Page 23 of Naked Truth

Epilogue

Raoul

~ 6 years later~

“The great protectorkept the family safe, secure, but still was lonely, for he had no one to share in his success. Victory after victory, he’d save the ones he swore to protect, but who would save him?” Dom Hernandez sits in his chair on the terrace, a captivated audience of three wide-eyed children at his feet while the newest member of the family is tucked safely in his arms. “Then, one day during a grand party, a woman appears. She is not just any woman, mis hijos. She is life itself, more beautiful than you can imagine.”

“Grandpa,” Raoul Jr. whines and rolls his eyes. My oldest still feels girls have cooties and for now, I’m perfectly fine with RJ thinking that. He’ll change his mind soon enough.

“I only speak the truth,” Dom Hernandez defends himself against the five-year-old.

“I like how you describe her.” Raphael widens his large, dark eyes. He’s definitely the romantic of the children.

“More!” Diego sits in his brother’s lap and eagerly encourages his great-grandfather to keep going.

Grandfather Dom glances at the tiny little boy in his arms and kisses his head. “My little Dominic wants to hear more, too.” He clears his throat and continues. “Well, when the great protector sees her for the first time, it’s like fireworks light up the night sky. They meet, they dance, they fall in love.”

“Ewww,” RJ groans and covers his face with his hands while Raphael claps. Diego claps along, although I’m sure he doesn’t understand why.

“And then what?” Raphael asks.

“And then,” I step in and scoop up both Raphael and Diego with arm, RJ with the other. “The great protector marries her, of course. She becomes a wife, a mother, and to this day is still the love of his life.”

RJ squirms to be let down. “I like the stories that have fights, not love.” He makes a face.

“All the best stories end in love, my son.” I ruffle his hair.

“Papa,” he whines and moves out of my reach. “Can we play in the pool now? You promised.”

“I’ve got them,” Dom Hernandez volunteers. “You find Valentina, see what’s keeping her.”

He doesn’t have to ask me twice. I nod and turn to walk into the house when my employer’s voice stops me. “Raoul?”

“Sir?”

“You’ve proven yourself as more than a son to me. It is time we begin to discuss what it means when I retire. As my granddaughter’s husband, it is your right to take your place at my side.”

I’m shocked, and beyond honored. Never in my life did I ever expect Dom Hernandez to consider me a successor to such a powerful position. “Yes, sir.”

“Go. Find your wife.” He grins knowingly and glances at the children dancing around his feet and the one smiling up at him in his arms. “And while I’m thinking of it, I wouldn’t mind another great-grandchild. Perhaps a girl this time?”

I wouldn’t mind creating another child for him to adore, either. Seeing my woman’s beautiful body ripe and round with my child growing inside her is a sight I’ll never grow tired of seeing. I rush off, calling for her until I hear her respond, so I hurry into one of the art rooms to find her leaning over a small vase, a thin paintbrush in her hands. It’s something she’s picked up lately, creating beautiful artwork like her tía.

“What has my love created today?” I move in behind her and wrap my arms around her, nuzzling her neck.

“It’s a silly little trinket,” she replies and sets the brush aside. “My tía had amazing talent. Clearly, that talent didn’t pass on to me. I can’t create anything as beautiful as she did.”

“Al contrario, mi amor.” I lay my hands on her tummy. “You’ve created four beautiful sons for me. There is nothing more amazing than the miracle you give me every time we have a child.” I pull her to her feet and turn her to face me. “Tell me what I can do to repay you for everything you’ve ever given me, little bird.”

She snakes her hands around my waist. “It just so happens…I have an idea.”

“And that is?” I love the sudden, wicked dance in her gaze.

“Let’s see,” she purrs and kisses the corner of my lips. “We have Raoul Jr, Raphael, Diego, and Dominic. But what we don’t have,” she pauses to kiss the other corner, “is a little girl. I want a Camila.”

And I want to give her a Camila. “Then come, my little bird. Let’s see if we can make that happen.” I take her hand and lead her to our brightly colored bedroom, shutting the door behind us.

* * *

THE END!

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