Epilogue

Four YearsLater

Gathered in Dominion’s kitchen, Natalia raised her glass of Dom Perignon. Bamford’s extravagant Christmas party was about to get underway in the lobby, but Natalia wanted a moment with her people first.

Everyone — except for Adriana, who was pregnant after going to impossible lengths to have baby number two — raised their glass in return. Lola was holding Darby, Roxy and Adriana’s toddler, who had fallen asleep without warning after playing with his favorite person. Next to her, Carmen was all smiles, an impressive wedding ring on her finger.

Natalia’s attention snagged on the sleeping toddler, who was no doubt drooling on Lola’s cocktail dress. She’d gotten soft, she knew, but she couldn’t help loving the adorable terror. Not when he looked at her all pink cheeked and called her Nalia. He never got less excited to see her.

Darby was going to inherit the wealth of knowledge and hard work of so many incredible women. Plus a sizable trust fund, so he’d never have to worry.

In her distracted silence, Sam started a speech. “We know Natalia is more of a doer than a talker, but she thinks the world of you guys?—”

“Oh, please. I’ve never needed anyone to speak for me,” she teased, bumping into Sam with her hip.

Natalia cleared her throat, gathering her thoughts. Public displays of emotion didn’t come naturally, but this was important.

“I’m not one for sentimental speeches,” she began, looking over the faces of her closest confidants. “But I wanted you all to know how proud I am. Of the skilled professionals you’ve become and, more importantly, the incredible people you are.”

Her gaze lingered on Adriana and Roxy, fingers entwined, glowing with the promise of expanding their family. On Lola, tenderly cradling Darby. On Carmen, who’d found both career success and true love.

“We’ve weathered many storms together. Times when the odds seemed impossible and giving up felt tempting.” Natalia’s voice grew thick with rare emotion. “But we didn’t give up. We kept pushing forward. And we’ve built something beautiful?—”

“And won an Independent Spirit Award and an Academy Scientific and Technical Award for Bloodstream Valentine,” Sam interrupted.

“God, I still really hate that title,” Natalia joked.

“Don’t forget Starla’s Emmy,” Lola added in a whisper.

“For the love — you’re missing the point.” Natalia’s gaze drifted fondly over Lola and Adriana. “I chose the two of you to mentor for a reason,” she said. “Neither of you came from privilege or connections. Everything you’ve achieved is through your own grit and merit.”

She let her words sink in before continuing. “And that’s why I know I can trust you both with Dominion’s future, when the time comes.”

Adriana’s eyes went wide. She exchanged an incredulous look with Lola.

“This agency has always strived to lift up those denied opportunities. To fight for respect, autonomy, and humanity.” Natalia’s voice rang with conviction. “That mission cannot waver. The world needs it now more than ever.”

She raised her glass higher, locking eyes with her proteges. “I know you’ll carry the torch. That you’ll keep pushing for progress, no matter what obstacles arise. You have the talent and the heart to take Dominion to new heights.”

Adriana seemed to vibrate with nervous energy, clearly grasping Natalia’s implications. “Natalia, are you saying?—”

“I’m saying it’s time for another toast,” Natalia interjected smoothly. She gently clinked her glass to Adriana’s, then Lola’s.

The two women exchanged stunned, mildly bewildered smiles. Natalia hid her own grin behind another sip of champagne, letting her meaning sink in. The future was in good hands.

“Let’s go rub some elbows,” Roxy said, lifting her sparkling cider in solidarity with Adriana’s sobriety.

The rest of the group started for the glass door leading to the reception area, but Sam’s hand was on her wrist, holding her back. Natalia turned to Sam, reading the tender look in her partner’s eyes.

“What is it?” she asked softly.

Sam pulled Natalia into her arms, the scent of her cologne still quickening her pulse. Her expression brimmed with emotion.

“I’m just so proud of you, that’s all,” Sam said, tucking back a lock of Natalia’s hair. “Opening your heart, nurturing this family… it’s incredible seeing you shine like this.”

Natalia felt her usual defenses rise on instinct. But Sam’s loving gaze melted them away before they had a chance to fully materialize.

“I don’t know that I would be here without you.” Natalia’s voice thickened. “You saw something in me when all I showed you were thorns. You made me believe I deserved… this.”

She gestured around them, at the lives they’d built. Lives intertwined with people Natalia once kept at a distance.

Sam rubbed her thumb over her cheek while she cupped her jaw. “You’ve always deserved love, Natalia. I’m just glad you let me be the one to give it to you.”

They kissed, a soft meeting of lips conveying what words couldn’t. Natalia marveled that after so many years, the spark between them had only grown brighter.

With Sam’s hand warm in hers, she started toward the elevator to join the swirl of the party. Her family awaited. The future shone brightly, built on bonds once unimaginable. Natalia’s heart had never felt more suited to its rightful purpose.