Epilogue

EPILOGUE

NIKOLAI

O ne Year Later

"One more time." Mia smiles as I close the Little Red Riding Hood book.

"No," Gio snaps from across the room, flashlight in hand as he reads a six grade level mystery book series he is obsessed with. "Dad has read that bad book three times."

Mia sticks out her tongue. "Fourth time's the charm!"

"No, it's the third time's the charm," Gio grumbles.

I place the book down on her nightstand and hold both of my hands out to stop the bickering. "Okay, grumpy pants, flashlight out. Princess, you and Daddy have to go to sleep so how about I check extra long for monsters?"

"Monsters?" Mia whispers, pulling her blanket closer to her chest. "You think there are monsters tonight?"

I chuckle softly, ruffling her messy curls. "There are never any monsters when Daddy's around, sweetheart. But I'll check anyway, just to be sure."

Mia nods, her little face serious as she watches me get down on one knee beside her bed. I make a show of peeking under the bed, shining a small flashlight into the corners, lingering extra long just to ease her worries.

"Nope, no monsters here," I announce, sitting back up and giving her a reassuring smile. "Just dust bunnies."

Mia giggles, her fears melting away as she reaches out to hug me. I kiss the top of her head, inhaling the familiar scent of her strawberry shampoo, and tuck her back in. "Alright, princess, time for sleep."

"Love you, Daddy," she whispers, closing her eyes as she snuggles into her pillow.

"Love you more, Mia," I say softly, brushing a stray curl from her face before standing.

I turn to Gio, who's still hunched over his mystery book, the flashlight casting shadows across his face. "Alright, kid, flashlight out. You need to get some sleep too."

"But Dad," Gio protests, not even looking up from his book, "I'm right in the middle of a big clue! It's the most important part!"

I shake my head, amused. "The clue will still be there tomorrow, Gio. And besides, you'll need your rest for our trip to Thailand."

That gets his attention. His head snaps up, eyes wide with excitement. "Thailand? For real?"

"For real," I confirm, crossing my arms. "We're going to see the monkeys just like I promised."

Gio grins, tossing the book aside and finally switching off his flashlight. "Cool! I can't wait!"

I walk over to his bed, bending down to kiss his forehead. "Goodnight, son."

"Night, Dad," he mumbles, already reaching for his book again. I give him a pointed look, and with a sigh, he sets it back down. "Fine, fine, goodnight for real."

Satisfied, I straighten up and flick the nightlight on as I leave the room, closing the door behind me with a soft click. It's a quiet moment, but as I stand in the hallway, listening to the soft sound of my kids settling down for the night, I feel a warmth in my chest I never thought I'd have.

Family. A year ago, the idea of being a father—of having this—felt like something I wasn't capable of. But now, I can't imagine my life without it.

I trudge down the dark, silent hallway, the faint flicker of candlelight guiding me towards our bedroom. The sound of Gwen's restless pacing echoes off the walls, growing louder with each step I take.

I push the door open and step into a world of sensory overload. The air is thick with the scent of vanilla and lavender, the warmth of countless candles enveloping me.

My eyes are drawn to Gwen, standing by the bed in a delicate baby pink satin robe that hugs her curves in all the right ways with a hint of white lace peeking out. Her emerald-green eyes sparkle like precious jewels as she holds out a small pink box to me, her lips curling into a coy smile.

As I gently close the door behind me, she shifts on her feet, nervously biting the corner of her lip. Her eyes light up as I take a step forward .

"What's all of this?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at the pink box placed in front of me.

Gwen's smile widens as she pushes the box closer to me. "Open it."

I do as she says, lifting the lid and revealing an array of delicious-looking donuts. A small note is taped to the top of the box. In Gwen's neat handwriting, it reads: I don't want to grow this baby bump alone!

It takes me a second to register what I'm seeing. My eyes widen and flick back and forth from the crumpled note in Gwen's hand to the small, gift-wrapped box sitting in front of me on the table. "Wait…are you saying…?"

Her smile widens even further as she nods, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "Baby number three, Nik."

For a moment, all I can do is stare at her, my heart racing and my mind trying to process this unexpected news. A rush of emotions floods through me—shock, joy, and a shit ton of excitement. "We're having another baby?"

"Yeah," she laughs, her voice shaky with emotion. "We are."

I blink, trying to wrap my head around it, the excitement threatening to bubble over, and I let out a breathless laugh, pulling her into my arms. "Holy shit," I whisper, burying my face in her neck. "I'm freaking out."

"Me too," Gwen giggles, wrapping her arms around my neck, holding me tight.

