Epilogue
Valentine
Six years later…
“Can I have a cookie, Mommy?”
Hazel looks up at me with big, round eyes that no human can resist, not even her battle-worn mother.
“Okay, but this is the last one and you have to share it with your brother.” She pouts at the suggestion of sharing anything with Alfie.
“But he drops half of it.”
“That’s what three-year-olds do, honey. But if you don’t want the cookie…”
Her frown instantly turns into a smile, and I snap one of the heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies in half and give the pieces to her.
Hazel runs off to find her brother who’s being bounced on Gage’s knee. His high-pitched giggles fill the clubhouse and make even the hard-ass Pans smile.
I glance down at Emmy and am pleased to see she’s still fast asleep in the car seat. At six months old, she still loves her naps, which buys me a bit of time to help Gina set up the clubhouse.
It’s the annual Valentine’s Day party. Some people may think it’s unromantic to spend Valentine’s Day at the club, but it’s the day that me and Lyle met, and if it wasn’t for him and the club’s protection, I wouldn’t be here.
So we alternate years with the other couples. One year we leave the kids here and go out on our own; for the next year, one of the other couples leaves their kids and we party with the club.
It’s not a traditional Valentine’s, but it works for us. Besides, we don’t need a special day to remind us of our love.
In the six years since I met Lyle, I’ve never once missed my old memories.
I found out a bit more about myself. At the cult, the women were assigned work, and I worked in the kitchen. It’s where I learned to handle a knife and cook bread from scratch. I’m still a mean cook and love cooking for the club.
I paint as a hobby and my work is exhibited in diners along the coast. It’s something I enjoy, but my life’s work is my family.
With three kids, Lyle, and the club, I’m kept busy. I love looking after the people who looked after me, who took me in when I was lost and gave me a future.
We live in a small cottage along the coast, but I spend most days at the club, helping Gina manage the place and cooking for whoever happens to be around.
The door to the club opens, and I know by the heat in my body that it’s Lyle even before I turn around. I’ve learned to listen to my body and trust my instincts. They’re never wrong.
“Hey, beautiful.”
He wraps an arm around me and pulls me into a kiss. His hand slides over my rump and squeezes my butt.
“Get a room,” someone calls, and I bat Lyle away playfully.
“There’s a free one upstairs,” Lyle murmurs.
His eyes blaze with heat. I love it when my husband looks at me like that. I glance down at the baby to check she’s still asleep, but Lyle’s already calling out to Gina.
“Watch the little ones for us, will ya?”
Gina gives us a broad grin as Lyle takes my hand and leads me upstairs. After six years, our passion hasn’t diminished.
I love my husband. He’s my safe place and my anchor. I’ve got six years of amazing memories with him, and I’m looking forward to a future with many more.
Also mentioned in this book…
Bronn gets more than he expected when a client’s bratty daughter turns up on his security job.