Epilogue

Multi-POV's

Marlowe:

T he early fall breeze flows through the windows in the nursery, as I nurse our daughter to sleep. Lisette Evangeline Broussard was born eight days ago, right here in our home, in the bed I share with her fathers. Just like her twin older brothers. Sebastian Adonis and Remy Lucien Broussard, my three-year-old twin boys, are outside playing in the big fenced-in yard.

Well, we technically don’t know if it’s Ollie or Wild who is the father of the boys, or Lisette. They said it doesn't matter that all the children are theirs and both share the role of father. They love the children equally and are exceptional fathers. Surprising, considering our rocky start years ago.

Have the twins killed anyone since my family? A few that I know of. They never bring victims into the house, out of respect for me. Especially now that we have the boys and Lisette. Their workshop out back is where everything gets dealt with.

My love for them has evolved from a survival mechanism into something genuine and profound. They are damaged souls, craving acceptance and love. And I have given them that, unconditionally. In return, they have given me a sense of belonging, a family that I never thought possible.

Reflecting on our unconventional life, I question whether I would change anything. The answer is simple - this is where I belong. Here, with the twins and our children, we have created a unique and remarkable existence. It may not fit society’s norms, but it is ours, our version of love and happiness.

As the early fall breeze continues to caress our nursery, I feel a profound sense of peace. Despite the darkness that once consumed us, I know without a doubt that this is where I am meant to be.

Ollie:

“ Pere , put me down.” Sebastian giggles as I toss him up in the air. Nothing compares to the magic of our boy’s laughter. I would do everything in my power to protect them from this cruel world. Wilder feels the same. Even if we don’t verbalize it. I can feel it. That twin connection. Something I am positive our boys share.

Wilder is chasing Remy around the yard, and our dog, Cal, chasing them. The best surprise this woman has ever given us was the news that our baby was twins. Marlowe and the midwife kept it a secret until the boys was born. Well, except now that she has blessed us with a daughter. Our daughter, Lisette, joined our family just a few days ago, adding to our little clan. She is the light of our lives, just like her brothers. As I watch Wilder and Remy play, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for our growing family.

Wilder and I always desired children, never imagining we would be blessed with three beautiful souls. Parenthood has been a journey filled with joy, laughter, and countless sleepless nights. But every moment is worth it when I see the smiles on their faces.

Sebastian, with his infectious giggles, reminds me of the magic that exists in the world. I hold him tight, promising to protect him from the harsh realities that may come his way. And as Wilder chases Remy, their bond evident in every step, I am reminded of the unspoken connection they share.

Cal, our beloved dog, has been an unexpected blessing. We got him when Marlowe found out she was pregnant, not knowing that we were expecting twins. Cal has become a loyal companion, always by our sides as we navigate the challenges of parenthood. He is fiercely protective over the children, everything I could have asked for in a dog.

Marlowe continues to amaze me. Her strength and love know no bounds. I am forever grateful for the surprise of our twin boys and now our precious daughter. Our family is alive and thriving, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. Whatever the future holds for us I welcome with open arms.

Wilder:

I’m the happiest fucking man alive. I have three beautiful children, our woman, and my brother. This is all I need in life. I can’t wait for Marlowe to fill our house with more children. The sound of their happiness is everything to me.

When it comes to who the father is, we really don’t care. Ollie and I share similar DNA being twins, so in my eyes, we are both as much of their father. The boys call Ollie Pere, and they call me Papa. Marlowe is Mama. This is everything we dreamed of. This girl made our dreams come true. To think that three years ago this all started because we didn’t wanna be lonely anymore.

We killed for her.

I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Ollie and I usher the boys into the house for nap time, plus we wanna check on our girls. The house smells amazing as Ollie has had some stew simmering all morning.

“Alright, you’s two. Boots off and butts in bed. Y’all gon take a nap ‘fore lunch.” I say to them, kissing them on the tops of they heads.

“Aw Papa, do we have to? We wanna play with Mama and Lisette.” Remy whines.

“Don’t argue wit your Papa, Remy.” Ollie calls over to him. “Be good, now. Head up and we be dere in a sec.” The boys reluctantly head upstairs for their nap. Ollie and I exchange a knowing smile. Our girls, Marlowe and Lisette, are our pride and joy. Even for our boys, this is true.

As we make our way to the living room, the aroma of Ollie’s stew fills the air, teasing our senses. It’s moments like these that remind me of how blessed we are to have this beautiful family. Marlowe, the love of our life, made all our dreams come true.

It’s hard to believe that just three years ago, Ollie and I were two lonely souls searching for companionship. We found that and so much more in Marlowe. She completes us in ways we never thought possible.

We settle down in the living room, the stairs behind us creaking from the weight of someone coming down. “Baby girl?” I turn my head to catch Marlowe, trying to get herself down the last few steps.

“Shit,” I get up and my curse prompts Ollie to turn around.

“Aw, hell woman! You know you is supposed to be in bed.” Ollie huffs as he rises from the couch.

“I can't lie down anymore. I need to move around.” She groans as she grips the banister.

Both Ollie and I stand at the foot of the stairs, waiting for her to ask for help. I don’t want her hurting herself so I ask. “Need some help, baby girl?” I ask, extending my hand towards Marlowe. She nods, grateful for the support, and takes my hand as she carefully descends the stairs. Ollie follows closely behind, his concern evident on his face.

“You shouldn’t be pushin’ yourself, Marlowe,” Ollie says, his voice filled with worry. “I dunno what we would do if somethin’ happened ta ya.”

