Epilogue

EPILOGUE

DRAVEN

Tavish has been here for almost a month. We're nearing the end o' November, with the days between now and Christmas dwindling. This will be the first holiday season I've looked forward to since Simon died. Dillon is growing by leaps and bounds every day. He's crawling all over the castle and breathing life into the dreary place. They both are.

Bridget has settled in finally and is enjoying being back on this side o' the pond. She was hesitant to take the position when I offered it to her, but then I'm nae ashamed to say that I begged. I needed her. Tavish and I needed her, and she needed us.

With all the happiness in my life, there's still one dark spot. Simon is missing from the life he and I dreamed o'. And while I'm nae ashamed to say I begged Bridget, one thing I am ashamed o' is something I'm determined to do today.

Setting off from the castle, I walk across the snow covered grass toward the spot on the property I've avoided for nearly ten years. Simon deserved better o' me. I ken it. Tavish coming home has helped lighten my mood, and his questions and comments about Simon and how he did and felt about things have had the man on my mind more and more. Until I finally make my way to pay my respects.

As I walk through the gate to the cemetery, I pause.

Tavish? What's he doing here?

I take a few steps forward, only to pause again as what Tavish is saying washes over me. Tears start rolling down my cheeks.

"I just wanted to come introduce myself. Formerly, anyway. And to say I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for what I did. I'm sorry you had to die. I'm sorry I couldn't do more to help you. To save you. But I want you to know I will love him enough for us both. I will do everything in my power to make him happy and to take care of him. I only wish things could've been different and that you and Daddy could have found the boy you were searching for. Because, even if it wasn't me, you deserved that kinda happiness."

Stepping forward, I pull Tavish back against my chest and drop my forehead to rest on the crown o' his head. How I got lucky enough to find this boy, I have nae fucking clue. But I thank everything every day for him.

"Simon, min karlek, I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to come. I hope ye ken how much I love ye. Ye are well and truly missed. This is Tavish, our boy. He's magnificent. He is also brilliant, sassy, bratty, likes spankings and being tied up, and he gives me a run for my money daily. I wish ye were here beside us, helping me love him as he deserves. Since ye cannae be, we'll keep yer spirit with us constantly."

Tavish turns in my arms, rising on his toes to kiss me. The soft touch o' his lips lifts my spirits instantly and I lose myself in him.

When I pull away, I glance over Tavish's shoulder to where Simon will forever rest, and my breath catches.

Simon.

He's leaning against the tree next to his headstone. His smile, which has never failed to take my breath, lights up his beautiful face as he watches us.

THE END