Our laughter mingles, filling the room with a warmth that feels almost tangible. I pull back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes, those captivating emerald orbs that have always held me spellbound. "You're sure?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, still trying to grasp the reality of it all.

She nods, her smile softening as she brushes a strand of hair away from my face. "Positive. I took the test this morning. Two lines, just like last time."

A surge of pride and love washes over me, and I feel my chest swell with emotion. "Another little one," I murmur, almost in disbelief. "You're amazing, you know that?"

She blushes, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue that makes her even more beautiful.

She steps back just enough to untie the sash of her robe. The fabric falls open, revealing the delicate lace of her lingerie underneath. My breath catches in my throat as I take in the sight of her, glowing with a new kind of radiance.

She reaches for me, her hands sliding under my shirt to press against my bare skin. "How do you want to celebrate, Daddy?"

I let out a shaky breath against her lips. "Keep calling me daddy and I'm going to make it rough."

Gwen chuckles, and I groan softly as she begins to unbutton my shirt, her fingers deft and sure. "Take this off," she murmurs, her lips brushing against my collarbone as she works.

I comply, shrugging out of my shirt and tossing it aside. My hands finding their way to her waist, pulling her closer until our bodies are flush against each other. The feel of her, warm and soft, sets my blood on fire, and I can't help but press my lips along her jawline, tasting the salt of her skin .

Gwen tilts her head, giving me better access, and I take full advantage, nuzzling her neck, my tongue darting out to trace the curve of her ear. She gasps, her body arching into mine, and I feel a surge of triumph. "You like that?" I murmur, my voice dripping with desire.

"Yes," she breathes, her hands gripping my shoulders tightly. "More. Please."

I oblige, trailing my lips down her neck, pausing to nip at the sensitive spot just below her ear. Gwen moans, her hips grinding against mine, and I feel the unmistakable wetness of her arousal pressing against my thigh. "Fuck, Gwen," I groan, my own need rising rapidly.

My hands roam over her body, exploring every curve, every dip, memorizing the feel of her. My fingers find the clasp of her bra, and I release the hooks, letting the straps fall away to reveal her perfect breasts. My mouth waters at the sight, and I lean in, taking one taut nipple into my mouth, sucking gently as my hand cups her other breast, kneading it softly.

Gwen arches her back, her head thrown back in ecstasy, her fingers tangling in my hair. "Oh God, Nik," she moans, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Don't stop. Please."

I alternate between her breasts, lavishing them with attention, my tongue flicking over her nipples, teasing them until they peak. She shudders beneath me, but I show her no mercy, nipping at her until she is panting. "Nik."

Gwen's legs part instinctively, and I stifle a groan as my fingers slip under the lace of her panties, teasing the soft flesh of her inner thighs. "Is this what my dirty girl wanted?"

She bites her lip, nodding. "Yes, please, I need you," she whispers, her voice strained with desire .

"That's all you had to say, darling." I smile, stripping off the rest of my clothes and tossing them aside without a second thought.

Gwen reaches for me, her hands guiding me to her, and I position myself at her entrance, my cock throbbing and without waiting, I push forward, slowly sinking into her warmth. Gwen gasps, her nails digging into my back as I fill her completely. "Fuck," she whispers, her voice filled with awe.

I begin to move, my thrusts slow and deliberate, savoring the feel of her around me. Gwen meets my rhythm, her hips rising to meet mine, our bodies moving together in perfect harmony. "Love you," I murmur, my lips brushing against her ear.

"Love you too," she replies, her voice breaking with emotion. "So much."

Our movements grow faster, more urgent, as we chase the peak of pleasure together. Gwen's hands grip my shoulders, her nails digging in as she cries out, her orgasm building once more. "Nik, I'm close," she gasps, her voice trembling with need.

"Me too," I reply, my thrusts becoming erratic as I fight to hold back my own climax. "Come with me, Gwen."

With a final, desperate cry, Gwen's body tenses, her orgasm washing over her in waves, and I follow her over the edge, my own release crashing through me with blinding intensity. We cling to each other, our bodies shuddering with the force of our shared climax, our breaths mingling as we ride out the aftershocks.

I collapse beside Gwen, my chest heaving with exertion. She turns to me, her eyes shining with love and contentment, and I pull her into my arms, holding her close. "Best celebration ever," I murmur, my lips brushing against her temple.

"Agreed," she replies, her voice sleepy and content. "Maybe I should tell you I'm pregnant more often."

I chuckle, kissing the top of her head. "Don't tempt me, Kotik. I want at least three more kids out of you."