Page 75 of Make You Mine

As he pulls away, I press another quick kiss to his cheek. “Come on, let’s get cleaned up,” I say, finding a washcloth in one of the drawers as he adjusts my dress back into place.

“Yeah, I'm sure they’re wondering where we snuck off to.” He chuckles.

“I think they’ve been around us enough to know what we’ve been up to.” I laugh as Trent zips himself back into his pants, then buckles his belt.

“You’re insatiable. I had to make sure my baby was taken care of, that’s all.” His face is sporting that cocky smirk I love, and I shake my head.

“Mmhmm. Like you’re not just as insatiable.” I quirk my eyebrow, and he steps closer, cupping my face in his hands.

“Always when it comes to you, Doll. Always.”

Epilogue

5 Years Later

The curtain closes, and we all stand to applaud. It's a euphoric feeling, hearing the whistles and cheers ring out around us. Trent squeezes my hand while my mom grips my arm from the other side, my brother next to her. Pride beams from their faces.

Tonight is the opening night of my first costume designs for an off-Broadway show. To say I’m over the moon would be an understatement. To see my ideas come to life on stage is surreal and a memory I will never forget.

Trent leans into me so I can hear him over the crowd. “Next stop…Broadway.”

Smiling, I slap him away teasingly.

“Let’s get through the two contracts I have and see what happens.” With a blush probably staining my cheeks, I turn away. Designing for a Broadway show has always been a dream of mine. Thanks to constant support and encouragement from Trent, I started designing again and sought out dreams of my own. Ones I never thought I'd be able to achieve.

It's amazing how drastically your life can change in just a few short years. I try not to dwell on my past, but occasionally, it creeps back in. Thankfully, my family is around to help me out of any dark places.

I could never thank Trent enough for always pushing me toward the things that bring me the most joy, for being by my side as we build our future after leaving our past behind us. But even more than that, he gave me the three sweetest gifts and my absolute greatest accomplishments.

Our three babies.

The minute our first son was born, Trent looked at me, tears shining in his eyes, and said, “You know what his name has to be, right?”

Phoenix.Because he rose from the ashes with us.

When our second child, our wild child, came along, we wanted his name to connect with Nori Beach, our safe haven, where we are the proud owners of a little oceanfront slice of heaven. So, we named him Beau, after the city next to our favorite place, Beaufort.

We welcomed our sweet baby girl to our rambunctious crew just a few months ago. Trent picked out her name, too. Luna, in honor of the many nights the moon gave us solace when we were apart.

Trent is an amazing father, one who does anything and everything he can to ensure we’re all happy and healthy.

“I'm so beyond proud of you,” Mom says, as Micah reaches across her for a hug.

“Thank you both for coming.”

Over the past few years, we have all worked very hard to repair our relationship with one another. My mother has beenmore present in our lives, whether it’s Sunday dinners or just coming to spend time with us. Not to mention what a help she’s been with the kids. She’s more than willing to watch them whenever we need some extra help.That reminds me...

“We’re still good for next Friday night, mom?” I whisper into her ear, not wanting to clue Trent in on the plans.

“Yes, of course. I’ll be over around five and stay the night.” She winks.

I take the last sip of my drink while I wait for my guest from the corner of the bar, my eyes on the elevator doors.

“Would you like another?” the bartender asks as she takes away my empty.

“Yes, please.”

The bar area is getting full, with people from all walks of life floating in and out of the rooftop bar. Hotel Luxure and its rooftop have come to hold a special meaning to Trent and my relationship.

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