Epilogue

We are goingto be okay.

Bronson had repeated that same mantra to me many times over the course of the three weeks since the fire. For a few days I wasn't convinced we would come back from that night, happy and whole, but I knew now he had always been right.

I tipped my head to the side and drank in the sight of my husband. Just the simplest of acts of watching him get dressed or witnessing Stormi laugh at something silly her father said, had a peacefulness settling into my soul. It was the small things day after day that all added up to us finding our way again.

A bit of sorrow did pierce me when I thought about River and her kids. While our family unit was moving forward, hers was still struggling. Physically everyone was good, but emotionally was another story. I hoped that the changes being made would bring them some peace and that they would embrace the crazy group of people who so desperately wanted to help them.

They had moved into the condo for a short time—my sister finally caving after her many protests—but now they were making a more permanent move. One that me, Stormi and Bronson were thrilled with.

I felt a smile tug at my lips.

It was only a few hours before my sister, niece and nephew—in my eyes that's exactly what they were, even if it may take them some time to get used to it—would be our new neighbors.

Moisture glistened in my eyes. I was going to pull the ‘pregnancy card' and say I cried a lot more because of the baby growing in my belly, which may be true, but it was also because my husband was the sweetest man on the planet.

Bronson had insisted that his lake house was the perfect place for our new family to reside. With mad persuasion skill—maybe the cop thing—he convinced River to take the house. He told her it was there for as long as they wanted it and even went as far as to tell her if forever was what she decided, to consider it theirs.

My husband walked toward me and even while feeling sentimental, I couldn't swallow the giggle that escaped me as I took in his shirt. He was sporting my Valentine"s gift with pride. All the women knew about the baby and their men too, since it came up after the fire.

But there was one special little girl that was about to finally get her Christmas present.

We missed telling her that night because she was hurt, the emotional wreckage it had left was hard, and at that point we'd decided I needed to see the doctor first. The last thing we wanted to do was tell her and then find out something was wrong.

Bronson rested his hand on my stomach gently. "How are you feeling, Cupcake?"

Everything looked great at the doctors, but morning sickness had kicked in. Or more like, morning, noon, and night sickness for me. I was managing but my husband was a big worry wart and must have asked me fifty times a day how I felt.

For some, maybe it would be annoying, to me it just made me fall in love with him a bit more every time.

If that was even possible.

My love for him was something indescribable.

I leaned into him and he wrapped his arms around my back, hugging me close. "Little queasy but not going to puke up your fabulous pancakes."

He chuckled. "I love your honesty but I love you more."

I'd learn no matter what I was feeling to just give it to my man straight. It was how we rolled. We'd learned to be honest, upfront, and in the moment with each other always.

"Are you ready to tell our angel the big news?" I asked.

I could hear the smile in his voice when he replied, "So ready, sweetheart. I can't wait to see her face."

With him wearing the shirt it was going to be interesting to see if she caught on. I pushed off Bronson's muscled chest and went up on my toes and planted my mouth on his. What was meant to be a quick kiss, turned wild in seconds.

I could likely blame that on hormones, but I was sure it was all Bronson.

What was a girl to do when the sexiest man alive coaxed my lips apart by licking the seam of my mouth with his talented tongue? There was only one option. Open for him. I clung to the back of his shirt and moved closer but couldn't seem to get quite close enough. When he slid his hand down and cupped my ass, I whimpered.

He pulled back and I cried out in frustration. Bronson's deep chuckle had me giving him a death glare.

Bronson gave me a sexy smirk. "I promise to finish what we started tonight. But if we don't go now our daughter is going to bust in here and catch us."

My bottom lip jutted out. "Fine."

"Now who's pouting," he said as he leaned forward and lightly nipped my lip which earned him another dirty look.

Grabbing my hand, he tugged me out of the room. "You'll be well taken care of later, Cupcake," he said as we headed down the hall.

"You bet your amazing ass I will," I said.

