Epilogue I

Lyric

“ T hey’re perfect,” Ivan says, looking down at our sleeping twins.

“I still can’t believe there’s two of them,” Max adds, a somewhat bewildered smile on his face.

“Double the trouble,” I jokingly warn him, then wince from the pain in my lower belly. The painkillers will wear off soon, but it was worth it. I’ll have a quick and seamless recovery, the doctors and nurses assured me. “If we keep this up, gentlemen…”

“We’ll increase the population of Chicago in no time,” Artur quips.

My men slowly approach the bed and take turns holding their newborn sons. I love seeing them like this. I admire their features as they soften, as they practically melt and fawn over the boys, filling my heart with nothing but joy and endless love.

I’m exhausted and still somewhat groggy from the anesthesia, but I’m also hungry and ready to take this new challenge on.

The guys take turns shuffling the babies between them before placing them in their bassinets next to my bed.

Max smiles and comes to my side, eager to kiss me, lovingly caressing my face. “You were incredible, Lyric. You’ve truly blessed us.”

“And I cannot love you more,” Ivan adds and kisses me. Deeply. Sweetly. Pouring his heart and soul through his lips and flooding my heart with his.

I welcome their love. Artur’s delicate pecks on the cheek. His honeylike whispers. Max’s gentle caresses. I welcome everything they’re so eager to give me while our sons sleep soundly in their little beds, warm and comfortable swaddled in their blankets.

“I never thought I’d find myself here,” I say, melting in Max’s embrace.

“Neither did I but I welcome every second,” he replies.

“We have kids now,” Ivan says, laughing as he slowly shakes his head. “I didn’t think we’d ever see this day, to be honest.”

Artur gives him a smile. “Given what we’ve been through, it’s a miracle, isn’t it?”

“Lyric is our miracle,” Max declares. “Our boys are just the first of many bonuses.”

“We never settled on names,” Artur reminds us. What are we naming them?”