Epilogue - Their Twisted Devotions

Epilogue - Their Twisted Devotions
Author's POV

Caden made a tiny sound minutes later, then his little face broke into the brightest, most genuine smile.

“My new daddy is a superhero like Batman?” he asked, eyes sparkling with wonder.

Nathan’s face lit up like the sun. He dropped to one knee and opened his arms. “Yes, little man. Even better than Batman. I’m going to protect you and Mommy every single day. I promise.”

Caden didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward and wrapped his small arms around Nathan’s neck.

Nathan lifted him up effortlessly, kissing his chubby cheek. 

The three of them stayed like that…a brand-new family finding their rhythm…while the rest of the room watched with soft, emotional smiles.

The rest of the evening unfolded like a warm dream after they all settled in.

The adults gathered in the spacious living room while the children played upstairs under the nanny’s watchful eye. 

Ava listened intently as Kayla recounted the full custody battle, from the dramatic restaurant  confrontation to the final ruling. When she finished, Ava pulled her into another hug.

“I’m so proud of you,” Ava whispered. “You fought hard, and you won. You deserve all this happiness.”

Kayla thanked her for watching over Caden and for being the best big sister.

They all laughed while the ladies shed little tears as they looked at each other, reminiscing on the battles they fought to get to where they are.

Orion noticed the lingering tension between Holly and David. He raised an eyebrow. “Holly, did this guy do something to you? Should I have him arrested?”

Holly immediately jumped to David’s defense. “No one is touching my man! Even if he did something, I'll punish him myself.”

“Woah, Hols. I was just trying to help,” Orion said dramatically, raising his hands in surrender while everyone else in the room laughed.

“But seriously. What's going on? And don't say nothing because anyone with eyes can see something is up with you too,” Ava asked quickly, her tone serious.

“I'm moving back to LA,” Holly said suddenly, a sad glint in her eyes.

A type of silence washed over the room as everyone waited for more.

“I've decided to get my licence. We discussed and David was cool with it,” she finished and Kayla gripped her hand.

David finally cleared his throat as though ready to present his own side of the story, and turned to Ava with respectful seriousness.

“I am not cool with it,” he began. “I wanted to ask for your permission,” he said to Ava. “I’ve already made arrangements to transfer Holly to a medical school in Chile. I can’t be without her. I don’t want to be. Please tell her not to leave.”

Holly’s eyes widened, shining with happy tears. “Wait… You did that for me?”

David looked at her like she was his entire world. “Of course I did.”

“But why didn't you say anything? When I told you about it, I wanted you to say no. To threaten to cut off my legs and chain me to your bed if I ever think of leaving,” she said tearfully and everyone looked at her with playful horrified eyes. Except Ava. Hers weren't playful at all.

She just heard her little sister say all those nasty things and slapped her hands over her ears.

“Holly!” Ava and Kayla screamed at the same time.

“What? I wanted him to insist I stay, but he didn't object when I told him about it and that hurt my feelings,” she replied more calmly.

“That was because I didn't want to stop you from chasing your dreams. So if at all you must chase your dreams, I wanted to clear the road for you…I wanted it to be the same road I take every day. You can get your license in Chile, baby,” he replied softly, pulling her into a hug.

Ava smiled warmly. “As long as Holly is happy, I’m happy. But David… What are your long-term plans for my sister?”

David didn’t hesitate. “I want to marry her. Anytime she’s ready. I'm down for it.”

Holly teared up and leaned further into him as the playful chaos started immediately.

Kayla grinned. “Well, I have an announcement to make, guys. I’ll be having my wedding ceremony first. Holly gets to be my bridesmaid.”

Holly gasped dramatically. “No way! I’m getting married first! David and I became a thing before you and Nathan.”

“It doesn't count! Besides, Nathan and I are legally married. So, we can have a ceremony before you guys,” Kayla insisted playfully.

“No way!” Holly screamed in objection.

Ava suddenly clapped her hands together, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Girls, tune it down a notch and listen. Actually, Orion and I are renewing our vows tonight. So I’m getting another wedding ceremony before both of you.”

Holly and Kayla stared at her, then at each other with their mouths hanging open.

“You’re getting married again?!” they exclaimed in perfect unison, voices full of shock and laughter.

The room erupted. Holly pretended to faint dramatically into David’s arms while Kayla clutched her chest like she’d been wounded. 

Orion just shook his head, smiling helplessly as Ava laughed.

The banter continued late into the night…teasing, joking, and loving threats about who would walk down the aisle first. 

Through it all, Nathan kept his arm around Kayla, stealing soft kisses whenever he could, while she leaned into him, finally allowing herself to believe this happiness was real.

David on the other hand couldn't still believe that he's crazy about the girl he once saw as a little girl. That little girl has turned into an intense volcano that he won't mind spending an eternity in.

For the three women…Ava, Holly, and Kayla…life had taken very different paths. But each had found her way to a love that was fierce, protective, and true.

And as they sat together that night, surrounded by the men who adored them and the family they had built, they knew one thing for certain…

They had all finally come home.