54. Levi

54

LEVI

O nce we come back home from Europe, we waste no time picking out a new place to live and moving into our new home. It's spacious enough for all of us—Lyric, Eli, Archer, Zane and me. The house is perfect, with a large back yard where Eli can play and it's close enough to campus to stay connected but far enough to give us some privacy.

Summer shifts to fall and the crisp autumn air signals the beginning of a new school year and a fresh start for all of us. As I walk across the campus, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The nightmare of the past year is behind us and things are finally looking up.

Eli toddles beside me, his little legs moving faster every day. "Look, Daddy! Leaves!" he exclaims, bending down to pick up a vibrant red leaf from the ground.

"Good find, buddy," I say, ruffling his hair. Eli beams up at me, his smile contagious.

As we head toward the quad, we pass by the Alpha Lambda house. It's buzzing with energy and the guys are already preparing for the first big party of the year. Zane is at the center of it all, organizing and delegating with his usual charisma. "Levi, you ready for tonight?" he calls out, a grin on his face.

"Absolutely," I reply, lifting Eli into my arms. "Gonna be the best one yet."

Archer joins us, his arm around Lyric's shoulders. They're the picture of happiness and it's clear that our relationship is stronger than ever. Lyric's laugh rings out as Archer whispers something in her ear and I can't help but smile at the sight.

Madison and Cameron are no longer a threat. Their trial ended with them both sentenced to jail for their crimes, bringing a sense of justice and closure to all of us. The cloud that once hung over our heads has lifted, replaced by a bright future.

The Sigmas are still suspended. They will be for this entire academic year. And the ones who caused untold heartache to so many young girls are either in jail or awaiting trial now. The campus feels like a much safer place for our family.

We arrive at the campus café, a favorite spot for all of us. The tables are filled with students and it's clear that Lyric's status has skyrocketed. Ever since the semester began, she's become one of the most popular people on campus, always being invited to parties or friendly study dates and she's always surrounded by friends now.

"Hey, Lyric!" Emma calls out, waving her over.

"Be right back," she tells us, kissing Eli on the cheek before joining her friends.

Watching her, I feel a swell of pride. She's come so far and it's incredible to see her so happy now. The days of isolation and fear are behind her. She's blossomed into someone who's not only strong but beloved by everyone around her.

And of course, we're on top once more. The Alpha Lambdas are ruling the school and taking names. We aren't all about parties and popularity anymore, though. We strive to make a real difference and support each other through the highs and lows.

"Daddy, can we get a cookie?" Eli asks, pointing to the bakery counter.

"Sure thing, buddy," I say, carrying him over to the counter. As we order, I glance back at Archer and Zane, both of them watching over Lyric protectively, smiles of pride on their faces.

Later that evening, the Alpha Lambda house is alive with music and laughter. The party is in full swing and the campus is abuzz with excitement. Lyric, Eli and I join the festivities, enjoying the newfound peace and happiness that surrounds us.

As the night goes on, I reflect on how far we've come. From the turmoil and uncertainty of last year to the strength and unity we have now, it's been an incredible journey. And as I look at Lyric, surrounded by friends and family, I know that we're ready to face whatever comes next, together.

The semester passes in a blur of studying, parties, dates and spending time as a family. Lyric helps us come up with even more fundraising ideas for Alpha Lambda and we vote as a fraternity to add two new charities—a domestic abuse shelter and a charity for expectant teen mothers.

We fall into a comfortable rhythm together. In the mornings, Archer and I take turns making breakfast. Pancakes are Eli's favorite and he loves helping mix the batter. "Daddy, I stir!" he declares proudly, waving a spoon around and splattering a bit of batter on the counter.

Archer laughs, wiping it up with a cloth. "You're doing great, buddy. But maybe don't forget to keep it in the bowl."

Once breakfast is done, we walk to campus together, dropping Eli off at daycare before heading to our classes.

