Epilogue

Posey

It's been a few grueling weeks since the long arm of the law finally caught up with Mayor Thornberg and Bane Delgado. The city"s newspapers have been buzzing with speculation, with whispers circulating about whether Bane would somehow slip through the cracks of justice once more. But this time, the evidence Ledger uncovered on his phone is enough to ensure that both men will be behind bars for the foreseeable future.

It"s a peculiar turn of events—after their arrests, Lazarus Delgado, now the new Don of the Delgado family, surprisingly expressed his thanks to Ledger for exposing Bane"s corruption. It seems even the most powerful families in Saint Pierce have their limits when it comes to tolerating criminal behavior.

In the wake of the arrests, the Delgado clan has swiftly turned against Bane, leaving him isolated and abandoned to face the consequences of his actions alone.

We're sitting around Greer's dining room table on a bright and sunny Sunday morning.

"Pass the biscuits, baby," Roman chimes, his voice filled with fondness and affection as he smiles at his fiancée, Greer.

With a tender gaze, Greer hands him the biscuits, planting a quick peck on his cheek that speaks volumes of their deep bond. "Our family is expanding," she announces with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with joy as she includes me in the conversation.

Ledger wraps a protective arm around me, a silent gesture of solidarity and support. "It warms my heart to see how welcoming you all have been to Posey," he remarks, his love for me evident in every word.

Chloe arches an eyebrow, her gaze softening with affection. "Well, of course. It"s clear to everyone that the two of you are head over heels for each other."

Dev places a reassuring hand over Chloe"s, his expression filled with unwavering devotion. "Just like you all welcomed Chloe when I fell in love. We believe in spreading happiness wherever we can."

Greer"s smile widens as she nudges her friend, Eva, who sits at the table with a somber expression. "Including you, Eva," she says gently to her friend.

Eva exhales deeply, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "I don"t think I"ll ever be happy."

I meet Eva"s gaze with a compassionate smile, my own journey to happiness still fresh in my mind. "I used to feel the same way," I confess softly. "I used to believe I didn"t deserve happiness, that I was paying for my father's past mistakes. But I was wrong." I lean into Ledger. "We all deserve happiness."

Greer tenderly rubs her pregnant belly, her eyes filled with hope. "You"ll find your happiness, Eva," she reassures her.

Eva attempts to force a smile, her struggles evident. "I"d settle for just finding a job."

Both Ledger and Roman turn their attention to Devereaux. "I believe you can help with that, Dev," Ledger asserts confidently.

Devereaux nods in agreement. "Absolutely," he says. "I can definitely help with that."

Greer"s smile at her older brother fills the room with warmth, and I can"t help but feel grateful to be among such welcoming company. The sound of the baby"s cries drifts from the other room, prompting Chloe to start to rise, but Dev intervenes with a gentle touch on her arm.

"I"ll get him," he offers, rising effortlessly to attend to their little one.

"Don"t expect me to be much help when the baby comes," Roman quips to Greer, eliciting laughter from all of us. It"s evident in the way Roman looks at Greer that he"ll be a devoted and attentive father when their bundle of joy arrives.

"Do you know what you"re having?" I ask.

"A boy. We"re thinking of naming him Cross, although we"re still considering options," Greer replies with a hint of excitement in her voice.

"I love that name," I say with genuine enthusiasm.

Ledger leans in close to my ear, his words sending a shiver of anticipation down my spine. "I want one," he whispers softly. "I want to see you pregnant with our child."

His confession catches me off guard, but it fills me with a rush of longing. "I want it too. More than anything," I admit in a hushed tone, stealing a quick kiss from his lips. "I want it all with you."

He kisses me once more and then turns his attention to his twin brother, Ledger inquires, "So, when"s the wedding?"

Roman"s face lights up with excitement. "She wants to have the baby first, but I think we should just elope and get it done. I"ve waited long enough to have her be mine, and I can"t wait any longer to call her my wife."

Greer smiles in Roman"s embrace, her words filled with anticipation. "Soon," she affirms, her gaze shifting to Ledger. "Very soon."

"Maybe you can call Father Carmichael and have a quick ceremony at the church," Ledger suggests.

Both Greer and Roman nod in agreement, clearly intrigued by the idea. Personally, I can"t help but recall the chaos of the last wedding I was involved with. "When Ledger and I tie the knot, it will be an intimate affair, shared only with our closest friends and family—those who truly matter," I say as Ledger's arm tightens around me. "And my father," I add silently, cherishing the thought of having him there to witness our union.

"We"ve started going to that church," Eva confides in a hushed tone, drawing our attention.

"Isn't Father Carmichael wonderful?" I ask.

Eva"s eyes light up with admiration. "He"s quite possibly the nicest man I"ve ever met, too bad he"s a priest because he's probably the most gorgeous man I've ever met too."

Greer wraps a comforting arm around Eva. "We"ll help you reclaim your life, starting with reuniting you with your son, and finding you a job. Men can wait, no matter how good-looking they are."

Eva"s smile is genuine as she nods in agreement. "I couldn"t agree more."