50. Oliver

Daniel stands in the doorway, a somber look on his face. "Guys, I have news about Declan."

We just got back home, and Ryder and I were still unpacking when Daniel showed up, so I'm in the middle of the hallway, carrying the overnight bag to the hall closet.

Ryder comes in from the garage, catching sight of Daniel.

"He's got news about Declan," I tell him. Eva is halfway up the stairs, having been on her way to check on the baby, and Theo is on the landing, but we all make our way toward Daniel, eager to hear what's been going on.

Declan has been missing ever since the kidnapping incident, and I know it's weighed heavily on everyone, especially Eva.

Once we're all gathered around, Daniel clears his throat.

"So we found out that Declan escaped to Ireland after the incident," he begins. "But he was caught trying to set up a smuggling ring by the Gardaí. Luckily for us, we managed to pin him with Marcus's murder after everything you guys uncovered."

My eyes widen.

"We have an extradition treaty with Ireland, so he's being handed back over to our people as we speak," Daniel says, a grin growing on his face. "And on top of that, he's agreed to name some names from the DeLucci Family in exchange for a reduction in his sentence."

This news is the best we've heard in a while, and Eva hugs Daniel tightly while Ryder and I bump fists. Theo nods, a look of satisfied determination on his face. "Good. What about us, though? We were involved in a lot of this, and our fingerprints are all over it."

"I'm keeping your name out of things," Daniel says. "It was thanks to you that we got the evidence we needed to convict him in the first place."

My grin widens. "So, does this mean you're on our side of the law now, Danny-boy?"

Daniel chuckles, shaking his head. "Nah, I'm still keeping an eye on the Callahans, since a good federal agent needs an enemy to chase."

There's a brief pause as we absorb this news, the weight of his words sinking in. "Wait, what?" Ryder asks.

"You're looking at the newest Fed." Daniel grins. "The Declan arrest got me a big promotion."

"Congratulations!" Eva says excitedly. "We're so proud of you."

"Keep your noses clean," Daniel warns with a playful wink.

We say our goodbyes as Daniel leaves, the joy and relief at the news spreading through us like wildfire.

"I feel so much better," Eva confesses as I pull her into a hug. "Knowing that Declan is going to be behind bars for a long time, possibly the rest of his life, makes me feel like I can sleep easier at night."

"Me too," Theo confesses. "Ever since he took you, I've been waiting for the day to get our revenge. This is the best revenge, knowing he'll be locked away and forced to serve his time."

The jubilant spirit stays high as the three of us exchange secretive glances, a silent agreement passing between us. This was the news we'd been waiting for.

Once everything is settled with the baby and Eva has had a chance to shower, I knock on the door to the room she and Theo are sharing.

"We're going out," I tell her. "Just for the afternoon. Dress for a picnic."

"What's going on?" Eva asks, curiosity in her eyes. "We just went out last night."

"We just want to celebrate the good news," I say, being careful with my words.

She grins and heads to the closet to pick something out. Downstairs, Ryder is supervising the cook as he makes a basket for us, and Theo is getting everything ready in the car.

Once she's dressed, wearing a peach dress with flowy sleeves and a ruffled hem, I escort her down the stairs and out to the car with us. We're taking the Porsche so we can put the top down.

Driving away from the manor, we head in the opposite direction of the city. Eva is puzzled at first, but her eyes light up when we head toward the beach.

Once we arrive, Ryder grabs the basket from the trunk, Theo gets the plush plaid blanket, and I grab the wine and the glasses.

We take the blanket out a bit, setting up on the sand a good distance from the shoreline, but close enough to see the sun sparkling off the waves.

"This is great," Eva says, fluffing out her skirt as she sits on the blanket. "I feel so special, getting to connect with you guys after everything."

"It's wonderful to be here with you," Theo says, sitting next to her. "We felt like it was time to get out of the house. Things have been so crazy ever since Bree was born, and you've worked so hard."

"You're an amazing mom," Ryder agrees, pouring a glass of wine as the wind gently picks up around us, sending Eva's curls fluttering. "I wish we hadn't been so stupid when you first showed up. I wish we'd given you a chance."

"You did," Eva points out. "It might have taken a minute, but you did give me a chance."

"Either way, we're the lucky ones," I interject. I open the basket and pull out a charcuterie board full of fruits, cheeses, and meats. "And we want you to know how much we appreciate you."

"You guys are great dads," Eva says, her eyes shining. "I know your own dad was hard on you and made you tough and resilient, but I see how gentle you are with Bree, how patient. Theo, you let her sit on your lap while you work. Ryder, you get down and play with her every day. And Oliver, you read to her every night before bed. The three of you are amazing men, nothing like your father."

"I think we wanted to give Bree the childhood we never had," Theo says. "We could make her tough, we could show her that life is hard, but if we're going to be there to protect her, she will never have to know that."

"We also want Bree to know that she can do whatever she wants," I add. "She doesn't have to go into the Family business. She can be a ballerina or a race car driver or paint pictures by the Seine."

"As long as she has you guys as her dads, she'll know she's supported," Eva agrees.

"You should know that we support whatever you want too," Ryder says. "You're just as important to us."

"We never thought we would get this chance," Theo admits. "We're bastards, sadistic men with a vicious streak. Our father discouraged relationships, thought it made us weak."

"But with you, we're so much stronger than before," Ryder adds.

The sun is starting to sink over the horizon, painting beautiful streaks of reds, oranges, and purples across the sky. I stand up and pull Eva toward me, Ryder and Theo following behind.

"Basically, what we're saying is…" I kneel as Theo hands me the ring box. "We love you for who you are, and we want you to stay with us forever. Evangeline Parker, will you marry us?"

Eva's eyes well up with tears. "I… I have to admit that I'm not sure how that would work," she confesses, her voice thick with emotion.

I let out a shaky laugh, surprised at that reaction.

"Don't worry about it!" Ryder says, stepping forward and joining me on the sand. "Just say yes."

"Please?" Theo adds, too dignified to get on one knee.

"Okay, yes! Yes, of course, I will," Eva says, launching herself at us as the four of us pile together in a hug.

The ring is a princess-cut sapphire with a diamond on each side, which we picked out together right after Eva got out of the hospital. It fits perfectly over her finger, and she holds it up, examining it. With the sun in the background, she looks like a beautiful goddess.

We return to our picnic, enjoying the food and wine and laughter, jokes, and light banter. It feels as though everything has been leading up to this point for us, and I'm so glad we finally managed to figure out what was most important before it was too late.

"I love you," Eva says, cuddling up to us as the sun goes down. It's getting colder, and it's almost time to go back, but none of us are ready to leave the moment yet.

But finally, it starts getting late and we pack up, heading back home to see our daughter and break the good news.

I don't know what the future will hold, but I know that with Eva by our side, everything seems possible.