Page 100 of Sighs By the Sea

“You’re always laughing,” he complains, crawling into my lap.

I click my tongue. “Sorry, baby. Is it too loud? Your dad is just too funny sometimes.” I shoot Grayson a wink, and his face flushes, a light pink dusting his cheeks. “But hey, wanna hear something cool?” I glance at Grayson, who grins and nods. “I’m gonna marry your daddy.”

George spins around, his eyes wide with surprise. “Married? Like you’re my mom?”

“Yes, your second mom,” I correct gently. George has FaceTimed with Suze a few times, and he knows his real mom is sick. I won’t be taking her place—not now or ever. Suze will always be George’s mother, whether the papers say it or not.

George's face lights up with joy before he stifles a yawn, his eyelids drooping. “Do I call you second mom?”

I pull him closer and kiss the top of his head, the soft scent of his shampoo tickling my nose. “Call me whatever you want, baby.”

In that moment, an overwhelming sense of happiness washes over me, like sunlight breaking through clouds. The journey we’ve been on, with all its challenges and dangers, has led us here. Don is in solitary confinement, providing us with a sense of security, while Suze is getting the help she needs. But here, in our home, with Grayson and George, I feel a peace I’ve never known.

As we settle into the comfort of our family, my heart is full. I look at the ring on my finger, then at Grayson, and finally at George, who is already drifting back to sleep against my chest, his breaths even and slow. I realize that this is where I belong, with my new family, ready to embark on this new chapter of our lives together.

Maggie

Epilogue - Six Months Later

Grayson stands beside me at Henrietta’s house, looking dashing in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, while I feel radiant in my wedding dress. The ceremony was small but deeply meaningful, with laughter and joy spreading across the lush green yard of Henrietta’s La Jolla home. The sound of waves crashing in the background provided the perfect soundtrack for our special day.

My new nephews, dressed in tiny suits, dart around the yard, Nerf guns in hand. I’m not sure who armed them, but they’ve made it their mission to shoot everyone in attendance. Henrietta’s dog, Murphy, sporting a black bow tie, chases after them, his tail wagging as he revels in the chaos.

I sit at a table, sipping champagne, the bubbles tickling my nose as I watch everything unfold. After a few minutes, Tommy drops into the seat next to me, the plastic chair creaking under his weight.

“Hey, cuz,” he says, smiling, though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Congrats again.” He downs what I think is scotch, the sharp scent of alcohol wafting between us.

“You’ve told me that about ten times tonight.”

“Getting married is a big deal. An achievement,” he says with a hint of bitterness.

I glance across the yard, where Tilly is laughing with Sam. I frown slightly, knowing how much she resists marriage.

“Tommy, come on,” I say, rolling my eyes with a soft laugh.

“What?” he asks, his brow furrowing. He has the cutest little frown. The man can’t look stern or mean—it’s like watching a puppy try to be fierce with a kitten.

Setting down my champagne flute, I lean closer to him, the crisp fabric of my dress rustling. “You have twins together. You travel the world with her and them, surfing and winning. Who cares about a little slip of paper?”

He scoffs, the sound mingling with the distant crash of the ocean. “Says you. You have the stupid thing.” He grabs my drink and downs that too, setting the glass down with a decisive clink.

Shaking my head, I grab his hand and pull him to his feet, the chair scraping across the patio. “Come dance with the bride.”

He tries to resist, but he’s had a bit to drink, so it’s easy to persuade him. I wrap my arms around his neck, swaying to the soft music drifting over the yard. “Tell me something fun.”

His eyes go unfocused as we sway before a broad grin spreads across his face. “Oh, shit!” He smacks his forehead, looking mischievous. Leaning closer, his scotch-laced breath invades my personal space. “Your ‘bro of honor’ was making out with my mother in the kitchen.”

“No!” I yell, causing several dancers to glance our way. Instead of having a maid of honor, I’d asked Harry to stand beside me.

“Oh yeah, he had a handful of her ass.” He giggles, then frowns. “I told them to get a room, and my Ma says—and I quote—‘We plan to.’”

I burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the air. “That’s my mother!” Tommy protests.

There’s a tap on my shoulder, and I let go of Tommy to spin around, expecting Grayson to ask to cut in. Instead, I see my cousin Jade, smiling sheepishly. “Hey, Mrs. Parker.”

I throw my arms around her, the soft fabric of my dress crinkling between us. I knew she was coming and had seen her sitting with her date. “Jade!” I squeal. Maybe I’ve had a bit more champagne than I realized. She giggles with me. “I can’t believe you’re married first,” she teases, playfully slapping my arm, her eyes twinkling.

Looking around, I spot her date—a handsome man in a fantastically tailored tux, his hair styled to perfection. “You never know, you might be next.” I wiggle my eyebrows, teasing.

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