Lyric thrives in her studies. She's always been driven, but now she has an added sense of purpose and confidence. Seeing her excel, her eyes shining with determination, makes me incredibly proud. Her professors praise her regularly and she's decided to join the nursing program, which is notoriously difficult to get into, but we have no doubt she'll be accepted without hesitation.

In the evenings, we gather for dinner, discussing our days and planning for the future. Zane often takes charge in the kitchen, whipping up delicious meals that make our house the favorite gathering spot for our friends. "You're spoiling us," Lyric teases, poking Zane's arm as he serves up another gourmet dish.

"Only the best for my family," he replies with a grin, tousling Eli's hair.

Weekends are filled with adventures. We take Eli to the park, where he runs around with boundless energy, his laughter echoing through the playground. Sometimes, we drive out to the countryside for a picnic, enjoying the peace and quiet away from campus life.

One Saturday, we spend the day at the local aquarium. Eli's eyes widen in awe as he watches the colorful fish swim by. "Look, Daddy! Fishies!" he exclaims, pressing his little hands against the glass.

"That's right, buddy," I say, lifting him up so he can see better. "Aren't they amazing?" Being a dad has been the best thing to ever happen to me. After my own parents all but abandoned me to their demons, I became jaded and bitter.

I didn't realize it at the time, but I let that hurt color my experience with Lyric. I was so quick to cast her off because I thought that letting people get close to you meant they would hurt you. But now that I'm a dad too, I can see how rewarding it is to have someone to put before your own ego.

Eli is the light of my world and I love spending time with him. Despite our busy schedules, we make time for each other. Archer, Zane and I are more involved in Eli's life than ever. We attend his daycare events, read him bedtime stories and teach him new things every day. His favorite activity is building with blocks and he loves it when we join him, constructing elaborate towers that he gleefully knocks down.

Our bond with him deepens every day. When he calls me Daddy, my heart swells with pride and joy. Having him in my life has taught me about unconditional love.

As winter approaches, the holiday season brings even more joy. We decorate our house together, stringing lights and hanging ornaments on the tree. Eli's eyes light up with wonder at the sight of the sparkling decorations. "Pretty lights!" he says, clapping his hands in delight.

On Christmas Eve, we gather around the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and reflecting on the past year. Lyric leans against me, her head resting on my shoulder. "This is perfect," she whispers, her eyes reflecting the warm glow of the fire.

"It is," I agree, holding her close and feeling a deep sense of contentment. Archer glances at me over Lyric's head and I nod, signaling to Zane that it's time.

Zane slips out of the room, heading for the primary suite. Lyric is distracted watching Eli tears into some presents from his grandma and grandpa.

When Zane returns, he clears his throat and Lyric looks up. "Lyric Shaw," he begins, holding out the box he grabbed from our dresser drawer. "We have been through so much with you. You've been our best friend since middle school, and even though we had some tough years, we managed to find our way back to each other."

Archer stands up as well, joining him. We practiced this, so his part is next. "And you've been amazing, as a woman, as a friend and as a mother to our son. Without you, our lives wouldn't be the same. You brought light to the darkness inside us, made us see how we could shine once again."

I pull away a little and stand up so I can get down on one knee. Zane hands me the box, and I open it, pulling out the stunning emerald-cut diamond ring with a halo setting. It's a white gold ring, the band delicate but strong, like Lyric.

I hold it out for her and give her a hopeful look.

"Will you marry us?" I ask.

"Will you become our wife?" Archer adds.

"And stay by our side forever?" Zane finishes.

Lyric swallows hard, eyes filling with tears. For a moment, I worry it's too much, too soon, but she launches herself at me and embraces me in a tight hug.

"Yes, I will! Yes! Absolutely!"

We cheer, and Eli joins in, not certain what we're celebrating but happy to be a part of it, nevertheless. As I kiss my future wife, I realize that I've gotten all I've ever wanted. I've found a family to call my own, one that was forged in fire and came out with an unbreakable bond, one that can never be erased.

Everything feels perfect.