Epilogue

As I stand on the balcony overlooking the sprawling grounds of Shadowvale, its beauty fully restored, pride and contentment wash over me.

It's been almost exactly one year to the day since the three of us exchanged vows with Evangeline, binding our lives together and pledging our future to her.

So many things have changed since then.

"Dada!" I hear a voice and turn, seeing Bree toddling toward me, arms outstretched. I pick her up and swing her around, enjoying the way she giggles as I toss her in the air.

"Bree!" Eva calls out, rushing toward the balcony. She spots us and beams, shaking her head. "We're supposed to be getting ready for the party tonight, baby," she says. Bree giggles again and shakes her head.

"No," she says, her new favorite word.

"Come now, Brianna," Aunt Bridget says, appearing behind Eva. "You have a pretty new dress to wear that your aunt designed."

Eva takes Bree out of my arms and carries her off, the two of them giggling while Bree says "No, no, no!"

"Look at this place," Theo murmurs, coming up to stand next to me as we survey the estate. "Who would"ve thought we"d come this far?"

"Not me," I admit, my gaze drifting to where Eva stands with our daughter, looking radiant and serene.

"Eva has truly made this place a home," Theo adds.

Oliver joins us, clapping me on the back. "I knew she was going to flourish," he says. "But seeing it happen, it's amazing."

"Honestly, the biggest change I've seen is in you, Rye," Theo admits, pride in his smile. "You've truly stepped up into the role as my top lieutenant. I would've never been able to turn things around for the Callahans if it weren't for your help."

"We can thank Oliver for being so good at keeping everyone in line and for taking care of weeding out those loyal to Declan," I say, turning my head to glance at my brother. He smiles, hands behind his back.

The garden party begins that afternoon, led by Eva as she welcomes guests into our home. The former mousy little maid is now Mistress of Shadowvale. It brings a smirk to my lips.

Warm sun bathes the gardens in a golden glow as the party gets into full swing. Guests mingle among blooming flowers and elegant décor.

I keep an eye on our daughter as she runs around the party, her giggles echoing through the air as she darts between guests, her excitement infectious.

I find myself drawn to Aunt Bridget"s side, her warm smile a beacon of comfort amid the bustling crowd. "It"s quite the affair, isn"t it, Aunt Bridget?" I remark, offering her a glass of champagne.

Aunt Bridget"s eyes shine with pride as she surveys the gathering. "Yes, it is. Your wife has done a remarkable job," she replies, her gaze drifting to where Eva is engaged in conversation with a group of guests.

"She really has. I'm proud of her. It"s been quite the journey for us all, hasn"t it?" I muse, thoughts drifting to everything we've been through together.

Aunt Bridget nods, her expression thoughtful. "It certainly has. I'm glad you've all grown up and gotten your shit together."

I laugh at the unexpected response, a surge of gratitude washing over me. "Thanks, Aunt Bridget. That means a lot coming from you."

As the afternoon wears on, I find myself engaged in lively conversation with the guests, exchanging pleasantries and anecdotes as we enjoy the festivities. Bree"s antics provide entertainment for all, her laughter ringing out like music amid the garden.

After a while, Eva finds me in the crowd, her smile radiant as she takes my hand. "Ryder, there"s something I want to show you," she says, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Intrigued, I follow her through the bustling garden, Theo and Oliver trailing behind us. Eva leads us to the nursery, where soft sunlight filters through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room.

With a mischievous grin, Eva retrieves a small box from the shelf, her eyes dancing with anticipation. "I have a surprise for you," she says, excitement in her tone.

Curious, I take the box from her hands, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I open it, my breath catches in my throat at the sight before me. Inside lies a positive pregnancy test, the lines clear and undeniable.

Shock and joy wash over me in equal measure as I meet Eva"s gaze, my heart overflowing with love for her and our growing family. With tears of happiness in my eyes, I pull her into a tight embrace, feeling Theo and Oliver joining us in celebration.

