This is the last chapter. It's a bit of a sad but happy end as well. I've really enjoyed writing this story and I'm sad to see it finish but I hope you've all enjoyed reading it. There will be more stories to come from me :-)
Epilogue
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the sound of the sea and children playing could be heard. Everyone was happy and nothing could bring anyone's mood down. Down on the sand, Ethan sat in his wheelchair watching his children play together along with their gorgeous golden retriever, Daisy. Zack was now five and exactly like Ava was when she was at that age. Ava was growing up quickly and in a few years time would be a teenager. Ethan smiled, wishing that he could still run around with them but his disease has kicked in fast and his legs just weren't as good as they used to be.
"Dad!" Ava yelled and rushed up the sand in her shorts and vest top, Daisy following closely at her heels. "Come on, come and join us."
"I'm fine here princess," Ethan told her. "Go on, you need to be watching Zack."
"He's fine," Ava giggled and glanced towards her little brother. He was giggling as he jumped over the waves. "Please. I'll push you." Ethan smiled and shook his head. "What are you reading?" He asked, gesturing to the book in his lap.
"Stephen King," Ethan told her. "You're too young for his stories."
"Dad," Ava laughed. "I'm not a little girl anymore."
"Ava, why aren't you watching your brother?" Lily called, as she came back with some ice-creams. "Zack! Sweetheart, come to mummy!" Zack nodded and raced straight over, diving into the sand. "Okay, here you go pumpkin," Lily said, unwrapping an ice-cream and handing it to Zack. "Now, what do you say?"
"Thank you," Zack whispered and began eating it straight away.
"Good boy," Lily praised him.
Ava and Zack settled down on the picnic blanket and Lily handed Ava and Ethan an ice-cream each. Daisy settled down beside Ava, panting because of the heat. Lily still felt nervous around dogs but she'd got used to Daisy and the kids absolutely loved her.
"Can I join you?" A voice asked and they all turned to see Cal and Matilda walking towards them. "Hey," he greeted Lily before walking round to give his brother a hug.
Things were still awkward between the three of them but over the years Lily and Ethan had slowly forgiven Cal for what he'd done. It was slightly easier now that Cal had moved to Bournemouth and they'd made a group decision to take regular family trips to the beach where Ethan and Cal used to go as children.
"Hi Matilda," Lily said to the older girl. "You've grown, haven't you?"
"Thanks," she whispered and sat herself down beside Ava. She was still as pretty as ever with light blonde hair and shiny blue eyes. She wore silver, dangly earrings, shorts and a pink vest top, white sandals and a black Michael Kors handbag hung off one shoulder.
"Yeah and she has a boyfriend now," Cal teased and ruffled her hair.
"He isn't my boyfriend," Matilda scoffed. "God Dad, you're so embarrassing."
"It's a dad's job to be embarrassing," Ethan chuckled. "I'm the same to Ava."
"Matilda, did you want an ice-cream?" Lily asked, offering her one from the selection that she'd just bought.
"Thank you," Matilda thanked her shyly and took one for herself.
Ethan and Cal smiled at each other, the memories of their past slowly fading with each day that went by. Matilda and Ava were young girls slowly entering their teenage years, Zack had started school and was growing into a lovely young man, Ethan and Lily were happily married and although Cal hadn't found that love of his life he'd been searching for he was happy as well. His feelings for Lily had faded a long time ago and for now, they were getting along just fine. Their secrets were out and they were all able to live a long and happy life together.
Well that's the end of the story. I really hope you liked it, I loved this chapter. Thank you for reading and leaving reviews and there'll be more to come from me :-) x
