“You look so damn beautiful, and you’re all mine now.”
I am, and there’s nothing I want more. Gibson is my happily ever after.
Epilogue
Gibson
Two years later…
“Which pajamas do you want?” I hold up the polka dots and the Star Wars and my daughter Violet giggles as she grabs for Darth Vader. “That’s my girl.” I smile as I brush through her wet curls and get her ready for bed.
“Sam wasn’t coming out until he was a whole prune,” our nanny Theresa jokes, and Sam giggles in her arms.
When Lindsey and I had the twins, we were more than overwhelmed. And while the family was always here to help at a moment's notice, we’ve all got little ones at the same time so it’s not exactly easy for any of us. Living together in our own little compound has been a blessing, but having Theresa live with us has made all the difference.
Lindsey and I don’t have parents or grandparents to show us what to do or to step in, so after we brought the twins home from the hospital we were lost. One day we were in the grocery store together staring at the formula while the twins were screaming, and Theresa walked by. She didn’t say anything to us, but as soon as she started talking to the twins, they instantly went quiet like what she had to say was the most important thing in the world. She offered to walk with us while we shopped to keep the twins occupied, and I wanted to weep with relief. We invited her over for dinner that night, and it was like she was the piece that we’d been missing in our parenting puzzle.
Theresa was retired, and her husband had passed away. They were never able to have children, and we knew from the love in her eyes that she wished she could have. Whether it was by design or divine intervention, she came into our lives at the perfect moment and completed our family. I don’t think she was quite prepared for the extended family she would inherit by coming to live with us, but we’ve all grown to love her as the family grandmother we never dreamed could be possible.
“Is Lindsey still going out for girls’ night?” Theresa wiggles her eyebrows, and it makes me laugh.
“It’s just with the twins and Rosy. I think they’re going to see a movie and have dessert at that new French place downtown.” I shrug as I pick up Violet and carry her over to the crib. “It shouldn’t be too crazy.”
“Oh, well, I guess that dress she had on must just be what the young ladies wear these days. You know I’m not up on my fashions.” She gestures down to her sweat suit and white sneakers.
“What dress?” I blink in confusion as I try to remember if I saw Lindsey change when she got home.
After a year of staying home with Theresa, it was clear she didn’t need us here all the time, and it was important to Lindsey to keep working. She said that being able to work made her a better mom, and she never wanted to lose the part of herself that had goals in her career. I think she likes when I fuck her on her desk, but I could be wrong.
Several days a week we go in to work together, but we always manage to balance life at home. It’s part of the reason I love her so much, because she gives with her whole heart. Seeing her become an executive and a mother, while still being my best friend, has made my life worth living.
“I’m coming to say goodnight before I head out,” Lindsey says as she walks into the nursery.
“Where the fuck do you think you’re going dressed like that?” I bark, and Sam giggles.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck,” he says over and over, and my neck heats with anger and embarrassment.
“Truck?” Theresa covers for me, and Sam thankfully picks up her suggestion.
“Truck, truck, truck, truck!”
“I’ve got these two. Why don’t you say goodbye in the other room?” Theresa suggests as Lindsey kisses the kids and then scowls at me.
Theresa pushes me out of the nursery, and I hear her let out a little chuckle as she closes the door behind us.
“Why would you say something like that in front of the kids?” she hisses, popping her hip out, and I let my eyes linger on the lacy black dress.
“Why would you wear something like this knowing I’m just going to rip it off of you?” I stalk toward her slowly, and she holds up her hands to block me.
“No, you don’t, Gibson, this is new.” She licks her dark red lips, and it might as well be an invitation.
“So you mean to tell me you bought this tight as fuck dress that clings to your ass and shows off those juicy tits and never for a second thought I’d tear it off of you?”