I nod, encouraging him to continue.
"I want to go back to the band," he says, watching my features for any sign of rejection. "No more endless tours, though. I want to be here, with you and Liam. I was thinking maybe we could set up a home studio and do more local gigs or shows in the surrounding states."
“That would be perfect, but are you sure that’s what you want?”
Evan nods, then cocks his head to the side. "And you?" he asks. "What do you want?"
This isn’t something I’ve talked to him about, wanting to focus more on his recovery than my future, but now’s as good a time as any to tell him where my head is at.
"I love being a bodyguard,” I say while gently squeezing the fingers threaded through mine. I'm thinking of starting my own security consulting firm—something that lets me be home more."
He squeezes my hand back reassuringly, grinning at me while nodding. "I think you'd be amazing at that."
We sit in comfortable silence for a while, the porch swing creaking gently.
"Oh," Evan says, breaking the silence. "Brent called earlier. Mack's pleading guilty. He'll be away for a long time."
"Good. We can finally move on."
As if on cue, Evan’s phone buzzes, and he glances at the screen before lifting it up for me to see.
It's a text from Carmen: Meeting tomorrow to discuss the band's future. 10 AM. Don't be late.
"You know," he says before clearing his throat. "There's something else I've been thinking about."
I look at him curiously, and he tugs my hand closer to his.
"Mia, these past few weeks have shown me how precious life is, and how much you and Liam mean to me. I don't want to waste another moment." He pauses, taking a few deep breaths for what comes next. "I know this might seem fast, but—"
"Yes," I interrupt.
He blinks, surprised, and smiles. "I haven't asked anything yet."
"The answer's still yes, Evan. Whatever the question is, it's yes."
I’ve got a pretty good idea of the question, and I want nothing more than to create a future with him by my side.
My heart soars as he pulls me close, our lips meeting in a kiss that feels like a promise of forever.
As we break apart, Evan rests his forehead against mine. "I love you, Mia."
"I love you too, Evan," I whisper back.
And in that moment, I know that whatever challenges come our way, we'll face them together. Our story is just beginning.
Epilogue
One Year Later
MIA
As I push through our front door, arms laden with bags, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. A year ago, I was guarding Evan's life while hiding our son's existence. Now, here we are, married and expecting our second child. The journey hasn't been easy, but every struggle was worth it to get to this moment
Julia is laughing with Mallory, her best friend, and Brent’s sister, but her attention falls onto me immediately. “Mia, you could’ve asked for help,” she says with a chuckle while making her way over to me.
I drop the bags onto the floor, then walk toward our kitchen and place the large cake on the counter. “It isn’t a big deal. I’m pregnant, and a few bags won’t hurt me.”
Mallory scoffs. “I think it would do you good to make sure your husbands know that.”