Epilogue

Riley

The Chicago skyline is beautiful against the horizon, and I’m standing here, outside on the front porch of our new place. Amelia’s beside me, her fingers stroking mine. This is our fresh start just on the edge of downtown. It's not just a house; it's our home.

"Riley," she whispers, "we're actually doing this."

"Looks like it," I reply, grinning as I scoop her up and she laughs. I take a few steps forward to carry her over the threshold.

We barely have time to appreciate the empty space before the doorbell rings. Jasper, Alfie, and Zach barrel in, each one hauling gym equipment.

"Let's get this show on the road," Zack says, his voice carrying above the noise of the clanking metal as he drops a box labeled 'weights'.

"Careful with that," I warn, but I'm laughing at his exaggerated look of strain. We move like a well-oiled machine, unpacking, assembling, transforming this empty room into a fully functional gym.

"Man, this place is on point," Alfie says, standing back to admire the half-assembled squat rack.

"Wait 'til you see the pull-up bar," I tease, winking at Amelia who rolls her eyes playfully, knowing full well the kind of workout I'm looking forward to later, when the guys are gone and it's just us, skin on skin, pushing and pulling in a different kind of game.

"Hey, Cap," Jasper calls out, tossing me a wrench. "You sure this thing can hold your weight?"

"Watch it, Jazz," I shoot back, "or I'll make you test it first."

The hours slip by in a mix of jokes, jibes, and the occasional grunt of effort. I watch Amelia laughing with Zach, handing tools to Alfie, and teasing Jasper, and I know she's just as much a part of this as I am.

"Thanks, guys," I say finally, stepping back to take in the completed gym. "I owe you one."

"Damn right you do," Jasper shoots back, but he's smiling.

"I’ve got food on its way. That’s our form of payment for your work here today," Amelia declares, and there's no argument.

Hoisting the last of the sub sandwiches onto the kitchen island, I catch Jasper's eye as he leans against the doorframe. His arms are crossed, a smirk pulling at his lips and calculating something in that smart brain of his.

"Man, you're putting us to shame with this place, Riley," Jasper says, taking in the open-plan space of our new home with an approving nod.

I chuckle, unwrapping my sandwich and leaning back against the counter. "What can I say? Chicago's treating us well."

Amelia joins us, tossing a bag of chips onto the counter. "And it's only getting better from here, right?" She winks at me.

Jasper snags a chip, popping it into his mouth before continuing. "You know, having a house isn't such a bad idea. This whole space to yourself, no neighbors through thin walls." He gestures around with his empty hand, the other still holding his sandwich.

"Thinking of trading up from the bachelor pad, Jasper?" Amelia teases.

"Maybe," Jasper admits, surprising me. He takes a thoughtful bite of his sandwich, chewing slowly. "This—what you guys have—it's not too shabby."

"Careful there, Jazz," I joke, "you're sounding almost domesticated."

He barks out a laugh. "No chance of that happening anytime soon, but a guy can appreciate a good living situation when he sees one."

"Or is it that you finally want a place to bring back all those puck bunnies without having to sneak past your nosy neighbors?" Amelia adds with a grin, and Jasper's cheeks redden.

"Something like that," he concedes, and we all burst into easy laughter.

"So, Jazz, gonna buy that four-bedroom in the 'burbs to match your dad bod ambitions? Or you still auditioning candidates for the 'Mrs. Right' title?" Zach chimes in.

Jasper snorts, rolling his eyes. "Shut it, Zee. A house doesn't mean I'm looking to tie the knot. Just need space, man."

"Space for what? Your massive ego?" Zach teases, his grin wide enough to show off his dimples.

I chuckle, and Alfie's silent, just watching us like we're some reality show, a barely-there smile on his lips as he tips back his beer.

"Your one-bedroom bachelor pad overflowing with all your conquests?" I add, nudging Jasper with my shoulder. The guy's got game, no doubt, but his love life is more hit-and-run than anything lasting.

"Conquests?" Jasper lifts an eyebrow. "Please, they're admirers of my... talent." He winks, and Zach lets out a bark of laughter, nearly spitting out his drink.

"Admirers, huh?" Zach slaps Jasper on the back. "If by talent, you mean fumbling around in the dark after too many shots, then yeah, gold star, buddy."

"Careful, Zach," I say with a smirk. "You're just jealous 'cause your dry spell's been longer than a Chicago winter."

"Low blow, Cap!" Zach protests.

Alfie, ever the observer, finally speaks up. "You guys done measuring sticks? We've got a gym to finish setting up."

"Right," Jasper says, pushing himself up from the floor. "Let's get back to it. This home gym isn't going to build itself."

"Neither is your love life," Zach mutters under his breath, and everyone laughs again.

I shake my head and smile. These guys, this team—this is what it's all about. We give each other hell, but when it comes down to it, there's no one else I'd rather be friends with.

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