But here, in our room, in our house, with our family sleeping safely down the hall, it's peaceful.
"Hades?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you ever regret it?Any of it?Taking the kids, staying with me?"
"Not for a second."I pull her closer."This is who I was always meant to be.I just needed you to show me."
"I didn't show you anything.You were always this person.You just needed a reason to let him out."
Maybe she's right.Maybe I've always had the capacity for this, buried under years of violence and rage.Maybe I just needed her and those kids to dig it out.
"Thank you," I tell her."For saying yes.For choosing me.For building this family with me."
"Thank you for asking.For loving us.For being exactly who we needed."
I kiss her then, slow and deep.Not urgent, not desperate.Just love.
When we break apart, she's smiling."So, husband.What now?"
"Now we live.We love.We protect what's ours and build something worth leaving behind."
"That simple?"
"That simple."
She settles against my chest, her breathing evening out.Within minutes, she's asleep.
I lie there awake, listening to her breathe.Down the hall, I can hear Sophie talking in her sleep.Mason's door creaks as he gets up for water.The house settling, full of life and noise and love.
This is my family.My responsibility.My reason for everything.
I think about Calla, about Marcus.About the phone call that started all of this.If they're watching, I hope they're proud.I hope they know their kids are safe and loved and thriving.
Hope they know I found my way out of the darkness they always said I could escape.
I found heaven in the hell of losing them.Found purpose in protecting what they left behind.
And I'll spend the rest of my life honoring that gift.
* * *
EVANGELINE
I wake to sunlight streaming through the windows and Hades' arm heavy across my waist.
My husband.
The word still feels surreal.But in the best way.
I shift slightly, and he tightens his hold, pulling me closer."Where you going?"
"Nowhere.Just stretching."
"Good."His voice is rough with sleep."I want you right here."
I settle back against him, content to stay exactly where I am.Yesterday was perfect.Chaotic and beautiful and everything I didn't know I needed.
