Epilogue

EPILOGUE

DEAN

M otherhood looks damn good on my wife. My fucking wife. I still can't believe it sometimes. But here she stands, looking over the balcony of our new family home and smiling as she watches the sunset, our daughter in her arms.

We didn't move far so I could keep my position at the police department, but I plan on retiring sooner rather than later. We had the house built to our exact specifications, and Delia was on cloud nine decorating to her heart's content. The basement is her very own bakery, where she can cater small batch orders on her own time.

"Princess," I say, coming up behind her and wrapping my arms around her waist. "And little princess Dana."

She leans into my embrace, resting her head against my chest. "Hey, baby."

I smile. "Enjoying the view?"

"Wait one second." She hands me the baby and steps back about six feet until I'm also in the picture she's seeing, and Delia sighs happily. "There. Now it's perfect."

Delia and I married six months after my proposal, and Delia gave birth to our first child—a girl—nine months after that. She's a gorgeous little thing, with her mama's dark hair and shimmering eyes, and a little dimple in her cheek.

And I'm trying my damnedest to be the best father I can be...and the best husband too.

I'm still the same asshole I've always been, but when Delia is around, I'm less tense and angry. She's given meaning to…well, fucking everything. Even Brody and I are slowly rebuilding a relationship, and when he and his new girlfriend get married, I plan to welcome her into the family with open arms.

It's funny how life can change so quickly.

I wrap an arm around Delia and lean in, kissing her softly. She sighs, relaxing against me and our daughter, and I feel the warmth of my new little family spread through me.

"I love you," Delia whispers. "Both of you."

"I love you, princess. And I love you too, sweet girl."

I press a soft kiss to the top of my baby's head and pull my wife close.

Life can't get any better than this.