EPILOGUE ZAC

EPILOGUE ZAC

TEN YEARS LATER

Caleb was right. We did need five bedrooms. Brook and I have a pair of twins and another child. Four girls and a boy. It’s great. And exhausting. I wouldn’t change things for the world.

Work’s busier than ever and we’ve had to hire more people, which is good, I guess.

We’re making more money, anyway, and believe me, I need it.

Brook is still painting and working at the art gallery. I don’t know how she does it. The woman never tires.

They’re having a special showing this evening at the gallery, featuring Brook’s work. Yes, she’s become that good. Or always has been. It’s just that now she has the opportunity.

It was nice that everyone from Empire Security came down to support her. It means a lot to us. I’m surrounded by good people.

At the end of the night, they hold a small celebration in Brook’s honor. She sold three paintings and they were expensive. She whispers in my ear at the gathering and we go home. Fortunately, the kids are asleep.

I pay the babysitter and whisk her out the door. Brook is waiting at the stairwell, smiling and twirling her hair. The woman still knows how to turn me on.