23. Epilogue

Epilogue

Three months later

“Are you sure you want to come in?” Tris asks me for the hundredth time, his voice laced with worry, as we get out of my car outside The Willows Nursing Home where his mum is a resident. The crisp air nips at my face as I walk around the car, pulling him close and kissing him.

“I’m certain. Everything will be alright, baby.”

“But what if she’s having a bad day? I don’t want you to hate her if she says something mean. You know she can’t help it but...”

To silence him, I press my lips against his once more. The desire to meet the woman who gave Tristan life has been simmering in me for some time. But I didn’t want to rush him; I wanted him to feel ready for me to meet her. It breaks my heart to see him arrive home each week, broken and incomplete, because his mother is lost in her own world, ignoring her extraordinary son. I know it’s not her fault, and I would never blame her, but I still want to share in his sadness. I need to experience it myself.

“I’m not going to hate her. Fern is an important part of my life now because she’s your mum.”

His blue eyes glisten before he leans his forehead against mine, letting out a weary sigh. “This is why I love you, Dax.” His hand comes to rest on my cheek. “Your compassion and reassurance are like anchors, keeping me grounded when the world feels like it’s spinning. I love you so much,” he says, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity.

Pulling back, I kiss his forehead. “I love you too, little fox. Please stop worrying. I want to meet her.”

“Okay.”

“Come on, let’s go.” I grab the yellow roses from the back seat and take Tristan’s hand in mine as we walk to the door. I hold it open for him, and we make our way inside. We’re greeted by a friendly lady dressed in navy-blue scrubs. Her broad smile widens when she sees Tris.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” she chuckles. “And who is this handsome man? Yours I hope?” She winks at me.

“Hey, Denise. Yeah, he’s all mine,” he beams. “This is my boyfriend, Dax. Dax, this is Denise, Mum’s carer.”

“Nice to meet you,” I nod.

“You too, Dax,” she smiles.

“I’ll sign us both in and grab lanyards,” Tris says to me. Turning to Denise, his voice takes on a sad tone as he asks, “How is she?”

Denise’s smile never falters as she pats Tris on the shoulder. “Go see for yourself.”

With the visitor lanyard around my neck, Tris takes my hand. I squeeze it reassuringly as we walk towards an open door. The room is a large living room, overflowing with comfy armchairs, some occupied by residents while others are vacant. The room is brightly lit, painted a cheerful apple green, and adorned with colourful pictures on the walls.

Standing with her back to us at the far end of the room, a woman in a dark green cardigan and black trousers seems to gaze out at the garden beyond the French windows. Her red hair, as vibrant as autumn leaves, flows freely down her back, cascading to her waist. With a shared glance, we both walk toward her.

“Mum,” Tris speaks softly. “It’s me, Tristan.”

It feels like a sharp, piercing stab to my heart to think he has to introduce himself to his own mother. The lady glances over her shoulder, and then a wide, radiant smile spreads across her face. With slow movements, she turns to face us. “Tristan, my boy. Come, give me a hug,” she says, opening her arms wide.

Tris halts abruptly, a hand flying to his chest, his breath hitching in his throat. He wasn’t expecting his mum to acknowledge him, let alone recognise him. Her words clearly catch him off guard since he has grown accustomed to her dementia and has come to accept that he will never get his mum back. I know what this moment of recognition means to him.

“Mum,” he murmurs softly, releasing my hand as he moves toward her open arms. Seeing them together makes me tear up. I’m happy I got to witness this special moment.

“There, there, my darling. I’ve missed you. I feel like we haven’t seen each other in a very long time,” she tells him while gently rubbing his back. Her eyes, bright and curious, flick up to meet mine. “Oh Tris, you brought your husband with you today,” she exclaims.

Tris stands back, a hand coming up to wipe his eyes before looking at me.

“Oh no, Mum, he’s not…”

“Hello, Fern. How are you doing today?” I cut him off mid-sentence as I step forward and give her a kiss on the cheek.

“I’m feeling fantastic now that you’re both here. Are these for me?” Her head dips in a nod towards the roses.

“Yes, I heard these were your favourite.” I wink at Tris, trying to lighten the mood as he gathers himself.

“Indeed, they are. I love them. Thank you so much. Did you get them from Harry’s? His are the best in town, and he knows exactly how I like them.”

“We did, didn’t we, Tris?” I give him a reassuring smile. Leaning in closer to Fern, I near-whisper, “Your son even showed me how to pick out the best ones.” I subtly tap my nose, as if sharing a secret only we know.

She whispers back conspiratorially, “The squeeze test. It’s the only way.” We share a laugh together.

“There you go, folks! Tea for everyone,” Denise announces, as she sets a tray on the side table. “I’ll leave you to it.”

“Shall we sit?” I suggest. With a nod, Fern settles into her chair, placing the flowers beside her as Tris and I pull up a chair. “You good?” I mouth to him. He responds by offering me a watery smile, and my arms itch to just wrap him up in a hug. My poor baby.

Once we are all settled and Fern has her tea in hand, her curious gaze meets mine.

“I’m really sorry, but I don’t remember your name, love. My brain isn’t always as sharp as it could be.”

