Extended Epilogue

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

MALCOLM

Ten Years Later

I t's early December when I lead my family through the entrance of the cozy ski lodge, the memories of our past rushing back to me as we do so.

It takes me a minute to realize why this all feels so nostalgic. The laughter of my children, the warmth of my wife's hand in mine—it's all I've ever wanted. It's perfect, and it's mine.

I glance down at our three children—Macie, Madison, and little Maddox. Their noses are red from the cold, but they're chattering excitedly among themselves.

Macie, now eleven, has her mother's spirit and my determination. Madison, at eight, possesses a curiosity and creativity that never cease to amaze me. And Maddox, our three-year-old whirlwind, has my stubbornness and Melody's charm in equal measure.

I may be biased but there's no doubt about it…my kids are the best. Then again, so is my wife.

We make our way to the luxurious presidential suite, and it takes me back to a decade ago when Melody and I first fell in love. It was snowing just like this.

I still remember the rush of desire, the raw need roaring in my chest, and the strong urge to touch her, taste her, to know if she tastes as sweet as she looks.

We've been married for years, sure, but I still find myself arrested by her sight. Doesn't matter if she's in a gown or wearing sweatpants. She always makes my entire body snap to attention with her mere presence.

"Alright, kids, time for some fun!" I announce as we enter the suite, where our trusted nanny awaits. I made sure to thoroughly vet her before allowing her into our lives, a protective instinct that extends to every aspect of my family's well-being. What can I say? Some things never change. "Do you want Nanny Tina to take you to the indoor waterpark?"

They all screech their agreement, the words getting lost in the excitement.

Macie, Madison, and Maddox excitedly follow the nanny, their laughter filling the air. I watch them for a moment, my heart swelling with pride. They're the living embodiment of Melody and me and our love for each other.

It seemed impossible, that first day when she walked in with my son and set every primal instinct inside of me on fire. Yet, here we are, together. A family.

As they leave, Melody looks up at me and smiles. "Thank you for planning this, Malcolm. The kids are going to have the best time."

I pull her close, my need to have her close to me ever-present. "Anything for my family. Anything for you. I want this Christmas to be unforgettable."

The suite is warm and inviting, a perfect haven for us to unwind, and I think of how far we've come.

My son, Adam, has finally found his match, and they've been happily married for two years now. He's become the capable man I always hoped he would be. It took him a while, but he eventually got around to accepting Melody and me as a couple.

I glance out the window at the snow-covered landscape, my thoughts momentarily drifting to Melody's mother. After completing her rehab, she's made a few visits to see the children. While her relationship with her daughter is still a work in progress, I'm glad to see her and my wife on a path of healing.

I'll protect my family, including her, at all costs, but only because I know Melody would want me to. It's complicated, but slowly, the two women are mending fences.

Melody's voice brings me back to the present. "Malcolm, you know the kids are going to have a blast. Do you want to go down there with me later? Just for a little while?"

I meet her gaze, a flicker of excitement passing through me. "Absolutely. I could use a soak in the hot tub."

She hesitates, her expression uncertain. "Well, there's something I want to talk to you about. It's silly, really..."

I raise an eyebrow, curious. "What's on your mind? Tell me."

She looks a bit self-conscious as she admits, "I brought the bikini you bought me, but... I've put on some weight after three kids. And it's a bit...revealing."

My brow furrows, and I shake my head as I kiss the tip of her nose. "Melody, you are more beautiful to me now than ever before. Your curves drive me wild, and I've never been one to be careful with what I want. Now I don't have to because I know you won't break easily. I think you like it a little rough, anyway."

Her eyes widen, and she chuckles. I pull her into my arms, my fingers tracing her curves. "You are perfect just as you are, and I wouldn't change a thing."

She beams at me and leans in, pressing her lips to mine. God, this woman can light a fire in my blood so easily. She can still turn me on with one look, one smile. The need to touch her is constant.

We share a lingering kiss, one that has her whimpering in my mouth, and my thoughts start to wander to the possibilities of the evening ahead, my body already throbbing with raw need.

Perhaps, after our hot tub soak, I'll take my wife to bed and show her just how much I appreciate her—how much I love her—even after ten years of marriage and three beautiful children.

Maybe I'll even make her scream my name. I just have to make sure the walls are thick enough.

We're both breathless when we finally pull apart, and I stare into her eyes. "How about we head down now before I start acting on my filthy thoughts?"

She smiles, that familiar twinkle in her eye. "Definitely. But you've got to keep your hands to yourself when we're in public, you know."

I chuckle and lean toward her to lightly bite her earlobe. "Oh, you have my word. I wouldn't want to get us kicked out before we even get started. But maybe it's you and your wandering hands I should worry about. If I remember correctly, you get a thrill out of a little exhibitionism…"

Melody looks offended, but the expression fades, and she laughs, slapping me on the arm. Hand in hand, we leave the suite.

After closing the door, I rest a hand on her ass and squeeze. Her eyes widen, and she looks around in panic, making sure there's no one else around.

I smirk and pull her against me, burying my face in the crook of her neck. Her pulse is hammering and I flick my tongue on it, earning me a breathy little sigh.

"You're mine, Melody. Now and forever."

The End.