Epilogue

EPILOGUE

ZOEY

Z oey stepped onto the porch of their cozy home, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the landscape. The house sat near the edge of the forest, where they had both found peace after everything they'd been through. The air was filled with the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds, a soundtrack to the life they had built together.

She looked out over the yard where their rescue dogs Bill and Ben, chased each other around, their tails wagging with pure joy. Nearby, their cat, Binx, a sleek black creature with striking green eyes, lounged on a sun-warmed rock, watching the dogs with amusement and disdain.

The house itself was modest but filled with warmth. Zoey had fallen in love with it the moment she saw it. The wooden beams, the large windows that let in plenty of light, and the way it blended seamlessly with the surrounding nature were perfect. Inside, the walls were decorated with photos from their adventures, both before and after they had met, and mementos of the life they had started to build together.

Zoey glanced over her shoulder, smiling as she saw Lux moving around inside the house. She was preparing something in the kitchen, her movements sure and steady. It was a simple life, but it filled Zoey with a deep sense of contentment. This was what they had both wanted: a life together, surrounded by the things they loved.

Lux caught Zoey watching her and smiled back, her eyes sparkling with that familiar warmth. "What are you doing out there? Just staring into space?" Lux asked, her voice carrying through the open window.

"Just thinking," she said as she stepped back inside. She walked over to Lux, wrapping her arms around her from behind and resting her chin on her shoulder. "I still can't believe this is our life now."

Lux leaned back into her embrace, sighing contentedly. "It's pretty great, isn't it?"

Zoey nodded, pressing a kiss to Lux's cheek. "Better than I ever imagined."

Lux turned slightly to look at her, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Even with the chaos of having three rescues?"

Zoey laughed, the sound light and carefree. "Especially with the chaos. I wouldn't have it any other way."

The two of them stayed like that momentarily, enjoying their lives closeness and quiet rhythm. The smell of something delicious wafted from the stove, filling the house with a comforting aroma.

"What are you making?" Zoey asked.

"Just some pasta." She glanced back at the stove. "Thought we could have something simple tonight."

Zoey's stomach growled in response, and she grinned. "Sounds perfect."

Curious about what was happening in the kitchen, Binx padded over and rubbed against Zoey's leg, purring loudly. Zoey reached to scratch behind its ears, earning a satisfied chirp.

"You spoil them, you know that?" Lux teased..

Zoey shrugged, unrepentant. "They deserve it."

Lux shook her head, but her expression had no honest admonishment. Instead, she turned off the stove and dished out the pasta. They worked together, setting the table in comfortable silence.

Once everything was ready, they sat down to eat, their conversation flowing easily as they talked about their day, their plans for the weekend, and the little things that made up their lives together. Zoey loved these moments. They were so simple and ordinary yet filled with so much love.

As they finished their meal, Zoey leaned back in her chair, looking out the window at the trees surrounding their home. The sky was beginning to darken, the first hints of twilight creeping in. It was a beautiful sight, one that never failed to calm her.

Lux followed her gaze, a soft smile on her lips. "It's so peaceful here."

Zoey nodded, reaching across the table to take Lux's hand. "I'm glad we found this place."

"Me too," Lux said, squeezing her hand gently. "It's home."

They sat like that for a while, their hands intertwined, the love they shared filling the space between them. Zoey felt a surge of gratitude for everything they had: each other, this home, the life they were building.

Lux suddenly stood up, a mischievous glint in her eye. "How about we dip in the lake before it gets too dark?"

Zoey raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Now? You mean right now?"

Lux grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. "Why not? It's the perfect way to end the day."

Zoey couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"But you love me for it," Lux teased, already moving toward the door.

Zoey rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face. "Yeah, I do."

She followed Lux outside, the cool evening air wrapping around them as they made their way down to the lake with Bill and Ben running enthusiastically ahead. The water was calm, reflecting the fading light of day. It was a place they often came to when they wanted to unwind, a private sanctuary just for the two of them.

Lux didn't waste any time, quickly shedding her clothes and wading naked into the water with a carefree laugh. Zoey watched her, her heart swelling with love for the woman who had become her everything. Lux's nude body was more beautiful than ever, all long lean muscles and beautiful firm breasts. Lux was so full of life, so fearless in her pursuit of happiness, and Zoey couldn't imagine her life without her.

"Well?" Lux called out, her voice echoing across the lake. "Are you coming in or what?"

Zoey chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're crazy."

"But you love me," Lux countered, her eyes shining with amusement.

Zoey smiled, warmth spreading through her as she began to undress. "Yeah, I do."

As she waded into the lake, the cool water enveloping her, Zoey felt a sense of peace settle over her. This was their life now, filled with love, laughter, and the quiet moments that made everything worthwhile.

And she wouldn't have it any other way.