Chapter 277 Epilogue I

Chapter 277 Epilogue I
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS
Bramwell Manor, Serevia

I checked the time on my watch. Mad’s jet had landed by now, and he was on his way to the manor. 
I sat back down with my heart hammering in my chest. My husband had been traveling for the past week to the States for the six-month review meeting and the on-site visit of another company project in the Middle East. 
Being married for nearly four years to an amazing man had been one of the greatest things that had ever happened to me.
“Mama!” Laughter reverberated through the backyard as our two-year-old little prince, Calix, ran in my direction, chased by his twin sister, Celina, with Olive, and Lynx’s son, Elliot, who was three months older. 
Four months after our wedding, they got married in a very solemn, intimate ceremony in the backyard of the manor. It was a beautiful day.
“Run faster, my love.” My smile widened as he was just a few feet away.
I never thought I would feel so much happiness and contentment that I could explode into a million stars. My life may not be perfect, but it was close to it, surrounded by the people I cared about. 
I stood up, stepping away from the chair to meet Calix. 
“Mama, up!” Those hazel eyes he got from his dad widened in excitement.
By the time they got to me, he was already in my arms, and the two were hugging my legs, squealing in delight.
I inhaled his scent into my lungs, a mix of baby scent and spring. This boy and his sister showed me that things were possible if you worked hard on them, and sometimes, it was just fate and a miracle.
“I won! I won!” Calix chanted, jumping, and pumping his little legs the moment I put him down.
“Fine, but next time, I will win,” Elliot said, his caramel curly hair bouncing every time he moved, taking my daughter’s hand, Celina. “Let’s go back, Calix. It’s Celina’s time to win.”
My heart melted at how thoughtful he was and how the twins treated Elliot like their own sibling. Their relationship always reminded me of Olive and me.
“Don’t go far, kids. Your dad is gonna be home soon.” My smile never left my lips as I watched them run away. 
“I miss Daddy, Mommy!” Celina turned her head to me, grinning, tucking her wavy brown hair behind her ear. Her cheeks were pink from under the sun for too long. Her blue eyes were shining. 
When I found out I was pregnant with twins, as he promised me, Mad took me to the manor every weekend to stay away from the noise and work. It worked perfectly for us. 
Our parents thought it was a good thing that we were raising twins who were equally smart and had already shown empathy. While there was always a challenge, our children found each other an instant playmate since birth.
Since the Haven-Shanewood Construction & Rail International successfully opened its headquarters in Serevia, Mad barely left the country if not for the meetings in New York or dealing with future projects. 
I, on the other hand, as the Crown Princess, made a little difference with Golden Hearts and other foundations of the monarchy, and I supported, while Mad and I continued funding the Habitat Restoration Fund, the non-profit organization that was close to our hearts.
I exhaled slowly with the happiness I never thought possible. I hadn’t left the backyard, and felt hands snaking around my waist. I didn’t have to look behind me. The familiar touch and smell still sent a thrill through me. 
“Miss me?” he whispered to my ear as he tightened his arms. 
“What do you think?” I leaned back, meeting his gaze with a smile. 
“That’s good to know.” His gaze followed the kids before dropping to me. “They’re gonna sleep well tonight, and I can show you how much I miss you, baby.” He leaned down to kiss my lips. 
“Daddy! Daddy is here!” Celina just saw her dad, who was always daddy’s girl, while Calix always chose me to put him to bed. They never fought over anything, and we were the luckiest parents to raise wonderful kids like them, whom we loved so much. 
Mad lifted our children, carrying them in his arms, showering them with kisses. Their sweet, enthusiastic giggles echoed in the backyard. 
“Let’s get inside, Eli.” I took Elliot’s hand as we got inside the house to his parents waiting in the living room.



Later in the evening, I couldn’t help but admire my husband in his bespoke tux as we stepped on the red carpet for the premiere of the Midnight movie adaptation and posed for the photo ops. Finally, Lori’s dream came true, even if it took years for me to agree and sign the contract.
While writing Midnight, I never would have thought it would be a hit, let alone getting a trilogy and adaptations. Book 3: Nightfall was the greatest success with the highest review from the trilogy, and I wrote it while I was pregnant. It was the highlight of my writing career.
“You look fucking hot,” Mad whispered to my ear, making me smile that would look great on the camera. 
I wore a white dress made for me by London Hester, who was also here tonight with her husband. Our parents would not miss the world as the movie premiered in our country, in my city, which I loved, that boosted the economy and tourism. 
And who would have thought my brother was accepted by our people after coming out as bi, not gay? While he was traveling to the States last year, he met a rock band leader. He and Hazel had been dating and inseparable since then. 
I cried all the time since the movie started until the credits rolled, and so did Olive and Lori. Lori was divorced, having been on and off with Damian, and Travers also loved horses. Scratch that. I had a feeling Damian was about to pop up the question. 
The entire theater burst into applause with a ten-minute standing ovation. The actors and the entire team did such a great job, and I never regretted signing the deal.
The after-party buzzed with energy as I engaged in pleasant conversation with the actors, the writers, the director, and the Centaurus production, praising them for their great work and for keeping true to the source material. 
I still felt teary-eyed with joy upon reaching home. We kissed our children good night, who had been out before we attended the movie premiere.
“Allow me.” Mad stood behind me. His eyes gleamed with pride and desire meeting my gaze in the mirror. His hands roamed over my shoulders down to my back. “To show you how much I miss you, Tara Montimer-Shanewood.”