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Epilogue - Ashan

“Catalina, slow down,”

“Jamie, let her run, she’s just a little girl,” I said, squeezing Jamie’s hand as we entered the third Gambling Den out of the six, we now own. “She’s safe here; the staff loves her, and she knows our routine by now.”

“Yes, Ashan, I know but she can still get herself into trouble, don’t you think?” Jamie replied, grinning up at me. “We love coming with you once a week to the den and checking in on your success,” she added raising to her toes as she kissed me on the cheek. “But she needs to stay close so I can make sure she doesn’t cause any trouble as little ones tend to do. You know.” She turned her head and lifted her eyes for the last part, making me smile.

Jamie was still as beautiful as the day we got married, and with each passing year, my love for her seemed to grow. The last couple of days she appeared to have a glow about her. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but felt sure something was up. She hadn’t spoken about it, and I would wait until she was ready, but I felt sure she may be pregnant again.

Pulling her into my arms, I kissed her hard. “You know I love you so much,” I breathed out letting go.

“I know,” Jamie responded as she turned and headed after Catalina. I stood watching as the two entered the restaurant area before heading up to my office. Once I checked all my mail and ensured operations were running smoothly, I looked for them.

As expected, I found them in the kitchen. Catalina was sitting on one of the counters, and Jamie was standing beside her, holding her. The head chef was making them milkshakes as usual. I stood in the door for a bit, admiring my girls. Catalina’s dark locks hung over her shoulders, framing her pretty face.

Most people who meet us together always comment on how much she looks just like me. But I see Jamie in her smile, her laughter, and her attitude. After receiving their milkshakes, they head out the back door to the little picnic spot I set up last year for the workers. The two sat basking in the sun, enjoying their drinks filling my heart with love.

I waited a while so they could at least finish their drinks before stepping out. “Come on girls, we still have a couple left to do,” I said, waving at them.

Catalina jumped right up and trotted over, grabbing my leg and hanging on to it. “Daddy, Daddy, we had milk.” She said, smiling widely at me.

Patting her head, I replied softly. “Yes, I saw honey, what flavor did you have?”

With a twinkle in her eyes, she replied loudly, almost screaming at me. “Strawberry like always.”

Glancing at Jamie, with a smile, I continued. “Now we have to go. Are you ready?”

Catalina let go of my leg and ran to the door screaming over her shoulder. “Come, Mommy, come.”

Jamie was already at my side, and we headed back in. Once they gave their glasses to the washer, we left and went to the next den. On our way there, Jamie received a call from Evelina. She nodded as she spoke and agreed.

She turned to me as she hung up. “Something has come up that they are going to need my help with. Can you drop me at Leo’s house?” Jamie said.

“Don’t you have a class this afternoon teaching those brilliant young minds all about computers?” I replied.

Jamie smiled, “Yes, I do, and I’ll be done in time. They just need to stop an attack on Luder’s system and need to find out who is trying to invade him.”

Shaking my head, I turned up to the next street and traveled to Leo’s place. “So, should I pick you up in a bit, or will Leo drop you off, then I can get you afterward?” I inquired as we pulled up to his gate.

Jamie gave me a quick kiss on the cheek as she got out. “I’ll have Leo drop me for the class and you can pick me up.” Glancing at Catalina, she continued. “I love you both, be a good girl and listen to Daddy, okay.” Jamie sent her a kiss and closed the door.

Catalina shook her head and waved at Jamie as she went inside. I drove off once she was inside and headed to the other three dens. Cleo was the manager at the one and she kept an eye on Catalina while I did my checks.

At the second last den, Catalina walked with me. But I had to carry her for the last bit when her legs got tired. Frank sat with her in my office at the last den, looking at dog videos on my computer.

After making sure everything was running according to procedure, I took Catalina to her dancing lesson. She was doing well but wasn’t a top dancer. Yet, she enjoyed it so how good she was didn’t matter. Life was about having fun.

Leo called as I waited for Catalina. “Hey, how’s things going?” I asked, answering my phone.

“Great man, Jamie caught the guy trying to access Luder’s network and secured it again. I dropped her off for class, just wanted to let you know.” Leo said.

“Thanks, Leo, I’ll get her once Catalina’s dance class is done. Have a good one.”

“A good evening to you too,” Leo added before hanging up.

Catalina’s class was still half an hour. Once she was done, we grabbed some Chinese and headed to collect Jamie. Jamie’s computer class had just finished when we arrived. I greeted her young students as they left the premises.

She offered classes twice a week for young adults who wanted to learn more about working with and on computers. The technology era created a great need for learning, and Jamie knew a lot. She was proud that she could provide greatly needed protective computing classes.

It was better to be safe than sorry, she always said. You didn’t need to know how to hack if you knew how to prevent it. She was working the pro-active approach, and the students loved it.

Jamie was delighted by our selection of food for supper. As we headed home, she talked about her students and who she thought would make it big in the industry. She loved what she did and always talked about it passionately. I thought our lives couldn’t get any better, but then Jamie ended the conversation with something that made me wonder.

“The family is gathering tomorrow evening at Roman’s place and Evelina said we have to be there on time.” Jamie smiled at me, winking as she spoke.

“What, what do you mean, we’re always on time, and why didn’t Leo mention it when I spoke to him?” I replied as we entered our mansion. “What’s going on, why do I get the feeling you’re hiding something?”

