Epilogue

LANA

Five Years Later

“ Mrs. Archer, the property is secure,” Aiden says in a low tone. “Will you let me bring the twins inside?”

I sigh. “Fine, but try not to wake them.”

“If I wake up our babies, I promise that I will stay up with the both of them until they drift off back to dreamland.”

“I’ll help him too, Mom,” Jeremy says from beside the car seat. “Can I go surfing after we finish unpacking?”

“Yes, Jer-Bear,” I tell him. Old habits die hard, and my eyes scan every possible hole that can be exploited in our new vacation beach home. However, the peace of my family settling in takes my mind off threats unknown and probably nonexistent.

After our testimony put Samantha away all those years ago, Aiden trusted me to build a security team that we never had to use. Now that we have our babies, Isla and Mason, I wonder if we should bring them back.

“What’s bothering you, Lana?” Aiden’s voice breaks into my thoughts.

A sigh pushes past my lips. “I don’t feel as good as I used to. I’m not as strong.”

“You’re right,” he says. “You’re stronger. Don’t beat yourself up, babe. There’s no race to become who you used to be because I’m completely in love with the woman you are now.”

“Even with the extra weight?” I ask him.

“Don’t do that. Don’t pick at yourself and diminish what you’ve gone through. I love you. Jeremy loves you. Our twins love you. Our families love us . I’m the luckiest guy in the world. We’re safe here, and you are safe with me.”

“And I love you. All of you.” I nuzzle my face against his. He kisses the side of my forehead before dropping his mouth to kiss me gently on the lips. A kiss to cement his feelings for me. How I love him so much and to think of how we got here.

Aiden is right. We’re safe here, and my heart is safe with him.

The End

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