Epilogue
LILITH
One year later
I sigh with happiness as I trail my fingers along the bamboo trim of my new space—a sun-drenched sanctuary nestled within Michael's new eco-resort.
The polished stone floors catch the light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Pacific like a living painting.
Roman and Michael had unveiled blueprints for this dream one starlit evening after the groundbreaking ceremony, their Kensington eyes alight with excitement.
"The heart of the eco-resort will be a verdant courtyard surrounded by alternative healing spaces," Michael had explained, his weathered hands gesturing enthusiastically.
"Each practitioner will have their own custom-designed sanctuary.
I've scoured the country for the most gifted healers—Reiki masters, Chakra Balancers and Sound therapists.
" His voice had grown reverent. "And I need your intuitive gift with the cards to anchor our tarot services.
" He'd then draped his arm around Roman's broad shoulders, and Roman—my brooding, temperamental Roman—had actually beamed at his father, the decades of hurt now invisible.
"Roman is entrusting your talents to my project, which means everything to me. "
So, here I am at Tides of Renewal, Michael's eco-resort in Laguna Beach that wouldn't exist without Roman's influence.
When Michael started to realize his dream of an environmentally conscious luxury getaway, Roman didn't just nod—he mobilized.
Within weeks, he'd assembled a team of investors over dinner at his penthouse.
I watched him pore over blueprints until dawn, his fingers tracing the lines of what would become living walls and solar arrays.
He called in favors from the most innovative sustainability architects in California, the ones with two-year waiting lists.
When permit issues threatened to derail everything, Roman simply made a few calls, and suddenly bureaucratic roadblocks vanished.
The property itself—a boutique beachfront that Roman had acquired years ago but rarely visited—he transferred to Michael at below market value.
"It deserves someone who'll transform it," he told me with a shrug.
Though much smaller than Roman's Palos Verdes flagship, Michael's 100-suite sanctuary offers an intimacy that marries luxury with environmental consciousness in a way I've never experienced.
When it opened last week, Roman stood at the entrance of Michael’s singular high-rise masterpiece.
Unlike Roman’s sprawling properties elsewhere, this tower represented his and Michael’s environmental vision.
He ran his hand along the sustainable, reclaimed wood flooring, remembering how he'd selected each plank himself.
The handwoven natural-fiber rugs beneath his feet had been commissioned from artisans who shared his ethos.
"The walls," he explained to the resort's new manager, "are finished with zero VOC paint—water-based, latex-free. No toxic compounds." He demonstrated the low-flow toilets: "Reclaimed water, but powerful enough to avoid complaints."
In the showroom suite, he pulled back covers made of 100% natural fibers with organic cashmere filling.
"The mattresses are wrapped in 100% organic cotton.
" He pointed toward the ceiling. "Solar panels and geothermal pumps handle all heating and cooling and the heating and air are pumped through the rooms with reverse ionic technology.
Every drop from the taps is purified through reverse osmosis. "
I nodded appreciatively, examining the bathroom products. "Are the toiletries also organic?"
"Especially those. The soaps, lotions, shampoos, anti-aging serums—all organic." Pride crept into his voice. "The paint throughout the resort is Zero VOC—no volatile compounds—water-based, latex-free."
And then Roman swept his hand across the gleaming hardwood floor, the scent of lemongrass and eucalyptus lingering in the air.
"All cleaning products are 100% organic.
The floors shimmer from beeswax and coconut oil polish, not chemicals.
The sheets guests will sleep on were laundered in lavender-infused, biodegradable soap.
Even the glass sparkles from vinegar and essential oils, not ammonia.
You won't find a single toxic substance in any bathroom—just cedar and sage.
" He nods. “The hot tub is powered by the sun, as is the salt-water pool. The hot tub and the pool are maintained and cleaned by a combination of ozonators, mineral purifiers, and baking soda and vinegar.”
Later, in the flagship restaurant, Roman introduced the chef to the new organic menu.
"I've met every rancher personally," he said.
"The grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chickens and eggs, wild-caught sustainable fish—I've visited the ranchers and verified the humane treatment myself.
Same with the organic vegetables. Nothing enters this kitchen I haven't personally vetted. "
Every detail in this resort whispers luxury and a commitment to sustainability and non-toxicity, and, because it’s such an innovative concept, the only issue was getting the word out.
The Malibu elite noticed first, then Silicon Valley tech moguls, then European royalty.
Vogue did a twelve-page spread. Architectural Digest featured the penthouse suites on their cover.
Reservations became impossible to secure—even for celebrities—with Michael's creation now booked solid for the next two years.
Michael's new resort was all due to Roman, who had transformed from his father's harshest critic to his most trusted confidant.
And Roman has his own project that he’s proud of - the underwater suite idea.
His face lit up when he spread the blueprints across the table.
"Got the permits yesterday," he said, tapping the paper where an underwater glass dome stretched beneath the resort.
"Your idea's becoming reality." I traced my finger along the curved walls of what would be America's first underwater suite.
The thought of lying there, watching silver fish dart through azure waters above the bed, made my heart race.
