Epilogue

FRANKIE

June 14, 2025

Hunter's Condo

5:23 pm

I sneak into the nursery to check on our daughter, Renna Elizabeth Parrish. Her tiny hands curl into fists.

The nursery is bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun, casting a peaceful light across the room. I take a moment to watch her, marveling at the way her little chest rises and falls with each breath.

Carefully and quietly, I close the door softly behind me and head downstairs. Today is a special day. It's been exactly one year since Grace had her pacemaker surgery, and we're celebrating. We are calling it her re-birthday.

Hunter insisted on having a small gathering at our home, just close friends and family, to mark the occasion. It's a mix of celebration and gratitude, a chance to reflect on how far we've all come.

As I walk into the living room, I see Hunter standing by the kitchen counter, pouring drinks for our guests. He looks up as I approach, a smile spreading across his face. "How's our little one?" he asks, handing me a glass of sparkling grape juice.

"Sleeping like an angel," I reply, taking the glass from him. "She's completely out."

Hunter puts his hand on my waist and pulls me to him, leaning in to kiss my forehead. "She takes after you, then. You could sleep through a hurricane."

"Hey, I've been getting up with her every night, thank you very much," I tease, giving him a playful nudge.

His grin widens. "I know, and I appreciate it more than you know. You keep our ship afloat."

I glance around the room, taking in the sight of our friends mingling and chatting. Carly is over by the window, talking animatedly with Jonah, while Grace sits on the couch, her face glowing with health and happiness. Seeing her like this, it's hard to believe she was once so sick. The transformation is nothing short of a miracle.

I turn back to Hunter, my voice softening. "It's amazing, isn't it? To think where we were a year ago... and now look at us."

Hunter nods, his expression turning serious. "It's been a hell of a journey, hasn't it? But I wouldn't trade it for anything."

I slip my hand into his, squeezing it gently. "Me neither."

We stand there for a moment, just taking it all in. The sound of laughter and conversation fills the air, a comforting backdrop to our thoughts. I harbor a deep sense of gratitude—for Hunter, for Renna, for the life we're building together.

My eyes move to Janice, sitting with my two half-brothers, William Jr. and David. It's hard to believe that they are now considered family, but as time has gone by, our relationship has blossomed into something far more profound than I could have ever imagined.

Janice has been a loving and eager grandmother to Renna, and my brothers have embraced their roles as uncles with enthusiasm. It's been a healing process for all of us, learning to bridge the gaps left by years of distance and misunderstanding. I never imagined I'd have this kind of relationship with my father's other family, but now I can't imagine my life without them.

Hunter follows my gaze and nods. "Yeah, it does. And to think, this is just the beginning. The trial is going better than we could have hoped."

The trial has two hundred seventy-five patients enrolled, and four hundred already approved to start Phase Two. "We're changing lives, Frankie. Your work, it's incredible. You're incredible."

A swell of pride fills my chest. "Our work, Hunter. None of this would have been possible without you. Don't forget that."

He smiles, a soft, genuine smile that I've come to cherish. "We make a pretty good team, don't we?"

"The best," I agree, leaning into him.

I put my head on his shoulder, soaking in the joy and warmth of the day. Then, as if on cue, our daughter stirs on the baby monitor, letting out a soft whimper.

"I'll get her," I say, excitedly, handing my glass back to Hunter. I've been waiting to bring her out for the party to show her off.

He takes it with a nod, his eyes following me as I head back upstairs. "Bring her down when she's ready," he calls after me. "Everyone wants to see her."

I smile to myself as I reach the nursery, finding our little girl awake and looking up at me with wide, curious eyes. "Hey, sweetheart," I whisper, lifting her into my arms. "Did you have a good nap? Let's go see everyone, okay?"

As I carry her into the crowd, I hear the murmur of voices growing louder. The love and support that fills our home right now is overwhelming in the best way. I join Hunter in the living room, and as I hand our daughter to him, I feel a deep sense of contentment. This is my family. These are my people.

Hunter cradles our daughter in his arms, gently swaying with her as he talks to Grace. The sight of them together fills my heart with warmth. This is what life is about—these moments of connection, of love, of shared triumphs and even shared losses.

I look around at our friends and family, the people who have been there with us through thick and thin, and I know that we've built something beautiful here. It hasn't been easy, and there's still so much to do, but together, we can handle anything.

Hunter glances over at me, his eyes full of love and admiration. "You okay?" he asks softly.

I nod, as happy tears fill the bottom rim of my eyes. "I'm perfect," I whisper back. "Absolutely perfect."

And in this moment, with my daughter in Hunter's arms, surrounded by the people I love, I know that I truly am.