He pulled up short before we got to the living room and glanced at me. "You think my ass is amazing?"

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "I shouldn't have said anything, it just goes to your head."

As soon as the words were out of my mouth I knew what was coming.

"There you go talking about my cock again. You just can't seem to get enough."

That earned him another eye roll and I yanked on his hand to get him moving again.

"You"re incorrigible."

But damn did I love everything about him.

"Finally,"Stormi said, dramatically.

She was practically bouncing right out of her shoes with excitement as her daddy and I walked toward her, hand in hand. She'd been looking forward to the day River and the kids moved in just around the bend from us.

Her and River were forging a special bond, but I could see that my sister was still struggling with misplaced guilt. She thought she should have gotten Stormi out faster, but it was bullshit.

My guilt however was warranted.

It was my past that brought the enemy to her door, that had gotten her hurt, and who was at fault for losing her and the kids' home. She wouldn't hear of blaming me and yet she couldn't break free from her own self-accusation.

We were both stubborn women, my husband would say.

Stormi rushed up and grabbed our joined hands, trying to yank us toward the door. "Let's go."

When our feet didn't budge she looked up at us, a scowl on her face. And then I noticed her gaze zero in on her father's shirt. She squinted her eyes and started mumbling, reading the words.

"Pregnant," she repeated a couple of times before her eyes went wide.

I knew the way the t-shit was phrased had her confused but the one word that stood out had finally grabbed her attention. I nodded at Bronson.

"You're going to be a big sister," he told her.

The room exploded in cheer. One tiny Muffin, all on her own, was louder than if there had been fifty people cheering at once. She jumped in circles, her hands waving in the air.

"I'm gonna be a big sister, I'm gonna be a big sister." Then she paused abruptly and stared at us. "Santa did it," she said.

Playing along, I said, "Santa did what sweetie?"

"I asked Santa for a brother and now you"re having a baby." Her hand went to her lips and she pinched them, clearly thinking about something. "Wait, is it a boy?"

Bronson squatted down in front of her. "We won't know that for a while but you will be happy with a brother or a sister, right?"

She very enthusiastically gave her dad a hug and then wrapping her arms around my legs, gave me one too. And then she did the most adorable thing. She touched my stomach and said, "Hi baby boy."

I looked at Bronson. He smiled and shrugged.

Rushing toward the door, Stormi yelled, "Come on, I want to tell everyone about my brother!"

"Stormi," I started because she obviously hadn't understood the brother part of the conversation.

She gave me a smug look stopping me from saying anything else. "It's Santa, he'll bring me what I asked for."

Her father chuckled. "How can you argue with that logic?"

He took my hand again and we followed our very extremely thrilled daughter outside.

I gave my husband a tender smile. "Maybe we won't have to."

An image of a little boy that looked like Bronson flashed in my head.

It was a sight to behold but either way, boy or girl, I'd be over the moon.

My sister lookedlike she might be the one sick to her stomach instead of me.

One by one our friends—they'd claimed River and the kids too—showed up at the lake house, gifts upon gifts in hand. River was semi-quiet but I hadn't seen her speechless like she was at that moment.

The house was furnished very nicely since being used as a vacation home. That helped my sister and the kids some, but they'd lost everything in the fire that night. I'd been to many fires over the years I'd been an EMT and seen the crushing despair it caused but seeing that on someone close to me was devastating.

I don't think one realized unless they had been through it themselves that some things just couldn't be replaced. But what was clearly obvious as I took in River, Lennon, Breland, and their cute as a button, fawn-colored Pug named Roxie all huddled together, was the people we loved were okay and that meant everything.

My daughter included, who couldn't seem to stay away from her Auntie River, even with all the kids running around.

"What did you do?" my sister whisper-hissed, coming up next to me.

I laughed because it was a silly question. "You'll understand soon that I didn't do anything and these women walk to the beat of their own drums and toot their own horns."

River snorted, a sound I'd never heard come from her. It was awesome. I was so proud of her for letting her guard down to let out the unladylike noise.

