost hits the floor when I see him in a beautifully tailored suit and a coy smile on his lips. I would be lying to myself if I didn’t admit how much I’ve missed him these last two years.
“Ms. Clarke,” I smile at him, calling me that.
“Mr. Bauer,” I match his energy, but I’m still in shock. Before I can think of anything else to say, I stand and close the distance between us. We embrace—not as friends—but as two people who have shared more than friendship. I told him as I’ve been reunited with a long-lost lover. My Daddy.
“What are you doing here? How did you find me?” I choke out.
“I came to say thank you. I know it was you that paid for school. I know you’ve been watching me.” Oh no…I hope he’s not mad.
“I—I’m sorry. I just couldn’t help myself, and I didn’t know how else to thank you for everything you did for me.” Tears roll down my cheeks, and he wipes them away with his thumb. I lean into his touch; I’ve missed it so much.
“It’s okay. babygirl. I’ve always been yours.
I only needed to let myself heal before I could give you the best part of me.
Shay, I’ve thought about you every single day since I last saw your beautiful face.
I love you—I have since the day I first saw you.
You saved me.” The moment his lips landed on mine, the whole world disappeared.
For that moment, it was only him and me.
“I love you too, Daddy. Please don’t ever leave me again.”
“Never again. I promise.”