Epilogue
Ten years later
BPOV
I gaze through the kitchen window of our Henderson, Nevada, house as I rinse Romain lettuce for a salad. In the distance, the hotels on the strip dot the Vegas skyline, a sight synonymous with home. At night, the lights shining from the city sparkle on the horizon, reminding me of my days living in La Bellissima and dancing on its legendary stage.
Eight years ago, Edward finally won the battle of getting me to quit my job when we discovered we were expecting twins. After a brutal first trimester, it was clear my dancing days were over.
We began searching for a house better suited for a family and found ourselves in the suburbs… in a gated golf community. Sure, Edward has a commute to his three hotels, but being the owner has its perks. He spends at least two days a week working from his home office, running his legitimate businesses, and overseeing the Romano syndicate.
After we sent a message to the Bratva by killing Vladimir Petrov, the Russians, and other families left Las Vegas alone. Well, except for one issue with a drug cartel in Mexico. Edward worked with his friend Diego Cortez from Los Angeles and an unnamed federal agent to quickly end the situation. My father and Edward became easy friends when the leader of the cartel was arrested. I have suspicions about who the agent Edward worked with was, but I've never asked either of them for details.
"Mom, were you watching?" My soaking wet son calls, standing on the other side of the sliding screen door by the back patio.
"No, honey. I'm making dinner." As evidence, I hold up the lettuce as I turn toward the chopping block where cut-up tomatoes and onions wait.
"You have to watch," Seth whines. "I learned how to dive in backward."
Wiping my hands on a towel, I smile and head toward him. "Okay, just for a minute. I think your dad is almost done grilling the burgers."
With an enthusiastic "Yes," Seth runs toward the deep end of the pool as Edward calls out, "No running" from his spot nearby.
I step onto the patio and watch Seth perform an awkward attempt at a backward dive. He's getting close, though. "Great job, honey!" I call, stifling a laugh.
"Mom, tell Seth to stop splashing me," our daughter Nessie says as she floats near the hot tub on a flamingo raft, which she begged her father for a few weeks ago. Of course, my husband couldn't say no to his princess.
"You two need to get out and dry off anyway," Edward says, plating burgers. "Food's done."
"Nes, dry off and come get the watermelon to put on the table. Seth, I need you to get everyone their drinks."
With their chorus of "Yes, Mom," the kids climb out of the water and do as they're told.
We work together to set our patio table. Seth mixes up which side the silverwear goes on, and Nessie fixes the arrangement. I set out condiments and sides while Edward puts the burgers on buns and hands each of us a plate.
As my family settles into their seats, I look around and am beyond grateful for the amazing life I have ended up with.
Edward clears his throat, grabbing our attention. "So, do you guys know what today is?" He asks, glancing at the kids before his intense gaze falls on me. My cheeks heat under his scrutiny. My husband still has the same effect he did on me a decade ago.
"No, what?" Seth asks before taking a massive bite of his burger.
"Today is the anniversary of when I met your mother." Edward smirks, and I know he's remembering our unconventional meeting and my state of undress.
I sip at my water to cool my heated skin.
"Did you think she was pretty when you saw her?" Nessie asks, ever the romantic, obsessed with stories where the damsel meets her prince charming.
"She was the prettiest girl I had ever seen," Edward says with such conviction that my pulse quickens and my lip catches between my teeth.
Seth makes a face and mutters, "Gross," while Nessie grins. "What about you, Mom? Did you think Dad was handsome?"
"He was okay, I guess?" I shrug, then laugh, winking at her. "He was very handsome."
"Was?" Edward scoffs.
"Okay, I guess you still are," I tease, knowing I'm stoking a fire my husband will punish me for later.
"Watch out, Mia Bella," he says, a warning sparkling in his emerald eyes. "You know what happens when you don't behave."
"Yeah, Mom. Dad won't let you play video games," Seth says in total seriousness. I can't help the laugh that breaks from me. Even Edward chuckles as the tension between us dissipates. We'll save that for later when the kids are in bed.
"Well, I wouldn't want that." Reaching over, I ruffle Seth's wet hair, a mixture between mine and Edward's, brown with a red tint when the sun hits it just right.
We finish our meal talking about the kids' upcoming school year and which teachers they hope to get. Once we clean our plates and the kids get popsicles for dessert, Edward and I take glasses of chilled Pinot Grigio and cuddle together on the loveseat by the pool. We watch our children play as the evening turns to dusk.
"You know, all those years ago, when I saw you on stage, I think I knew this is where we'd end up," Edward says before kissing the top of my head.
"Sweet talker," I turn to look him in the eyes.
"It took me time to realize it, Bella, but once I met you, that was it. I had to have you forever."
He kisses me gently, his lips soft against mine. It only takes moments to escalate as my hand travels to his chest, and he grasps my hair. Once his tongue slips between my parted mouth, our kids have had enough.
"Why are you guys so gross?" Seth yells, splashing water on our bare feet.
"Because they're in love," Nessie says, floating by on her flamingo.
"I'll never be in love." Seth ducks under the water as Edward's chest shakes with laughter.
"Just wait, son. Just wait."
As the desert sun begins to set in the west, we watch the vibrant city below.
Viva Las Vegas.
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed the ride! Friend me on Facebook (Lauren Kelley) to hear about upcoming projects :)