Page 156 of Mark & Don't Tell

“Yes.” There’s no question about it. “He’s amazing. They all are.”

She smiles. “Then, there’s only one thing left to say.”

Letti nods and opens her arms. “Congratulations!”

I glance at my dads, but now that the initial shock has worn off, they’re all grinning. “You’re not bothered?”

“Why would we be bothered?” Brock asks. “My daughter has a good pack to take care of her. That’s all we’ve ever wanted for you.”

“It’s a little unusual, given that Letti is our mate, but if you all are happy, so are we,” Nico says.

“And—oh shit!” Henry shouts as the water boils over, sizzling against the electric cooktop. He frantically stirs the water.

“Turn it down,” Letti says, rushing over to help.

“I can’t watch,” Alma says, shaking her head and slowly making her way back to the living room.

And just like that, it’s over. Marco tugs me out of Letti’s way, and we head after Alma. My dads stop my pack. I glance over my shoulder, expecting the worst, but they simply congratulate them and shake hands. It’s all so normal.

“That was so awkward,” Marco whispers.

“Yup,” I say with a shake of my head. “What’s ’rizz?”

“Great. I’m surrounded by old people,” he mutters.

I elbow him. “Watch it.”

We sit on the couch, talking to Alma about life and how Marco is doing in school. The longer she pays attention, truly listening and caring, the more animated he grows. This is what Marco’s life should have always been like. Full of love.

I can’t change the past, but I can help shape his future.

Vic, Kai, and Linc join us. Vic sits at my feet, resting his back against my legs. Linc plops down beside Marco and ruffles his hair. Kai perches on the arm of the couch next to me, linking his fingers with mine.

And as for me? Yeah, I think I’ll be just fine.

THE END.

Epilogue

TWO YEARS LATER

DARIA

There are so many ornaments, it makes my heart happy. Growing up, we had a few varieties, but my pack went over the top, getting every color, shape, type, and then some. The guys cut down a tree with Marco, and while I hate how much we’ve had to clean up after the pine needles, the fresh woodsy scent is unbeatable.

This might be my favorite Christmas yet.

“You can’t put the green one there, you already have one right there,” Marco says, taking the decoration from the branch I placed it on. “Who taught you how to decorate a tree?”

I roll my eyes. “It doesn’t have to be perfect.”

Marco gives me a look. “Placement matters, Daria.”

“Are you lecturing me right now?”

“Yes.”

Shaking my head, I grab a red one and hold it up, waiting for his instruction.

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