Epilogue

Alana’s point of view.

Fifteen years had swiftly passed through us, leaving an abundance of memories behind. The passage of time was clear to be seen, it was etched on the faces of my children– They were no longer the tiny chubby babies they once were.

Seated gracefully at my vanity, I carefully adorned myself with the exquisite ruby jewellery set Alec had gifted me for our milestone 15th anniversary. While meticulously fastening the earrings, my gaze drifted fondly toward a photograph on the vanity, earning an immediate smile. Taken merely six months ago, it captured a moment of sheer (and rare) perfection among my lovely children.

The photograph was a scene from our loved house in Dallas, framed against the enchanting backdrop of our dazzling backyard garden. Everyone loved that house so it was only right we took the photos there.

Adam, poised on the left, emitting an air of maturity and seriousness, flanked by our second son, Tristan Killian Fisher. Tristan was a striking contrast to Adam, bearing my blue eyes perfectly blended with Alec’s straight, chestnut-coloured hair. His locks held a shade lighter than Alec’s, yet darker than my own—a beautiful blend of our union. Remarkably, two teenage boys now graced our lives, their mood swings serving as vivid reminders of their transition into adolescence– teens were not for the easy. I mean seriously, teens are so intense and truth be told, no different from toddlers from time to time but I never said that out loud. Nestled gracefully between her brothers sat our lively five-year-old ball of energy, Madeline Jordan Fisher.

Maddy, a delightful surprise, a huge surprise. It was a chapter I never anticipated in my forties—a surprise pregnancy that was a shock to everyone but nonetheless a very good one with the green light of our doctor. Our household now brimmed with the liveliness of two teenagers and a spirited young girl set to conquer the world. She wielded her status as the youngest with expert finesse, using her undeniable charm to extract special privileges. Maddy, a carbon copy of Alec, bore his twinkling eyes, his full locks, and his contagious grin. Undoubtedly, she was the apple of his eye, adored equally by her lovely brothers. Her pastime was coaxing them into sharing snacks and turning her cuddles into highly sought-after currency in return had created delightful chaos, where her siblings fought for her attention.

As I finished getting myself ready, the picture of our children, a testament to our journey, painted a heartwarming scene of love, growth, and joy that spanned fifteen beautiful years. It was quick but I enjoyed every moment of it.

After I finished dressing, smoothing down the fabric of my dress, the door swung open, revealing Alec entering the room. A smirk danced on his lips as his gaze travelled down my body with deliberate slowness. Even after all these years, his loving look remained unchanged, if not amplified. I was still the only person who caught his attention like this, the only person who was still able to bring colour to his cheeks. A few grey threads peppered his beard, matching the traces of silver woven into his hair. Laugh lines etched his face, giving him an air of maturity, yet his ageing resembled fine wine—only getting better with time. He was utterly perfect and he was all mine.

"You're stunning tonight, my love," Alec approached, his hands finding my hips, drawing me in for a lingering, passionate kiss.

"And you, as always, are incredibly handsome," I adjusted his tie, playfully pulling him closer for another kiss.

"Forget the party, we can make our own celebration right here," Alec suggested with a hint of mischief in his eyes. His desire was as passionate and needy as ever.

"I'm sure everyone will miss the birthday boy's presence," I reminded him, shaking my head, a smile playing on my lips as I stepped away.

"Come on," Alec caught my hand, drawing me near, pressing against my back.

"The kids have a great gift for you—they're eager to show it off," I revealed. It was their idea, with a little assistance from me. They were excited to see his reaction and frankly, I was too.

"The kids, all three of them, or just Maddy?" Alec inquired, arching an eyebrow. Last year, Maddy's secret gift involved a day of pampering at home. She had given him a face mask and painted his nails, and Alec, being the loving father he was, couldn't resist sporting glittery nails and a glowing face to work the next day.

"All three pitched in together," I explained briefly.

"Really?" Alec seemed pleasantly surprised.

"Absolutely," I smirked, tugging at his hand.

"Now I'm intrigued," Alec grinned, his excitement evident.

—

Descending the stairs, I led Alec, blindfolded, through the excited sounds of the kids, who erupted in a chorus of "Surprise!" Maddy dashed straight into his arms, prompting Alec's jaw to drop in amazement. They had orchestrated a birthday bash themed around his favourite superhero franchise, and as the producer, I must say, the props were top-notch. Their dad was still a geek, but hey, we love him.

"Do you like it, daddy?" Maddy asked sweetly, wearing the most adorable costume.

"Like it? I absolutely love it!" Alec beamed, planting a tender kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you, Adam, Tris, you too," Alec acknowledged, embracing our boys, though they deemed themselves too grown for cheek kisses—according to their newfound teenage dignity. But for me, they were still my boys, meaning there was no getting out of kisses and cheek-pinching whenever deemed necessary.

"You're welcome, Dad," the boys chimed in.

The party started, drawing our family together. A day spent with loved ones was always a special day for me. Sean and Ryan, who retired from the FBI for a decade, continued their investments through DMG. Their comfortable income would prove essential, especially with both Chris and Chloe aspiring to become surgeons. The road ahead might be costly, but now they were prepared to finance it.

I slipped inside to grab another soda and caught sight of Adam engaging in a verbal tussle with Anastasia. Despite my best efforts to put gentlemanly behaviour in my sons, Adam seemed to have forgotten, often getting into verbal fights with Anastasia, their three-year age difference making for a mismatched rivalry. In stark contrast, Tristan and Ana were inseparable—best friends forever.

Glancing toward the living room, I spotted Tristan with Oliver and James, born eleven months after Anastasia, the recent additions to the Sterling family. The boys were engrossed in the console, while Chloe and Chris awaited their turn. Moving closer to Adam and Anastasia made me sigh.

“I'm not gonna argue with a little girl,” Adam scoffed, folding his arms.

“And I don’t argue with little whiny bitches but here I am,” Anastasia retorted, her fiery spirit reminiscent of Izabel's. Suppressing a chuckle, I refrained from rushing to Adam's defence. Though I love my son and his well-being, it was clear he often baited Anastasia, and I wouldn't immediately come to his rescue. You get what you asked for. After all, he was older and should've known better.

“Ana, let’s watch our language, maybe use 'witch' instead,” I suggested casually, taking a sip of my soda.

“Sorry, Aunty Alana,” Anastasia's cheeks reddened as both she and Adam realised my presence.

Leaving the room swiftly, I joined the others out on the patio. Maddy had dozed off on Alec’s chest. He tenderly draped a blanket over her and held her close as I settled down, handing him his soda.

“Let me guess, Ana and Adam are at it again?” Izabel inquired in a hushed tone, leaning toward me.

“Yep. I'm really sorry about his behaviour, but it seems like he's got a bone to pick with your girl,” I sighed, shaking my head.

“They seem to have a bone to pick with each other. Apparently, Ana spilled the beans about him still having a stuffed animal, so in retaliation, Adam leaked pictures of her with braces,” Izabel explained, reaching for her glass of wine. I needed a sip of that too.

“Someday, those two will be the best of friends,” I remarked optimistically. We exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.

Despite the occasional verbal fights, today was perfect, just like every other day. The kids were content, Alec was content, my family was content, and so was I. I couldn't have asked for a more fulfilling life.

The End.