Epilogue
Daniela
It’s the day after Thanksgiving.
We’re back in Tahoe City for a few days, then we’ll go back home to Sacramento. Together.
My brother is still doing what he does, and he checks in with our mom now and then. Sometimes, addiction is a never-ending battle, and there’s not always a happy ending. Not every story gets tied up with a pretty little bow.
All I can do is keep hoping.
Yesterday was a busy one—with an early dinner first at Dexter’s parents’, and then we ended the night off at Liam and Layla’s. We had plans for their guest bedroom, after all. And, yes, we fulfilled them. What we didn’t expect was how emotional it would be. So this morning we came up with an idea.
Now we’re at a tattoo shop.
Dex holds my hand while I get inked on my ribs. I didn’t really need him to hold it, but he insisted. That’s perfectly fine. Some things are not worth fighting him over. Besides, I kind of like how sweet and doting he is. It makes me feel safe. Loved.
The tattoo artist finishes, and I stand to take a better look in the mirror. Dex stands beside me, lifting his shirt to reveal the fresh tattoo on his ribs, matching mine. I still can’t get enough of him. He has one hundred tattoos, but this little addition makes him look even more irresistible.
“I love them,” I remark with a smile.
“Me too.”
Tiny baby angel wings are now marked on the sides of both of our ribs.
He leans over, placing his soft lips against mine for a couple beats, and I feel completely content in the moment.
I turn back to the mirror again, this time facing myself.
I see a woman who’s been through hell, who’s stumbled through the dark and clawed her way into the light.
There’s a sad, yet somehow still hopeful smile on her face.
She’s changed. Softened in places, hardened in others.
And she’s brave. Fierce. And loved. She can handle anything.
I’m proud of her .
Dex catches my gaze in the mirror and gives me a soft smile.
“Ready to go home?” he asks.
“Yep.”