"Bree is going to have a little brother or sister in about seven to eight months," she confesses, tears of joy in her eyes.

We rejoin the party, buoyed by the news. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil garden, we gather together in the warmth of the manor. Bree giggles as she chases after a butterfly, her laughter filling the air with joy.

Theo grins, ruffling Bree"s hair affectionately. "Slow down, little one." He chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You"ll catch it one day."

Oliver leans against the garden railing, a contented smile on his face as he watches Bree"s antics. "She"s got spirit, just like her mother," he remarks, his tone filled with pride.

Eva beams, her eyes shining with love as she gazes at our daughter. "She"s a handful, but she"s ours," she says, her voice filled with affection. "And we'll have another one just like her. Maybe a few more," she teases.

The party winds down, and everyone takes their leave, leaving us alone once more. Once we put Bree to bed and wave Aunt Bridget off as well, the four of us head upstairs, this time to Oliver's room.

He's got the biggest bed now, room for all four of us whenever we need some privacy from the little one or just want to spend one-on-three time with Eva.

Sinking into bed together, we wrap ourselves around her, kissing her slowly, sensually. The three of us work together to take her apart piece by piece.

"Fuck! That feels so good! Don't stop!" Eva whines as I suck her clit while Theo holds her down and uses her mouth like a cock sleeve. Tears roll down her cheeks as Oliver spanks her ass, leaving warm, red bruises on her skin.

It doesn't take long for Eva to work herself up to a frenzy, pussy clenching around my fingers as I eat her out like a starving man. Theo comes down her throat, and Oliver paints stripes of white with his cum across the red skin of her bottom.

I move on top of her, thrusting inside with a rough edge, desire consuming me whole. I want this woman. I need her. "Fuck!" I cry out, fingers leaving bruises on her hips.

"Ryder!" she cries, her cunt squeezing around me. I feel myself fly over the edge at the same time as Eva, our bodies moving in unison as we come together.

Once we're spent, we fall back in the bed together, basking in the glow of togetherness. I can't believe I get to spend every day with my family, with Eva, and raise children together with her.

The next morning dawns bright and clear, casting a gentle light through the windows of the dining room. We gather around the polished table, the aromas of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filling the air.

Bree sits in her high chair, her chubby cheeks smeared with jam as she munches happily on a piece of toast. "Fitz, can you get a rag so I can wipe off Bree's face?" Eva asks. Fitz smiles, moving quickly to oblige.

"Here you are, Miss Bree," he says, gently wiping off her face. I appreciate how he seamlessly made the transition from Evangeline's boss to her butler, never once showing any resentment for her change in station.

"Oh, look, you got jam on your dress," Eva teases our daughter.

"Jam! Jam!" Bree says, banging her fork against the tray of her high chair.

It's times like this when I'm most struck by how lucky I've become. After our father died, we weren't the same. We let our bitterness fester and grow.

Not for the first time, I'm struck by the way we've all changed in the time since we met. Theo was a hard, bitter man, drifting and alone. Oliver's cruel streak was poorly hidden, and my recklessness had grown out of control. We took our anger out in the wrong ways, pushing ourselves past the breaking point just to feel again.

But then Eva came along, this kind, wonderful, compassionate woman just searching for a place to belong. And she got under our skin, a constant reminder that we were only as strong as the worst parts of ourselves.

Who knew that we would eventually find our way to each other, we'd come together and apart and together again, stronger than ever?

Theo pours steaming cups of coffee for each of us, clearing his throat. "I just want to make a toast," he says. "To family." He raises his mug.

Oliver nods, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "To family," he echoes, his gaze sweeping over each of us with warmth.

I reach out to clasp Eva"s hand, my touch gentle and reassuring. "To family," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion.

Eva"s eyes meet mine, her gaze soft and tender. "To family," she says, her voice catching slightly as she squeezes my hand.

I know that no matter what the future holds, we"ll face it with courage, determination, and love. Together.

Always.

Loved