"We'll christen it," he promised, his eyes meeting mine.
"Just us, champagne on ice." I couldn't help but smile, already feeling the cool glass against my palm as the ocean moved overhead.
Before Michael’s resort opened, the Kensington brothers gathered at sunset on the unfinished cliffside terrace overlooking the Pacific to honor their mother.
Catherine's memorial had been postponed for months—the garden in Los Angeles with its manicured hedges and imported roses never felt right.
This place, with the salt spray catching the golden light and the waves crashing below, had been her favorite spot to bring the boys as children.
Asher, ever the perfectionist, had arranged white orchids in crystal vases along the stone balustrade and placed framed photographs of their mother—her smile radiant, her eyes the same stormy dark as Roman's—on easels where the ocean breeze couldn't disturb them.
Right after the memorial service, the resort's grand ballroom transformed for Michael's wedding to Patricia Jenkins, Max's mother-in-law.
White orchids and champagne-colored silk draped every surface, the Pacific Ocean glittering beyond floor-to-ceiling windows.
During the intimate reception, Cameron raised his crystal flute with a mischievous grin, declaring Max and Celeste "step-siblings by marriage," which sent ripples of laughter across the room.
Even I couldn't help smirking. But watching Michael's weathered hand tenderly cover Patricia's as they swayed to their first dance, their eyes locked in that private language only true lovers speak—that wasn't funny at all.
That was two souls finding their missing halves after decades of searching.
Now it’s my wedding day to Roman. At Roman’s suggestion, Michael will walk me down the aisle.
After the ceremony, I’ll move in Roman at his penthouse, of course, although we have plans to move to Malibu on a cliffside estate overlooking the ocean.
And the best part? Jack will live in the guest house!
Roman knows how important it is that Jack and I don’t lose touch, and this gesture from him means more to me than almost anything else.
It shows just how committed he is to my happiness, as I am just as committed to his.
We're keeping the ceremony small and intimate – just his brothers, Caspian, Jack, and five of my soul sisters gathered around us.
No bridesmaids or groomsmen standing awkwardly in matching outfits.
When Roman slipped that light blue diamond ring onto my finger – platinum-set and catching the light like nothing I'd ever seen – his eyes told me he understood why I'd never want some massive production filled with strangers.
“This blue diamond symbolizes commitment," he whispered, “I researched it and that’s what I came up with.” It does symbolize commitment and fidelity, but I know he chose it for more.
That rare blue stone – known for bringing peace, calming turbulent emotions, releasing negativity, healing wounds – mirrors his transformation.
Roman's inner tempest has calmed to gentle swells since he and his father buried the hatchet.
Now, he channels his remaining intensity into grueling training sessions with Max, their shared suffering through the Oceanside Ironman last spring forging a brotherhood stronger than blood as they prepare for Kona's legendary World Championship next week.
The grueling preparation for the two Iron Mans - Roman and Max had to complete the Oceanside Iron Man to qualify for Kona, which apparently was on Max’s bucket list - forged a bond with his youngest brother he never imagined possible.
"The noise in my head," he told me last night, fingers tracing the diamond's facets, "it's finally gone.
" This blue gem isn't just my engagement ring – it's the symbol of his journey to peace.
The ceremony takes place at sunset on the resort's private beach.
I slip away from my new Mystic Tides boutique, leaving behind the lingering scent of sage and sandalwood.
Michael offers his arm with a smile that reminds me so much of Roman.
As we walk toward the shore, my bare feet sink into warm sand.
When I finally see Roman waiting by the altar, his normally stern face softens.
The ocean breeze ruffles his dark hair, and something inside me settles into place.
The cards were right all along. This man—this complicated, passionate man—is my destiny. The universe aligned to bring us here.
After we exchange vows, Michael raises his glass, his hand trembling slightly.
"To Roman and Lilith," he begins, his voice catching.
He clears his throat. "My son and I... we've walked a rocky road.
Twenty-two years away from him—from all my boys—and not a single day passed when I didn't wonder how they were.
When Roman first saw me again, he couldn't even look at me.
I understood why." He pauses, meeting Roman's gaze across the reception hall.
"This past year changed everything. And Lilith—" Michael smiles at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"—you've given my son something I never could.
Peace. When he's with you, that famous Kensington temper just...
melts away. You two fit together like you were made for each other. "
Roman rises to his feet and wraps his arms around his father, holding on like he's afraid Michael might vanish again.
My vision blurs, and I brush away the wetness on my cheek.
Decades of absence dissolve in seconds as Roman's voice, usually so commanding, breaks just slightly when he whispers, "I love you, Dad.
" The impossible has happened right before my eyes—the stubborn, explosive Roman Kensington has opened his heart again.
As I watch them, something settles in my chest, warm and certain.
Whatever comes next, I'll treasure being part of this moment.
Thank You for Reading!
If you have a moment, I would truly appreciate it if you could leave a review on . Reviews not only help other readers discover my work, but they also mean the world to me as an author.
Whether it’s a few words or a detailed review, your feedback makes a huge difference.
Thank you for your support, and I can’t wait to share more stories with you!