Chapter 99: Epilogue

Theo

There was giggling coming from my parents bedroom. Pausing in the hallway, I cocked my head to the side. Listening to the sound of laughter coming from inside and then that giggling turned into something else and my nose wrinkled and I moved away.

It was great that my parents loved each other but I could have done without hearing that. Not that I could really blame them. Today was their twenty fifth wedding anniversary and they were more in love than ever.

I couldn’t imagine staying with one woman for a quarter of a century. Or for even a year actually. But that was me.

“Hey Kid.” Christian, strode through the front door like he lived here but I didn’t even raise an eyebrow. We were a close family now. Especially this family and his.

“Where’s your-“

A low moan sounded from upstairs and his head snapped upwards, a wry smile on his face. “I see. Want to head out and check on the party.”

“Yes please.” We fell into step easily. I was taller than he was now but I still looked up to him. When Christian spoke you listened. Same with my father and my uncle Gio.

Three powerful men who had all married three amazing women and built an empire that one day I would be expected to help lead.

“So,” stepping out onto the deck, Christian paused. His eyes scanning the party preparations. “Your uncle is flying in today. Are you looking forward to seeing your cousins?”

“Sure.” Honestly I didn’t have anything against my cousins who lived in England. Gio’s three kids were cool enough but we weren’t close. “Be good to see them.” Only I didn’t sound so sure.

Christian side eyed me. “You know you and-“

I cut him off. “Yeah I know. We were born to lead and you guys expect us to step into those shoes soon.”

Slowly Christian turned to me. “As soon as you finish college yes.”

I swallowed hard. That wasn’t that far away. And I wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment. I wasn’t sure I would ever be ready.

“That freaks you out doesn’t it?”

Silently I nodded.

“Used to freak your mom out too. But it doesn’t have to be a prison. Uniting and building a powerful family is-“

“I know it’s important. Family is everything, am I right?”

Throwing back his head he laughed. “You got that right and one day you’ll start a family of your own.”

“Honestly I can’t see it ever happening.” I muttered. Out of the corner of my eye I saw his two children appear.

“Alec.” Turning from the older man I slapped the shoulder of his eldest child. Now this was a young man I was close to. Even though we were a few years apart we had grown up together.

“Good to see you Theo.” He slapped my shoulder hard. “How’s-“

Over his shoulder I saw her. Alice.

Fucking Alice.  With her bouncy blonde curls and dark eyes.

“Hey daddy.” Ignoring me completely she pressed her lips to her fathers cheek before turning to me. “Hey Theo, nice to see you again.”

I smiled but it barely met my eyes. It had been over a year since I had seen her and she had changed. Good god she had changed. All the thoughts I’d had earlier about never marrying evaporated. Alice was the kind of woman you married.

Christian cleared his throat, forcing my eyes back to his. “Family.” He said finally, like he could read my thoughts.

I nodded. Yes we were all family but we weren’t all related by blood. Not that I was going to mention that to the man they used to call the Judge. I liked my brain without a bullet in it.

“Yeah Family.” I muttered.

“She will marry for love.” He dropped his voice. “Nothing more. If you want a chance with her.” His eyes flashed. “When she has finished college then be the kind of man she will fall in love with. Be the kind of man I would be happy to see my baby girl with.”

I didn’t dare look at him. Instead I watched as Alice and her brother headed down the stairs arm in arm. It wasn’t my friends ass I was looking at though. It was his sisters.

“Be the kind of man, who can look after her.” He walked away to join his children.

“Theo.” My moms lips brushed against my cheek. “Are you coming down, Gio and Keely will be here in five and-“

“I’ll be right down mom.” I muttered but I knew she didn’t hear me as my dad flipped her over his shoulder and headed down to the lawn.

Gio would be here in seconds. And then we would all be together. All of the Families.

Or were we just one Family?

Really it didn’t matter anymore.

“Theo come on.”

I paused for just a second and then grinning I trotted down the stairs and into the destiny I had been fighting for so long.

“I’m coming.”

We were the Family. But our parents' time were almost over and it was the next generation's turn next.

I just hoped we could make them proud.