“That’s okay. I’m Dax.”

“Dax, that’s it. Now I remember. Silly me.” She chuckles to herself. “I remember your wedding; it was in the spring, and the foxgloves on the tables made everything smell amazing. The ceremony was beautiful. You made my Tris smile ear to ear that day.”

Tristan’s hand trembles in mine, and I hear the ragged sound of his breath as he fights to compose himself. Since we are not married, there has been no wedding or ceremony. Not yet, anyway. It wouldn’t be fair to spoil things for her, though, so I happily play along. Fern clings to a memory that she believes is true and maybe, one day, it will be. If it’s up to me, it definitely will.

“I agree with you, Fern. It was a beautiful day, and I’m the lucky one. My life is perfect now that I have Tristan. Thank you for bringing up such a kind and generous man.” I gently press a kiss to the back of his hand.

“He was born with a kind soul, not a bad bone in his body,” she agrees affectionately.

The love in her eyes for her son is clear, a warm glow that lights up her entire face. The moment might be fleeting for her, but it’s undeniably present for both of us to witness. I understand today is a good day for Fern, and it might be some time before Tris has the chance to see his mother like this again. My boyfriend is clearly emotional at the moment, but I want to make this visit so special that he’ll remember it on his tough days.

The ring in my pocket has been my constant companion for the past month. I know it sounds strange, but when I passed by the jewellery store and saw it, I just had to have it. It was a beautiful sight and reminded me of Tris, so I stepped inside the shop and bought it without a second thought. It’s still early in our relationship, but today, with his mum in high spirits, it feels like the perfect time to give it to Tris.

I want Tris to know that I care for him deeply, and I want to share this moment with his mother so she can feel the love I have for him. She may not remember it tomorrow, but Tristan will, and I’m determined to give him that memory. “Hey Fern, I was wondering if it would be okay if I gave Tristan a little something?”

“I think that’s an excellent idea,” she says, nodding in agreement.

Turning to Tris, he tilts his head, a bewildered expression on his face as his eyes dart back and forth between me and his mother. Dropping to my knees in front of him, I make sure we are both in his mum’s line of sight.

“What are you doing?” he murmurs, his bottom lip trembling.

Leaning in, I brush my lips against his in a quick, light peck, taking both his hands in mine. “Tristan, I know we’re already married.” I give him a knowing wink. “But I wanted to give you this gift to represent my promise to you. Ever since the day I saw you at Jake’s birthday, you’ve been running circles in my mind. Never did I think the day would come that I could make you mine. But here we are.”

“Dax,” he whispers, his voice shaking.

Pulling out the black velvet box, I turn it around, the weight of it heavy in my hand, and open it, revealing to Fern the gift I’ve chosen for her son.

“Beautiful,” she sighs, instinctively placing a hand on her chest, just like Tris always does. I turn back to him, opening the box, revealing the silver band with a bright yellow stone nestled in its centre. His hands shoot to his mouth, stifling a gasp, and his eyes dart to me, as they well up with tears.

“What did my shirt say again? Oh yeah, Tristan is for life, not just for Christmas. What do you say, little fox? Will you be mine forever?”

Laughter bursts from my lips as Tris crashes into me, sending me tumbling backward. His kisses and tears rain down on my face, leaving me breathless and with no doubt that I’ve made the right decision.

“So, does that mean yes?” I ask as I kiss him back.

“Yes, yes, yes. All the yesses in the world.”

“We better get up before they kick us out,” I tell him, giving him a quick kiss as we lie on the carpeted floor of the nursing home.

“Oops,” he says with a sheepish smile. Offering Tris my hand, I help him back to his feet.

“Put it on me,” Tris says, his fingers wiggling impatiently in front of me, his smile growing wider by the second.

I pop the box open again, the velvet lining giving a soft snap, and slide the ring on. It isn’t a perfect fit, feeling a little loose on his finger, but I was acting on instinct when I bought it.

“Let me see,” Fern says, rising slowly to her feet. Tris, radiating pride, offers his hand to his mum. “Oh goodness. It looks even better on your finger!” she exclaims.

Since she already believes we’re married—and it sounds like Fern truly believes we had a beautiful wedding—this is just a little something extra for my ‘husband,’ or, I suppose, my now fiancé!

“I can’t believe it,” Tris says incredulously. “Are you absolutely sure? Don’t you think it’s too soon?”

I pull him toward me, captivated by the light dancing in his sapphire eyes, and whisper, “Tris, I’ve never been surer of anything in my life than I am right now. Apart from Jake being born, this is the best day of my life, and I’m determined to create many more days, just like it.” With him, I feel like I can finally breathe and be myself. Before him, there was a void, and after him, there will be nothing but memories. The remnants of his tears still glisten on his cheeks. “There’s only one thing I need from you, Tris,” I say.

“What’s that?”

“To be with you forever, little fox. My heart belongs to you, and I promise to love you until my last breath.”

Tears stream down his face as he hiccups. “I want that too, Dax. So much.”

I’ve made a solemn vow to my man in the presence of his mother, and I’m fully committed to keeping it. Mr. No-Commitment just broke his own rules… again!

THE END