Epilouge

"Mommy, look!" William shouts across the yard. Turning around I see he has a snake. Grimacing I turn towards Carter whose laughing at something Greyson's showing him. Sighing I make my way over to the group at our house.

"Mom, tell him to quit chasing us with that!" Emma squeals hiding behind me.

"William, quit tormenting the girls." I sigh pursing my lips as he lets the snake go and pouts.

"Hard to believe they're six already." Carter says behind me. I lean into him smiling.

"No, it's hard to believe my first baby is almost a teenager."

"Good thing we got a village." He murmurs wrapping his arms around my waist. Nodding in agreement I turn to my family.

Looking around I feel at peace with my life. I married a great man, I am surrounded by great people. The only thing missing is dad.

I see a lot of him in Ang though, especially as she gets older. Kai agrees wholeheartedly.

My life took many wrong turns, I chose the wrong kind of love too many times. And when I gave up love found me. The right kind.

Looking back, I wonder if any of this would be the same if I changed one thing back then.

"What are you thinkin about?" Carter murmurs making me smile.

"How I wish I found you sooner and loved you longer." I state turning around in his arms to kiss him.

"The things you say to me." He smiles kissing me deeply. Greyson hoots and my kids gag making us all laugh.

"Can we have cake now?" Ang asks from the doorway with her hands on her hips.

"Can you say please?" Kai teases making her smirk.

"Please?" She says.

"Alright fine." I sigh stepping away from Carter and following her inside to cut it. I feel her eyes on me, so I look at her. "What?"

"I love you mom." She says hugging me.

"I love you baby." I say hugging her back.

Shaking my head when she retreats outside, I start plating up the cake and passing it out.

I know she has nightmares sometimes about me dying. On those nights she crawls into our bed, and we hold her until she falls asleep.

Other nights the twins are in our bed because they want to be. I don't complain, life is too short. They grow up and out and then all we have are the memories.

Watching my family through the door I sigh in content. Knowing that no matter what it is, everything happens for a reason.

Greyson catches my eye and cocks his brow. Smiling I make my way over to him and sit down on his lap while Roman tells us all about the baby they're about to adopt next week.

Feeling eyes on me I look up and see Carter smiling at me.

'I love you.' He mouths.

'I love you back.' I grin turning back to my friends.

THE END