Epilogue
IVY
Seven months later
I’m poolside, my feet in the water as I sit on the ledge. It’s the same position I’ve been in everyday for months.
Uncle Shawn calls across the backyard, “Are you sure you don’t want to join us? Pizza and bowling.”
“Yes. I’m good. Just bring me back some.
” I wave bye to him and Aunt Kathleen. Having them around has been amazing.
Even Zachary is home more than not, but he’s hanging out with Jayden today.
Grandma is doing well with her full-time nurse.
I’ve tried to chat with her numerous times, but she won’t warm up to me.
I’ve accepted that she’ll always resent me for what my mom went through.
But I don’t regret for one second having her move in here.
I still feel like it’s a way for me to show my mom how much I appreciate everything she sacrificed for me.
Dad’s death was ruled self-defense. I’d worried how Zachary would take the news, however, he almost seemed relieved. Apparently, our father had been harassing him and digging for information. And when Zachary refused to speak to him the last time, Dad exploded on him.
“Your uncle said they’re bringing back pizza.” Luca pulls off all his clothes down to his boxers then dives into the pool. He laps the pool then swims up to me. I already know what he’s going to ask, the same thing he’s asked nearly every opportunity he’s had, “Come swim with me, please?”
I undress to my sports bra and panties. With every article of clothing I remove, his delight grows. Taking the stairs, I swim over to where he waits, and his lips are on mine as soon as I’m near enough. “I’ve been waiting for this day for a really long time.”
“Yes, and to think you didn’t even have to shove me in.”
He grimaces. “It was more a nudge.”
“It was you hauling me in against my will.” I swat water at him as I swim back.
Luca quickly catches up to me, pinning me against the wall as he hums against my mouth, “Well, I guess I have some groveling to do … on my knees and between your thighs.”
“Absolutely.” I smile, kissing him back.
Anthony appears on the patio as he calls out, “Ms. Walker, you have a guest.”
Cain emerges as he heads our way. “Man, I knew you’d be here. I didn’t even go to your place.”
He’s right. Luca is here more than he’s at his own house.
And I don’t mind. I still struggle some days, breaking down and questioning my decision.
But the only thing harder is being without him.
There’s not a part of me that questions his intentions now.
I trust that he wants me safe and happy.
The reckless mistake he made cost us both gravely.
And he continues daily to earn my forgiveness.
Cain pulls off his T-shirt and jumps in the pool.
When he surfaces, Luca keeps me pinned to the side as he tells him, “We were kind of in middle of something.”
“Just pretend I’m not here.” Cain backstrokes across the pool as Luca groans.
Anthony appears back on the patio as he announces, “Ms. Walker, you—”
“You have a guest,” Brooke finishes as Anthony stops and goes back in the house while she jogs across the yard. “Why wasn’t I invited to the pool party?”
She’s already stripped down to her bra and underwear and jumping in before Luca can finish hollering, “Because it’s not a party.”
I give him a quick smooch. “I think it is now.”
He lingers, his mouth on mine as he says, “We’re going to finish this later.”
“Deal. But first, let’s enjoy the pool party.
” Just being around people who I care about and who care about me.
No expectations. No pressure. Just friends who have become family.
So many moments I’ve questioned why bother, feeling like life was pointless.
From cheer, to swim, to merely existing.
But maybe this what makes it all worth it—unconditional love with no expectations.
The kind my mother showed me. And the very thing I’m grateful to have in my life again.
Because for the first time in a while, I’m looking forward to another day instead of dreading the current one.
Luca leans back, still not releasing me as he asks, “What’s that look?”
With a genuine smile on my face, I admit, “Hope.”
His thumb brushes over my mouth. “It’s my favorite.”
Mine too.