Our children won’t have any grandparents. Even though my mother is still alive, I want nothing to do with her. And she knows it. Any child that I bring into this world won’t know his or her grandmother. It may be selfish, but I don’t want any negativity around them.
“It’s not easy losing anyone in your life,” Jarred says, bringing my attention back to the present. “But with the right support system, it can ease the burden.”
I nod in agreement. “It can.” We both have to be strong for the man we love.
And that will be the easiest thing I do, because when you love someone, you’ll do anything for them.
BONUS SCENE
FINN
One year later
The sun shimmers down on the swimming pool where Zaria and Jarred are playing with Holden. I can’t believe I’m a goddamned uncle. Damien’s son is almost two-years-old, and he looks like a mini-version of my brother.
Nesrin is settled in beside me as she sunbathes in her bikini, which I know Damien has already chastised her about. It’s a bright blue two-piece, which matches the color of his eyes. But I’m certain it’s the strings and tiny triangles that are causing him the most torment.
“You know my brother is going to have a heart attack if you continue wearing that,” I inform my sister-in-law. “Also, when Creed arrives, Damien will lose his mind since the bastard is still single.”
“Your brother needs to know that I love him. And I’m not about to cower to his demands, just because he can’t handle a bit of competition.” Her playful, yet fiery nature is the reason Damien fell for her in the first place.
“Oh, I’m sure he’ll make sure you obey,” I warn her, knowing my brother. The two of them have always had an intensity that outshone everyone else in the room. The summer vacation is well underway as Cassian and Kalyn arrive in matching green swimsuits. Kalyn has also opted for a bikini, which I can tell by the look on Cass’s face he’s not happy about.
I can’t help but chuckle. Zaria exits the pool. She may be in a two piece, but at least it covers more than both my brother’s wives do. Even though they’re cavemen when it comes to their women, they know they’re safe at home. But like I said, the moment Creed walks in, the fangs will come out.
Damien’s best friend is well-known to be a playboy, just like I was. That is until Zaria and Jarred roped me into their orbit and now, all I see are those two. Zaria settles between my legs, her wet skin glistening in the bright sunshine.
“Holden is so gorgeous,” she tells Nesrin.
“He’s just like his dad, although, I can already see we’re going to have our hands full,” Nesrin says with a smile.
“Because he has his mother’s fire,” Damien informs us as he settles down on the end of Nesrin’s lounger. “Hey, man,” he greets Cass with a handshake. I reach mine out to fist bump my brother before I press a kiss to Kalyn’s knuckles.
It feels good to have the family around us. After losing our dad, we’ve come to the realization that life is short and being apart doesn’t work for us. Damien and Nesrin have decided to move back to Thorne Haven, while Cassian and Kalyn live just down the road.
We made a vow to always be close enough to help each other when needed. Blood is a strong bond. It’s one that cannot be broken, even if you want it to be. Jarred’s father has finally visited a few times, and they’ve slowly started a path to getting to know each other again.
“So, Cass,” I call out, “when are we expecting a little version of you running around?” The question is one I’ve posed before. One that has my brother rolling his eyes.
“Well,” Kalyn pipes up, a shy smile on her lips. She’s been through a fucking dark road, but she’s come out on the other side. “There might be one in about nine months?” she tells us as her hand circles her stomach. There’s no bump to speak of, but I am pretty sure it will be apparent soon.
Shock laces my voice when I say, “Really?”
“Yeah,” Cass says with a nod. “We found out two days ago.” The pride in his expression has all of us smiling as he kisses his wife.
“Congrats,” I shout out, along with Damien. Just then, Jarred walks over with Holden in his arms. The sight of him with a kid makes my chest warm and my heart expand. We haven’t started trying yet, but Zaria, Jarred, and I definitely want a family. We’ve said we’d like to fill the manor with the pitter pattering of small feet.
“Damn, we better get on it then,” I tell Zaria, earning myself a swat to the leg. “Hey!”
“Don’t be an ass,” she bites playfully. “I don’t go announcing when we’re going to have sex to everyone.”
“Yeah, we don’t need to know that, brother,” Damien informs me before laughing out loud.
I push up and pin him with a glare and an arched brow. “Oh yeah? While you and Nesrin were smooching like two teens all around the house, Cass and I had to put up with it.”
“True story,” Cass chuckles when Damien gives him a glare that forces him to laugh even louder. Our eldest brother wasn’t the most private when it came to his feelings for our stepsister. And even so, I loved watching the cold-detached man become putty in her delicate hands.
“Okay, enough of that,” Damien announces. “We’re getting drinks. Holden,” he calls to his son. “Do you want ice-cream?”
“Cleem!!” Holden shouts excitedly, causing us all to laugh. Watching my brother be a dad is new; I haven’t been around him much since they were living in London. But now, having them here, I feel content knowing how happy he is. The two of them head off to the kitchen, and I’m almost certain it won’t be long until Holden is in the pool again. The sticky sweets he’s about to devour will ensure the place needs a good cleaning tomorrow.
I take in the happiness that fills our home, and I can’t deny, I’m finally content. My life hasn’t been easy, and the road to a happily ever after has been filled with potholes, but we made it. Zaria leans back against me, while Jarred settles between her thighs. The three of us watching as Nesrin and Kalyn take to the pool for a game of volleyball.
My heart is full.
My life is perfect.
And my happiness is right here.
Jarred
Nine months later
I didn’t think about life after leaving Tynewood. I never allowed myself to fantasize about happy endings because that’s not how I was raised. But as I settle into bed beside Zaria and Finn, I know that my heart is finally home.
It’s become apparent to me that happiness isn’t what you have. Material possessions aren’t what bring a smile to your face day to day. It’s these moments of closeness with people who see you for who you really are. They’re the ones who will forever be by your side when you need it the most.
Finn and Zaria are my home.
My hand circles her growing belly, and I can’t wait to feel the baby kicking. We decided on two kids, one Finn’s, and one mine. When we sat down one night, discussing a family, it was an idea Finn had come up with, and when we all agreed, it had become our plan.