Arsen and Kol come out with a platter of food and place it on the table next to me. The smell of waffles and bacon draws me in. “Mmmm,” I hum around a slice of pork.
Kol leans down to whisper in my ear. “Keep moaning like that, and I might get jealous.” He winks when I gasp.
“Mr. Daniels,” I scold. “Later.”
“Jesus.” He’s constantly muttering that when I counter his dirty thoughts with my own, and it amuses me to no end. This family has become my own. For a long time, I worried I would never have one of my own, never experience the commitment such a tight-knit group shows to one another. With Kol, I have so much more.
Friendship and family are only one facet to this group of people. They give laughter, hope, and love as easily as any I’ve ever seen.
After my mother and I reconciled and began to work on our relationship again, they were quick to accept her into the fold, as well. I still cry thinking of the ways they’ve helped her over the last two years. Colin even stepped in to help Mom when we couldn’t be there. They’ve developed an unbreakable friendship that I was weary of at first, but I’ve come to enjoy. He’s good company for her.
Our road to forgiveness wasn’t an easy one. I had to fight hard to remember all the good times before Richard in order to meet with her again. After learning all he did to her behind closed doors, I felt guilty because I had no idea. He would force drugs on her, beat her, rape her.
In so many ways, Richard stole everything from us.
Now, though? He’s in prison for the rest of his life, and we’re finally free to live the lives we were always meant to have.
“You’re thinking too hard.” Kol grasps my hand in his as he pulls me over to sit on his lap and feed me bites of waffles and whipped cream while Arsen and Marina help the kids search in the higher spots.
“I’m just so happy,” I tell him as he rubs my belly. Our second child is due in the next two weeks, and we have no idea what we’re having, but we’re absolutely thrilled.
“Me too, blue eyes, me too.” His lips brushing my neck is a sensation I’ll never tire of. Laughter fills the yard as Leighton discovers a puppy in the playhouse.
“Momma!” His delighted voice carries, and tears fill my eyes. His happiness is palpable, and I’m grateful not only for him but that he has this wonderful family who will do anything to keep the joy in their lives.
* * *
The End!