We repeat our vows, one after another. We’re not even pronounced husband and wife when Dante sweeps me into his arms and kisses me. In the background I hear our ceremony concluded as Dante’s family cheers and claps. Soon, his brother Romeo begins to yell that there are children in the crowd, and only then does Dante let go of me.
He rights me on my feet, giving me a wink.
We walk down the aisle as husband and wife, the thought still surreal to me that Dante is mine forever now. Everything is how it should be. For once, I get my happy ending, and the wait only made our ending sweeter and more precious.
Chapter 40
Epilogue
2 years later
“IhavetheID,passport, and an apartment rented under the new names,” I announce. All the new ‘documents’ are laid out on the counter of our kitchen while I admire them. My hand rests on my flat stomach.
Dante ignores my comments, walking right toward me and kissing me. “I love it when you talk dirty to me,” he teases. “It makes me want to put a baby in you.”
“Oakleigh is in the other room,” I protest in a hushed voice.
“Doesn’t mean I want to fuck you any less.” He kisses my neck, tickling me, and I giggle.
“Stop making out, I’m coming in!” Oakleigh hollers, happily.
I nudge Dante away and he concedes because our daughter is in the room.
“For the record”—she opens the fridge, looks in it, then shuts it, facing us—“I would love to be a big sister to three or four siblings.” She has the freezer open now, looking around.
“See? She’s on my side,” Dante gloats, whispering into my ear.
“We have nothing good to eat,” our daughter complains, before rummaging in the cupboard. Our kitchen is packed with food. Two years ago, she would have never said such a thing.
“I can always find something to eat,” Dante whispers into my ear. “In fact, I think I want my dessert right now.”
“Gross!” Oakleigh throws a tea towel at us. “I can hear you!”
Dante clears his throat and goes into the freezer. “What? I want ice cream,” he says innocently.
Now he has Oakleigh’s full attention and she turns back facing us. “I haven’t had breakfast yet,” she replies hesitantly.
“Neither have I.” He smiles, grabbing two bowls down.
“Might as well, make me a bowl too,” I announce, and Oakleigh grabs another bowl. “Because I’m eating for two now.”
The bowl crashes to the floor and I’m instantly being hugged by both of them. “Don’t play with me Demi,” Dante growls, placing his hand on my stomach.
“I’ve taken five tests to make sure. We’re having a baby!”
“That’s why you didn’t argue with me when I said going to get those girls would be too risky for you this time.” His eyes light with awareness. I have been helping Dante free women from the trafficking ring but this time I allowed him to convince me to help with the paperwork instead.
“You sneaky little wife.” He leans into my ear. “I’m going to have to punish you for that later.”
“And here I thought I was being a good girl,” I tease, nibbling on his ear.
“I’m still here in the room,” Oakleigh calls. “Why do I have to have such weird parents?” she mumbles under her breath but her smile stays firmly planted on her face. She loves seeing us happy.
“Mom and I had an idea.” Our attention moves to our daughter. I did tell her to ask when Dante was in a good mood to leave no room for him to say no.
“I want to create our own ‘documents’ instead of outsourcing. I’ve shown Mom what I can do and, with some classes and practice, I could be as good as or better than the guy you use currently.”
Dante glances at me. “You and your mom think, huh?”
“Might as well keep the business in the family, right?” I innocently bat my eyes at him.
“I think it’s a great idea.” Dante confirms.
Oakleigh jumps up and down, clapping her hands. “Mom was so certain you’d say no, but I knew better.”
She comes up and gives us both another hug. Everything I have ever wanted, I now have. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. Dante presses a kiss to the top of my head. “I love you, Demi.”
I squeeze him with my arm wrapped around his waist. “Looks like we get our happily ever after ending, after all.”
