Epilogue
Finn
Two Months Later . . .
After marrying Olivia, I took her on a three-week honeymoon down in the Bahamas. For the most part, my wife stayed in a skimpy bikini the entire time and it was thebestpart of the trip. Best part besides the sex.
Olivia asked me about my brother once after we arrived in the Bahamas, wanting to know if I was okay with ending my brother’s life. I took her in my arms and told her if it meant his life or hers, I wouldalwayschoose hers. My brother died years ago, and I selfishly didn’t want to kill the memory of him yet. It was a hard thing to explain, the dynamic of our relationship and all, but I think Olivia understood.
Every day since Olivia became mine and she accepted her place in my life, it’s been blissful. She even comes to the office with me several times a week just to find something to do. Olivia befriended Dallas, and at least three times a week, the two of them go to lunch together. Mainly when I have meetings. Whenever I don’t, I make sure to tag along with the two ladies.
Since she lives in Corpus Christi with me, I make sure Olivia gets back to New Orleans whenever she wants. She’s close with all of her brothers and sisters, and I don’t want to drive a wedge between them. I don’t ever want her to think I’ll keep her from her family. Not if I can help it.
The other day, I spoke with my cousin, Ezekiel, after not seeing him since we were kids. My aunt and uncle had died when he and his sister were small, and my father never took them in. Instead, they went into foster care. Ezekiel had gone into the military when he could and afterward ended up working for some security company in Virginia. He told me his sister started dating someone who would eventually need me to agree to a marriage if it goes the way he thinks it will. He also told me what my cousin endured, and knowing what my own wife went through, I have no problem with this decision. Especially considering I know who the man is and think of him as a friend.
“What are you thinking of?” Olivia murmurs quietly, placing her hand on my thigh under the table.
I inwardly shake my head and meet her gaze with a grin. We came to New Orleans for the weekend. Though we stay at my place in Port Sulphur when we’re here, we spend a lot of time here in the city.
Tonight we’re having dinner with Félix, Madelaine, Nicholas, and Rémy at Fournier’s, the restaurant they partially own.
“I’m not thinking of anything good to speak about with two of your brothers sitting at the table with us,” I murmur loud enough for only her to hear me.
Olivia giggles and shakes her head. She knows just how much I love being inside her. Just yesterday, while at my office, I took her on my desk, on the couch, and in the en suite bathroom. When it comes to her, I’m insatiable.
The rest of dinner flies through dessert.
“I have something to tell you,” she whispers.
“What is it?” I ask, giving her my full attention.
“I’m pregnant.” My chest tightens and my throat feels like it’s being squeezed.
“Are you sure?” This is something I’ve thought about since I first made the decision she’s the one I wanted out of all of the DeLancy sisters.
“Yes, I went to the doctor this morning while you and Félix were meeting,” she says, pulling her clutch purse to her and opens it. Olivia pulls something out and hands it to me.
I take it from her hand. My own hands are shaking as I look at what she’d given me. There in my hands is the proof of my child. Olivia’s and my child.
Lifting my gaze from the picture, I meet hers. “Thank you,” I whisper, not worried about anyone seeing as I pull her into my arms and kissing the daylights out of her.
Breaking my mouth from hers, I press my forehead to hers. “Love you, Olivia DeLancy Brisbane.”
“Love you, too, Finn Brisbane,” she murmurs quietly.
“Can you two quit the gushy shit? You’re making me want to puke,” Rémy grumbles.
I shake my head chuckling, and let Olivia sit back in her seat but pull her closer to me.
“It’ll be your turn soon enough,” Madelaine giggles.
“Not fuckin’ likely,” he snorts. “Anyway, I need to get to Diamond Dancers. The new dancer starts soon, and I want to make sure the schedule is ready.”
“We have to get back to the house soon ourselves,” Félix says, standing from his chair to help Madelaine up. The moment she’s standing, my friend brings his woman into his arms and holds her close. You can see in the protective way he holds her to him that she means the world to him.
Standing, I do the same with Olivia only as I hold her to my side, I place a hand on her stomach.
Nicholas, like Rémy, makes gagging noises while we all make our way out of the restaurant onto the sidewalk.