Epilogue
Two years can change everything. If you had told me back then, while sweating on that damn basement floor, that I’d be standing here today, I would have laughed in your face.
I eventually left the Wildlife Rangers. The job had become too stressful, the dark memories and constant danger weighing too heavily on me.
But Summer’s passion for protecting nature never wavered.
We needed a fresh start, one that kept the parts of the job I actually loved—being out in the wilderness all day—while allowing her to keep saving lives.
That was how we ended up here, on Maddox’s island, working at the wildlife sanctuary.
We packed up our lives and moved out to live with Maddox and Nina.
It turned out to be the best decision we ever made, especially since our relocation had a bit of an urgent catalyst. Summer had gotten pregnant that very first night in the hunting cabin.
Now, our one-year-old son, Aiden, was waddling across the grass, holding a small bottle of milk with both of his tiny hands.
“Careful, buddy,” I called out, watching him approach a rescued fawn.
Summer was kneeling right beside him, guiding his little hands with a patient, radiant smile.
Sunlight filtered through the trees, catching the golden highlights in her hair.
She looked more beautiful than ever, her belly already showing a distinct, round curve beneath her dress. Baby number two was already on the way.
She looked up at me, her eyes sparkling with that familiar, fiery spark that had never faded.
“He’s doing it all by himself, Dom,” she said, her voice full of pride. “He’s a natural, just like his dad.”
I walked over, wrapping my arms around her from behind and resting my hands on her warm, pregnant belly. I pressed a kiss to her temple. “He gets his stubborn determination from his mom, though. That’s all you.”
Summer laughed, leaning back against my chest. “Are you calling me difficult, Dom?”
“Never,” I smiled, tightening my embrace as we watched our son giggling as the fawn licked his fingers. “I’m calling you passionate. Hot-headed. And entirely unforgettable. I wouldn’t change a single thing about you.”
“Good,” she murmured, turning her head to give me a quick, fiery kiss that still made my blood run hot. “Because you’re stuck with me. And this growing pack.”
Looking out at the island, at our son, and at the woman who had completely redefined my world, I knew we had finally found our peace. We were happy, whole, and exactly where we were meant to be.
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