I snickered. "Nice snort, Sis."

She bumped her hip with mine playfully. "Oh shut up."

We were bonding and it felt fabulous.

"Oh, she's feisty," Alley said, walking up to us. "I like it."

"You would," Gemma told her as she made her way to us as well.

Alley scoffed. "You're one to talk. You, my dear, are almost as sassy as I am."

"It's a good thing I came along and am so sweet to help balance things out," London teased.

"Well your name isn't just Goldilocks for your blonde hair," Teal told her.

And the ribbing and banter went on. Jurnee, Summer, Teal, Brinley, Ruby, and Capri all got in their jabs too.

I smiled at the group. So many personalities in the mix and we all had a blast together. My sister didn't stand a chance. They were hard to ignore and impossible not to adore. And based on the small smile on her face as she looked on, I knew they were growing on her already.

As we talked, I found myself fiddling with my necklace, something I did often. I looked around and saw all the ladies were wearing theirs too. I didn't think there was a time I'd seen them without theirs.

"I'm so glad you didn't end up needing it, but I'm thankful you still always wear it," Capri said, her gaze on my movements at my neck.

Letting out a small sigh, I gave her a soft smile. She was the lucky one who had hers when she desperately needed it, the others didn't. But we all had them now and we never knew what life would throw our way later on down the road.

Everyone was in the middle of excited conversations, not paying us any mind.

"Thank you for thinking of me and giving me such a special gift."

While Bronson had handed it to me that night, it was Capri who had made sure I had one, just like everyone else. My eyes drifted to my sister.

I felt a hand come to rest on my arm. "Don't worry. I'll make sure she has one too. She's one of us and we take care of our own."

Damn those tears. I felt them coming on at her words and tried pushing them back. Capri dropped her hand but gave me a knowing smile.

"Hormones, huh?" she asked with a soft laugh.

"Something like that," I replied before we both jumped back into the conversations with everyone else.

My sister had joined in some, talking here and there as the guys talked amongst themselves, and the kids played. Lennon and Breland kept mostly to themselves but I hoped in time, like their mom, they'd start to get more comfortable with us. I didn't know their stories. Sometimes we just didn't know what people had been through or how it impacted them.

All we could do was let them know we cared and be patient.

Ruby asked River a question about her work, but my sister didn't answer. I looked at her and her gaze was pinned on something behind me, her eyes wide and nervous. It didn't take long for all the women to notice and we were all whipping our heads in the directions of her stare.

"Huntley," she said softly.

He wasn't close enough to hear her but we all did. My head spun back to hers and I took in her panicked expression.

My friend had designated himself as River's watcher the night of the fire after jumping in the ambulance with her. I knew he hadn't left her room until early the next morning either. But they hadn't seen one another since.

Huntley's arms were full of stuff. He was bringing gifts just like everyone else, but somehow I think it was even more alarming to River coming from him than it had been with all the ladies. The guys made their way toward him, taking some things out of his grasp and talking to him.

"What is he doing here?" River asked, her brows raised in my direction.

"Uncle Huntley," Stormi screeched, flying across the yard toward him. "I'm going to have a baby brother!"

Everyone laughed and that pulled my sister out of the semi-trance she seemed to be in since the man had arrived.

Bronson pulled away from the guys and made his way over to us. Looking at River, he asked, "Are you still good with me giving Lennon the old Chevy?"

River's eyes softened. "Yes, but you really don't have to."

"I know I don't, I want to. Nobody is using it and he is a sixteen-year-old boy who probably would like his own wheels, even if they are older. Plus, then he isn't taking your car when you might need it."

Like I said, Bronson was so damn sweet. And he had worked through so many emotional issues revolving around his dad's death. The truck was another part of his healing process.

"Thank you. He's going to be so excited."

A deep voice came from behind me. "Hey Warrior," Huntley said, admiration and something a lot more personal lining his deep, gruff voice.