Jamie walked to the kitchen, ignoring my questions and I knew they were planning something. Knowing Jamie, there was no way she would give up details, I would just have to wait. Jamie took Catalina upstairs for her bath after supper while I caught up on some work before bedtime.

She was tucking Catalina in as I entered our child’s room. “Time for a story?” I inquired rolling my eyes at Catalina. She giggled and shook her head wildly. “Right, if you’re all settled, I’ll start.”

Jamie kissed my forehead as she left, and I sat on the edge of the bed. I was halfway through my made-up story of a princess who lost her dancing abilities when I noticed Catalina was fast asleep. Ensuring she was nicely covered, I kissed her gently on the head before leaving.

I found Jamie in the tub, and it was filled with bubbles. “So, now you’re bathing alone?” I asked, raising my eyebrows at her.

“Oh, no, I would never dream of it,” she replied, laughing. “I was just keeping it warm until you came. You see, I knew you would be done quickly.”

Undressing, I responded. “Really, and how did you know that? She could have been awake for hours.”

Getting into the bath behind Jamie as she moved forward, I was glad Catalina hadn’t been awake any longer. I might have missed a session with Jamie.

“Well,” she replied, laying back against my chest so I could lather her. “I saw after supper she was quite tired. Remember, I’m her mother, I know these things.” Jamie grinned at me over her shoulder.

Giving in, we washed and headed to bed. I also felt drained from the day’s activities; by the sound of it, tomorrow would be a long day.

I woke up early and prepared breakfast while Ashan was still sleeping. The family was throwing a surprise party tonight and I was too excited to sleep further. It was still dark out, but it gave me enough time to bake some croissants. Catalina loved them just as much as Ashan, and I wanted today to be perfect.

The sun was waking the world outside by the time they came out of the oven. I made a pot of coffee and prepared a tray with coffee, croissants, and juice for Catalina, and added some fresh diced fruit. Admiring my handy work, I was ready to wake them. Heading upstairs, I placed the tray on the side table by our bedroom door.

I first woke Catalina. After she was washed and dressed, we headed to wake Ashan. Entering the room, I collected the tray from the table. Ashan wasn’t in bed as I expected. He was already up and getting dressed. “Good morning, my dears,” he said, looking at us as we entered. “Wow, look at that,” he stated as Catalina jumped onto the bed and hugged him.

Smiling at him, I leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. “Good morning hun,” I added as he took the tray.

“This looks lovely, and there’s enough for all of us,” Ashan added beaming. “You must have been up half the night, thank you.”

Catalina settled next to him and took a croissant from the tray as he placed it down between them. I joined them for breakfast on the bed and afterward, we got ready to head out.

The day went reasonably quickly as we kept busy, even the visits to the gambling dens went faster than usual. It was as if Ashan was rushing through the day to get to the afternoon. He seemed overly eager and excited. I was glad he looked forward to spending the afternoon with our family, as I did.

We arrived on time and most of the family were already present. Walking to the back where the gathering was to be held, I was in awe. It looked like something out of a fairytale. There was an arch set up by the entrance to the house filled with pink and blue balloons and ribbons.

The tables were also covered with either blue or pink tablecloths, and rainbow-colored teddies were on top in the middle. Some were in what looked like hot-air balloons, others were in little baskets, and then there were ones on rocking horses. The bar area was also covered in balloons, lint bows, and flowers. The place truly looked stunning.

“What’s all of this, is someone having a baby, or did I forget one of the children’s birthdays?” Ashan asked as he greeted Roman.

Roman glanced at me, raising his eyebrows. Ashan turned and looked at me, lowering my head, I felt sure the smile on my face was going to tear through it. Ashan went down on one knee to look into my eyes. “Yes, hun, we’re pregnant,” I whispered.

His face lit up like a New Year ball at midnight as he picked me up and turned in a circle. Placing me down, Ashan kissed me intensely. The family all cheered and came closer to congratulate us. As Ashan pulled back from our kiss, I noticed the glimmer of tears in his eyes. Turning to face the family, he lifted his hands in the air as he shouted. “We’re having another baby.”

With the news out in the open, we could start. After everyone hugged, kissed, and gave their congratulations, it was time for the men to visit one side by the pool. Karine had arranged for babysitters to keep the kids entertained while we proceeded with our planned schedule.

After a couple of silly games, it was time for the gifts. The men joined us for this as both Ashan, and I had to guess what was in the present and who it was from before we could open them. There was lots of clothing, in neutral colors, of course. Then there were blankies, towels, toys, and so much more.

We got most of the item guesses incorrect, but who they were from, we had most correct. At least we knew our family well it seemed, even if we didn’t truly know their idea of gifts. Once the gifts were all opened and stored in the car, we could sit down for supper. It was a good afternoon and evening.

Back home, Ashan and I started planning the nursery. The next couple of months were going to be tiring as we turned the nursery we had into a room for Catalina.

We contacted the same contractors who assisted the first time as their work was exceptional. It took us a couple of weeks to make a final decision, but once we did, we could move ahead.

Over the course of a couple of months, we got everything in place. We moved the study down a floor to make room for the nursery and couldn’t wait for the new addition to our family to arrive. Life couldn’t be better.

*****

THE END

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