Epilogue

CALISTA

" M om! Grammy E is here!"

The ear-splitting shriek of excitement echoes through the whole house.

From where we're sitting, cuddled on the couch, Orion and I both wince.

"We need more rugs," I murmur, leaning up to watch as our daughter sprints down the stairs and toward the entry. Her feet thud on the hardwood floor, a noise that echoes in the new build due to the lack of rugs.

"We already built a bigger house. Now the house is so big, it echoes, and we need rugs?" Orion teases me.

I laugh, standing. "It's a beautiful house, Orion."

It's been a few months since Juniper and I moved to Oakwood. At that time, it became immediately clear that Orion's small house was not big enough for the three of us. Or, not big enough for the family we are planning on, anyway.

This house, the one he and some of the other enforcers built, is much bigger. It has five bedrooms instead of two and all kinds of family-friendly features.

There is no mother-in-law suite, however. That decision was unanimous between the two of us, much to Esther's dismay. However, she does live down the street.

Compromise.

"Come on," I say, holding out my hand. "Our guests will arrive any minute."

"They helped build the thing," Orion grumbles. "Why are we having a housewarming, again?"

"Because we're social pack members who want to thank our friends by hosting them for a party."

"Bullshit," Orion says, sighing. But he stands.

I squeak as he tugs me close. He presses a kiss to my forehead. "I love you, Calista."

I let the words sink into me. Hearing them never gets old.

"I love you, too." We break apart, and I wink at him. "Come on. Let's get set up for our guests."

"Be right there," he says as he turns to straighten the couch.

The sounds of Juniper's laughter come from the playroom. I peek in as I walk by and see her and Esther cuddled together, looking at the dollhouse that my mom had just sent from Florida.

Telling my mom that I was moving to Oakwood was hard, but she visits every other week, so it all worked out just fine.

I wave at Esther, who waves back. I wouldn't say that our relationship is good, by any stretch, but it works. Orion has to continually enforce his rules about personal life with her. We have to be very clear, especially when it comes to her interactions with Juniper, what her role as a grandmother is.

But, overall, it's better to have her than to lose her. And now that she finally understands what we mean when we say no meddling, it's getting better.

I think.

"Hello!" Amara's voice calls from the front door. She said she would get here early to help us set up, and I'm happy that she made good on that promise.

"Coming!" I call. I walk past the playroom and into the living room, then smile as my friend enters with a large tray of fruit.

"I brought snacks," she says, holding the tray up like an offering.

"Fruit?" Orion calls. "Those are snacks for rabbits."

"Hey now. It's all I can make without my kitchen gadgets." Amara frowns. "Besides, I'm too sad to cook."

I wrinkle my nose at her. "I take it there's been another plumbing setback?"

She sighs. "Yeah. They can't get the part they need for another few months."

"Oh, Amara. I'm so sorry."

She waves her hand. "It's fine. Living with my older brother is a super cool, awesome way to spend all of my time. I have a thriving social life and a wonderful, calm place to retreat to," she says. The sarcasm is heavy.

"At least you'll be able to get the part you need in a few months?"

"As long as there's not another problem," Amara sighs.

Orion leans forward, snagging some of the melon from the tray. "Hey, I heard that Nolan's place is about to get a little more crowded, so you can always stay with us if you want."

Amara frowns. "What?"

"Nolan was telling the guys at the hardware store that Jasper is going to come to visit, and he'll stay with you two."

I watch Amara go white as a sheet. "Nolan didn't tell me that."

Orion shrugs. "I heard him saying it yesterday."

"Nolan would tell me if Jasper was coming to visit," she says quickly.

"I mean, he always says that Jasper is like a brother to him, so maybe he just didn't think of it? Because you're his sister, and Jasper is like his brother, so it's just kind of like having both his siblings home," Orion says with another shrug.

My best friend's face gets pink. "He would definitely tell me if Jasper was coming. I have to go. I have to call him just… really quick," she says stiffly.

Amara spins, turning on her heel, before marching out.

Orion looks at me. "That was weird."

It was. It's almost like… I shake my head. Amara told me that she used to have a crush on Jasper when she was a kid. But she made it seem like that was in the past. She's known her brother's best friend her whole life.

However, maybe the crush is a little more active than I thought.

"You ready for this?" Orion breaks me out of my thoughts, kissing my cheek.

I turn, kissing him back. "I love you, Orion."

"I love you, Calista, my mate."

"I'm so?—"

He silences me with a kiss. "You're sorry for nothing," he says. "Whatever got us here, it was meant to be. We're fated mates, remember? Fate had a hand in all of this." He gestures to the house.

I wrinkle my nose. "I'm lucky to have you, Orion."

"Not as lucky as I am to have you."

He wraps me in a hug, and as I hear more party guests arrive, I sigh, folding myself into his arms.

This life isn't at all the one I thought I'd have.

It's even better.

Did fate do that for us?

Maybe.

But no matter what, I'm grateful. Orion is the love of my life.

I can't wait to spend the rest of that life with him.