Epilogue #2
Even if he wasn’t their biological child, Kane was undeniably their son. And they were undeniably his parents.
“So, Charlotte,” Kyle said as he passed the mashed potatoes, “Kane tells us you’re working on a book.”
I nodded, setting down my fork. “I’ve been interviewing the survivors of Calloway’s network, the women who were trafficked, the ones who escaped.
They deserve to have their stories told in their own words.
” I absently toyed with my fork, meeting both their gazes.
“It includes my interviews with Ruth, the woman whose murder started all of this. The book is dedicated to her.”
“That’s important work,” Judy said softly. “Those women are lucky to have someone who cares about getting their stories right.”
“It’s lovely,” Kyle added, “to know that our son has found a woman of such integrity.”
“Almost too much integrity,” Kane joked, his hand finding mine under the table. “She wouldn’t have anything to do with me when she thought I’d committed a crime.”
“Aren’t you two lucky that got cleared up, then,” Judy said with a gentle smile.
“Very lucky,” I agreed, squeezing Kane’s fingers.
The evening continued like that—easy conversation, shared stories, the gradual building of connection. By the time dessert was served, my nerves had completely evaporated, replaced by a warm and hopeful sense of belonging.
After dinner, Kane’s parents insisted on handling the cleanup themselves, shooing away my offers to help with firm kindness.
“Go show her your old room,” Judy suggested. “I’m sure she’d love to see those embarrassing posters.”
“Mom,” Kane groaned, but he was already taking my hand and leading me down the hallway.
His childhood bedroom was a time capsule—rock band posters on the walls, a collection of Hot Wheels cars on a bookshelf, a row of karate belts mounted in a display case. I grinned at the evidence of the boy he’d been, the foundation of the man he’d become.
“You were a cute kid,” I said, picking up a framed photo from the dresser. A teenage Kane grinned at the camera, dressed for prom with a pretty girl on his arm and friends crowded around them.
“Thanks.” Kane smiled at me. “My parents really like you.”
I arched a brow. “Did they tell you that while I was in the bathroom?”
“They didn’t have to. I can see it for myself.” He moved closer, his voice softening. “I think they’re relieved to see me happy.”
I set down the photo and smiled at him. “You deserve to be happy.”
“You’re a part of what makes me happy,” he replied, placing his hands on my shoulders. “The biggest part. I’m glad we can make up for lost time.”
“I feel that way too,” I admitted. “Not even that we’re making up for things, but like we’re just... jumping into where we would be if we’d been together all this time.”
Maybe it was the intense circumstances we’d survived, giving us a speed run through the usual relationship milestones.
Maybe it was simply that we’d always been meant to end up here together.
Either way, I was grateful we were on the same page, that I wasn’t alone in feeling like this was something rare and worth protecting.
“If we had been together all this time,” Kane said slowly, something new entering his voice, “then two years would be a pretty significant milestone.”
My breath caught as he sank down onto one knee. All the air left my body in a rush as he pulled a small black velvet box from his pocket— when had he put that there? —his eyes never leaving mine.
“I’d be asking you to marry me, in fact,” he finished. “I was going to wait until later tonight to propose, but this seemed like the perfect segue and opportunity.”
He opened the box, and I promptly burst into tears.
Kane was on his feet instantly, pulling me into his arms. “Oh my God—hey, baby, it’s okay. If it’s too much pressure, if you need more time—”
I shook my head fiercely, tears streaming down my face as I stepped back and extended my hand. “Put that ring on my finger right fucking now.”
A surprised laugh escaped him, but he did as I asked, sliding the ring in place while I continued to cry like an absolute mess.
“I’m sorry,” I said of my emotional outburst. “I just can’t believe this is all real and you’re here and you love me unconditionally—”
“I do,” Kane murmured, drawing me back into his arms. He kissed the top of my head and held me tight. “I love you so much it scares me sometimes.”
“I’ve never felt safe with just anyone,” I managed, my voice thick with tears. “I never let my guard down. Never. But with you…you make it so easy.”
“And I’m honored that you feel safe with me.” He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, his expression so tender it made my chest ache. “I want to keep being your safe place for the rest of your life, Charlotte. If you’ll have me.”
“I will,” I promised. “I absolutely will.”
I looked down at the ring through my tear-blurred vision. It was beautiful, with delicate diamonds arranged in a star pattern, unconventional and unafraid to stand out. Just like me.
“My parents are going to be ecstatic,” Kane murmured, a smile playing at his lips. “They’ll want to celebrate. Plan a party.”
I wiped my eyes, a different kind of smile curving my mouth. “I know a way we can celebrate tonight. Just the two of us.”
Kane’s eyebrows rose. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“I believe I am.” I stepped closer, letting my voice drop to something low and suggestive. “So why don’t you tell your parents we have somewhere to be.” I held his gaze, heat building between us. “ Sir .”
Kane’s eyes darkened, his hands tightening on my waist. “You’re going to be the death of me.”
He kissed me then—slow and deep, and I knew down to my bones that I had finally found someone worthy of everything I had to give. Someone who would celebrate my ferocity and independence, but also give me a safe place to land.
When he finally lifted his lips from mine, I looked up at the man I was going to marry and felt something settle into place. Something that felt like peace. Like home.
Like the beginning of forever.
“Ready?” Kane asked, his forehead pressed to mine.
I smiled, my heart full to bursting. “For anything,” I said. “As long as it’s with you.”