Marlowe smiles weakly, her hand resting on her still-swollen belly. “I know, Ollie. But I just can’t help but feel restless. You know how I am. I was like this after the twins were born.”

I wrap my arm around Marlowe, offering her comfort and stability. “We understand, baby girl. But we need ta prioritize you healing. Can’t have more babies if you not healed up and nourished. Let’s get back to bed and rest for a while. We can all rest.”

Marlowe sighs, reluctantly agreeing. “Alright, Wild. I’ll go back to bed. But can we at least check on Lisette first? I miss her already.”

Ollie and I exchange a glance, silently communicating our shared love for our daughter. Lisette, our little angel, brings so much joy to our lives. We nod in unison, and I guide Marlowe back upstairs towards Lisette’s room, Ollie following closely behind.

As we enter Lisette’s room, the sight of her peacefully sleeping brings a smile to our faces. She looks so innocent, so pure. Marlowe gently strokes her hair, whispering words of love and adoration. Ollie and I stand by her side, our hearts filled with warmth and gratitude.

Ollie whispers to Marlowe, his voice filled with emotion, “We are truly blessed.”

Marlowe nods, tears glistening in her eyes. “I never thought I could be this happy, this fulfilled. You both complete me, and our children bring us so much joy.”

“I love you both,” Marlowe says, her voice filled with sincerity.

Ollie and I exchange a glance, our love and gratitude mirrored in our eyes. We hold Marlowe close, cherishing this moment of pure happiness and contentment. Together, we know that we have created a beautiful family, built on love, trust, and unwavering commitment.

“We love you too, baby girl. Ain’t nothin’ gon change dat.” I whisper in her ear, feelin’ the smile pull at her cheeks.

Everyone sits around the dining room table as we get lunch served. Marlowe holds Lisette in her arms as Ollie buckles the boys into their high chairs. I serve up the bowls of stew for us adults and plate up some food for the boys. We learned real quick to not give the boys bowls of food as it ends up everywhere. These two are menaces!

Jus like dere Papas.

A loud rap against the front door pulls our attention from our lunch and family time. Ollie stares at me as we both rise from our chairs. His hand instinctively reaches for his knife, while my hand swiftly searches my pocket for my own weapon. We make our way over to the door; the floor creaking beneath our feet. Ollie's hand closes around the knob and before he pulls, we look back at Marlowe; the color drained from her face.

Ollie turns the knob. The screen door hides the person on the other side.

“Broussard residence?” The man asks.

“It is. There a problem, sir?” I reply, leaning in to get a good look at who it is on the other side. Peter Guidry, the dickweed wannabe football star from our high school days, looks back at me. Now he’s the sheriff. Dis parish really has gone ta shit.

“Oliver and Wilder Broussard? You bayou boys still livin’ at home with Mama?” He snorts, slapping his hand to his knee.

This motherfucker. He knows damn well our parents died years ago.

Anger and resentment course through my veins as I size up good ol’ Petey. How dare he come to our home and mock us about our parents’ death? Ollie’s grip tightens around his knife, his knuckles turning white. Marlowe senses tension and quickly joins us by the door.

Before any of us can respond, Marlowe steps forward, her authoritative presence diffusing the tension. “Sheriff, I suggest you watch what you say on our property and show some respect. These men have been through enough. ”

The sheriff scoffs and rolls his eyes. “That so, and who might you be, chére? Ain’t no woman ever give these two the time of day.” He starts checking her out through the screen door. Even having just given birth, our girl is the sexiest thing this side of the bayou.

Ollie and I stiffen. We’ve never gone over what to do if someone came asking questions. I look at Ollie and then back at our boys in their high chairs. Lisette stirs in her bassinet next to the table. I’m on edge and Ollie can sense it. He gives me a look, tellin’ me to calm down.

Ollie pulls her to his side, cutting her off before she can say anything.

“She’s taken,” Ollie growls possessively.

Peter’s smug expression falters for a moment, realizing that his attempt to belittle us and hit on our woman has backfired. He mutters a half-hearted response and clears his throat. “I came to give a warnin’ to the area’s residents. We’ve got ourselves a killer on the loose. Broke outta the prison, and we been findin’ bodies all over the parish.” He turns to walk back down the porch steps, stopping at the foot.

“Y’all do best to make sure the house is nice an secure. Wouldna want anything to happen to that pretty girl y’all got.” Lisette starts to cry in the background. Peter’s eyes narrow. “Or them children you got in dere. Have a good afternoon, now.”

As the door closes, we release a collective sigh of relief. Marlowe wraps her arms around us, offering comfort and support. She pulls back.

“This isn’t you two, right?” Her gaze fixed on our eyes.

“No, chére. Dis ain’t us. We ain’t never been ta prison.” Ollie chuckles.

“I might add dat we also leave nothin’ behind,” I say, slippin’ my arms around her waist.

Ollie rushes over to Lisette, lifting her and cradling her to his chest. “Imma change ‘er, den I t’ink it might be time for a feedin’.”

“Wait,” Marlowe says. Ollie spins around to look at her. She takes a step back so she can rest against the door. “What does this mean now?” Her voice quakes with a hint of fear.

Ollie and I chuckle. “Baby girl, dis means dat if anyone tries to step foot in dis house dat ain’t welcome, dey gon meet two much better killers den dey is. You an’ our babies are what’s important. We killed for ya once, we ain’t ‘fraid ta do it ‘gain. We play dirty, wicked games, chére, and dis is only the beginning.”