Extended Epilogue

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

BARON

" R egina came to my office crying because Anthony stole her favorite hair clip."

Seated behind the large oak desk is Principal Melissa Ray. She was an English teacher when Heather and I attended this school.

Her salt-and-pepper hair is neatly styled in a pixie cut. A pair of red thin-rimmed glasses hang on her neck, just below a simple silver necklace.

She has always been a no-nonsense type, so I brace myself for what she's about to say. It's the first time Heather and I are called to her office, and while I already know nine-year-old Anthony can be a bit of a handful at times, I also know he's a sweet, loving boy who never hurts anyone intentionally, especially girls.

Anthony makes himself smaller in his seat, eyes to the ground, hands gripping each other. My boy is guilty, I see.

Principal Melissa only reprimands him since he apologized to Regina earlier and returned her hair clip. Anthony also promises not to do it again.

I'm still so confused about so many things, so when we get inside the car, I put a hand on his small shoulder. "What was that about, son? Why did you take her clip?"

"Because she won't talk to me." His voice is too small and quiet, and I nearly don't catch what he says.

"So you did that so she'll notice you?" My gaze meets Heather's, and she closes her eyes.

Anthony leans into me and nods. "Sorry, Dad, Mom. I won't do it again."

I kiss the top of his head, while Heather reaches to hold his small hand.

Later, when it's just her and me, Heather shakes her head and crosses her arms over her chest. "Like father, like son. You better teach him that won't work."

"But it did for us." I smile and coast my lips over hers.

She inhales sharply, her voice dropping. "Eventually."

"Eventually." I kiss her lightly, pleasure surging through me at the contact. "I love you since forever, my wife, my other half."

"I love you since forever, my perpetually annoying husband."

The End.

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