Western Waves (Compass 3)

My children were my world.

Sure, they didn’t look like me. Some of their skin was darker, and some was light. Some had brown eyes, and others had green. None of that mattered to me because I saw it. I saw it every time I tucked them into bed at night. I saw it when I helped them with their homework. I saw it when they slammed their bedroom doors when I pissed them off. I saw it when they’d wrap their arms around me and hold on so tight.

I saw it in their eyes.

That was where I saw it the most.

It was within their eyes that I saw how their souls matched my own. It was in their eyes that I knew we were always destined to be a family. I wouldn’t change a thing about my life, either, if I knew it would lead me to them.

Those children were mine, and I was their father.

We were one, not by blood but by our entangled souls, which made it all that much more beautiful.

Stella and the kids were the beats that lived within my heart. They were my wishes and dreams all come true. My favorite universal blessings.

And that was more than enough.

Epilogue #2

Damian

Three Months Later

* * *

With the approaching holidays, I felt as if my life was in overdrive. Stella and I always had gone all out for the kids for Christmas, which meant we were always exhausted. Still, we loved it. Cooking blueberry scones on Christmas morning was our favorite tradition. Plus, over the years, we’d been able to add more and more traditions.

On Christmas Eve, I stayed a bit longer at the office than I’d hoped, but I was looking forward to the next two weeks in vacation mode with the wife and kids.

When I stood from my desk to head out, I made sure everything was in order. I exited the building, then began to lock the front door. I was surprised when I heard a voice calling out my name.

“Hey, Damian? Are you Damian Blackstone?” a stranger asked.

I turned around to meet his stare. I was thrown off as I looked into a set of eyes that seemed far too familiar.

“Yes, I am,” I replied, on high alert. I smoothed my hands over my peacoat. “Do I know you?”

He nervously chuckled as he brushed the palm of his hand against the back of his neck. “No, you don’t. Well, I mean, shit.” He muttered under his breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Honestly I didn’t even know you existed.”

“Wait a minute…” I narrowed my eyes and pointed a finger at him. “I know you.”

He rubbed his hands together. “I had a feeling you might, even though I was hoping you wouldn’t. I get that a lot from people.”

“Holy shit. You’re that actor, from”—I snapped my fingers together—“from…”

“My Oscar winning movie Glory Years?”

“No. Never saw that. It’s right on the tip of my tongue.” I waved my hands around trying to connect the dots. “From…”

“My Emmy winning show, Forgotten?”

“No. Nope never saw that. You’re from…”

He sighed, defeated. “The viral dancing taco commercial?”

“Yes!” I slapped my hand against my leg. “That’s it! Mr. Taco! The walking taco who twerked on a bus!”

He groaned. “Listen, that was over eight years ago, and I was a kid. I was a new actor back then. I would do anything for a check or gig.”

“Regardless, I’m still confused by how you know me. Do you need me to find you a property to buy? Or are you looking to sell your home?” It wasn’t unusual for actors to come to me. I’ve had my fair share of celebrity interactions throughout my time in Los Angeles. “I’m actually on holiday break as of five minutes ago, but after the New Year—”

“No. That’s not why I’m here, actually. It’s insane. I should be back in Chicago with my family getting ready for the holiday tomorrow, but I had to fly out here to meet with you.”

“Oh, um, why?”

“A few weeks ago, I received a letter from a woman named Catherine. She told me about you, and then she told me about…me. And well, that’s where things get weird, but instead of talking in circles, I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m Aiden.” He took in a deep breath before letting out his weighted sigh. “Your younger brother.”