I leaned down and kissed her softly, sealing that promise between us. Her hand slid around my neck, pulling me closer, and I let myself melt into her warmth.
When we finally pulled back, she was smiling. “I got you,” she said, the words carrying more weight than anything else in the room.
“I got you,” I whispered back.
We held onto each other, knowing that no matter what storms came, no matter what battles we faced, we had each other. And that was enough. That was everything.
And in that moment, with the echoes of laughter, the soft pastel glow around us, and her warmth pressed against me, I knew that I was home.
EPILOGUE
Ocean
Six years later
The smellof buttered popcorn and the buzz of excitement hit me as soon as we walked into the theater. Shade had gone all out, renting an entire side of the building for the kids.
Skye’s hand slid into mine as we carried armfuls of candy, nachos, and popcorn. I glanced down at her, the way she was glowing, the gentle curve of her baby bump peeking beneath her shirt. Any day now, our third little miracle would be here, and I couldn’t wait.
“They’re so hyped,” she said, laughing as our girls darted toward the theater doors. Lake who was five, was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet, clutching the hand of Blue, who didn’t let being a year younger stop her from leading the charge. The sight made my chest swell.
Shade and Nyx followed behind, making sure their little ones, Jaxson and Layla, didn’t run off. But they were too busy laughing and chatting with their friends to be focused on what everyone else was doing.
I leaned toward Shade. “Man, I thought this little back to school day out with these elementary kids was a good idea, but maybe I was wrong. Who’s going to keep all these little people quiet?”
He laughed. “It will be fine.”
“Yeah, okay. Just know, if they start having a popcorn fight in the middle of the movie, I’m running out this bitch.”
“Language,” Skye scolded.
“My bad, baby.” I kissed her cheek, then squeezed her ass as she walked ahead of me with Nyx by her side.
She giggled.
I shot her a wink, then stopped to talk to Shade for a moment. “Yo, can you believe this is our life. Wives, kids...who would’ve thought? All of us just happy. No drama, no bs. Just living life.”
Shade grinned, glancing toward his kids. “Hell yeah. I’m enjoying the hell out of it. Just focusing on family.”
I nodded. “Same. I wouldn’t trade this shit for anything.”
“I feel you on that. You know, I thought it would be weird, taking a break from music, but I haven’t thought much about it over the past year.”
“Really?” I asked, walking forward.
“Yeah. I’m loving watching Nyx do her thing, running her dance studio. Kids love her. Parents love her. She’s happy, and that makes me happy.”
“That’s what’s up.”
We reached the row where the kids were going to sit, which was right in front of us. They were already chatting excitedly,pointing at the big screen. We dropped off the trays, making sure each child had snacks, drinks, and were settled in their seat.
“Got everything?” I asked, looking at my girls.
“Yep!” Blue shouted, vibrating with excitement. “Let’s watch the movie, Daddy!”
Lake nodded, her curls bouncing, “Popcorn first, then movie!”
I chuckled and ruffled their hair. Shade was laughing beside me, adjusting Jaxson’s little backpack. The room was alive with energy, laughter, and tiny squeals of joy. Watching my girls with their friends, seeing Shade and Nyx’s kids so happy...it made everything we’d been through worth it a thousand times over.