She sucked in a deep breath, frozen where she stood, eyes wary. All the ladies glanced at one another and the other guys circled around us. Stormi raced past to go play with the kids.

God, how perfect was the nickname. My sister was a warrior. When she saved my daughter and I didn't have to know her past to know that it was true too.

"Is it okay if we put this stuff in the house?" Huntley asked her, softly, a gut-punching look in his eyes.

Not a peep left her mouth. But then her eyes narrowed. The poor guy was trying, someone needed to throw him a bone. Thank goodness for Brinley.

"Babe, can you show Huntley where we set everything?"

It made sense Rowan had some of the stuff in his hands now.

"You too, Bodie," Gemma told her man.

"Bossy, bossy," Bodie said, moving past Gemma but giving her a quick kiss on the way.

"Come on, dude," Rowan said to Huntley, motioning toward the house. "The ladies have spoken." As he walked past Brinley he gave her a kiss as well.

The big, badass fireman followed the guys. As he walked past my sister, he stared down at her mouth and smiled. "See you in a bit, Warrior."

River took in another breath as if trying to gain control. Everyone stood silent waiting to see if she responded, but she didn't and Huntley was gone. She fidgeted with her hands and then before hurrying away, said, "I'm going to check on the kids."

Alley playfully pretended to fan her face. "Holy cheeseballs, I think says it best. Wouldn't you say, Lake?"

I stared after my sister for a second and then turned back to the group. Alley was digging my phrase. "Holy cheeseballs is right."

"I'm calling it now," Ruby said. "I was right about the two of you when I invited you to the Fourth of July party," she told me, "and I can see this match between those two from a mile away as well."

Capri was vigorously nodding. "I may have been laying on the ground right after the shooting, but the way you"—she pointed between me and my husband—"said Bronson's name all breathlessly when you first saw him, I could sense something immediately. And my gut is screaming they are going to end up just as blissfully happy even if River gives him hell on the journey."

Bronson wrapped his arms around me from behind and rested his chin on my shoulder. "You ladies are a bunch of meddlers. But you were right about me and my girl."

He kissed the side of my neck, sending goosebumps trickling over my entire body.

The ladies were on to something that was easy to see. But my sister was distrusting, even if it looked like she was a bit smitten with the handsome fireman. Huntley was nice looking, but nobody compared to my husband.

"I think he has his work cut out for him if he is barking up my sister's tree," I told the group.

"You ladies are always talking in some sort of code. What the hell are you all carrying on about now?" Gyth asked.

Everyone was laughing and Kace shook his head. "Dude you are always the last to the damn party."

"Fucker, I was here before you," Gyth said, smacking Kace on the back of the head.

Tears spilled down my cheeks. It was always a barrel of laughs watching them go at it. The two of them should do stand-up comedy, I swear.

"Not my point, dickhead. Let's get a beer and I will explain it to you slower," Kace said walking off, Gyth right behind him.

Everyone else decided a drink sounded good. Besides, it was only March so it wasn't too warm yet. I was about to follow, but Bronson held me back.

I turned in his arms and our gazes locked.

"So… Huntley and River, huh?"

Maybe they would find their story just like Bronson and I had. Ours was one of friends-to-lovers and about second chances. But each of my friends' stories were unique and different in their own way.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Who knows but if looks say anything, I think there might just be a possibility."

Speaking of looks. My husband stared down at me and gave me one of his own.

‘I love you' was written all over his face.

"I love you too," I told him.

He framed my face with his hands and brought his mouth close to mine, his whispered words tickling my lips.

"Thank you for giving me a second chance, Cupcake."

I smiled, playfully. "Thanks for making me."

He grinned back at me. "There was no way I was taking no for an answer. You were it for me. Always had been," he said before closing the little distance that remained and kissing me senseless.

We got our happily-ever-after but it wasn't the end.

There was so much more to come.

Like the bun in the oven.

— THE END —

Can Huntley break down River's walls and find a way to her heart? Find out in River's Savior, coming August 2024.