Page 96 of Temptation and Tyranny

The smile that lit up her face was worth every grueling therapy session, every setback, every moment of frustration. She took the helmet, then surprised meby stretching up to kiss me softly.

“I’m proud of you,” she whispered against my lips.

Minutes later, we were winding along the coastal road, Allegra’s arms wrapped tight around my waist. The Mediterranean stretched out beside us, painted gold by the setting sun. My leg held steady, strong, as we leaned into each curve. No pain, no weakness—just freedom, speed, and the woman I loved holding onto me like she never wanted to let go.

Epilogue

Cooper

The scent of roasting turkey and cinnamon filled the air as I made my way down the stairs of Steele and Ashlynn’s Parisian estate. Christmas music played softly in the background, mingling with the sound of laughter and conversation from the living room. I paused at the bottom of the stairs, taking in the scene before me.

Allegra was perched comfortably on the arm of the sofa, deep in conversation with Ashlynn. My wife—the word still sent a thrill through me, even after six months of marriage—looked radiant in a deep green sweater dress. Bianca was curled next to her, sound asleep. I found myself growing as attached to Bianca as Allegra was—although I never would admit it. I had to have some pride left.

Colton and Steele were by the fireplace, each nursing a glass of whiskey as they discussed something in low voices.Probably me, I thought with a wry smile. Some things never changed.

And there, in the center of it all, was little Ember. Steele and Ashlynn’s three-month-old daughter rested on a plush blanket, surrounded by toys but more interested in the shiny wrapping paper of the presents under the nearby Christmas tree. Her chubby hands reached for a glittering bow as she rolled on to her back,a look of intense concentration on her tiny face.

As if sensing my gaze, Steele looked up, a smile breaking across his face. “There you are,” he said, crossing the room to clap me on the shoulder. “We were beginning to think you’d gotten lost up there.”

I chuckled, accepting the glass of whiskey he offered me. “Just making some last-minute calls. You know how it is.”

Steele raised an eyebrow. “Do I? I thought you were out of the game...”

“I am,” I assured him quickly. “Just tying up some last minute items with the wellness center. Making sure everything’s set for the new year. We’re going to be expanding.”

He nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Good. Now come on, dinner’s almost ready, and I think someone wants to say hello.”

I followed his eyes to where Ember was now making grabby hands in our direction, her blue eyes—so like Steele’s—wide and eager.

“Uncle Cooper!” Ashlynn called out, her voice warm with amusement. “I think it’s your turn for baby duty.”

With a mock groan that fooled no one, I made my way over to Ember. As I bent to pick her up, she let out a delighted squeal, her little arms flailing.

“Hey there, peanut,” I murmured, bouncing her gently. “You being good for your mom and dad?”

Ember responded by attempting to stuff my tie in her mouth, drooling happily. I couldn’t help but laugh, marveling at how natural it felt to hold her. There had been a time, not so long ago, when the thought of being around children—let alone holdingone—would have filled me with terror. But Ember had a way of melting even the toughest of hearts.

“She likes you,” Steele said softly, coming to stand beside me. The pride and love in his eyes as he looked at his daughter was almost palpable.

“What’s not to like?” I joked, but I felt a warmth spread through my chest at his words.

Steele chuckled, reaching out to smooth Ember’s wispy, dark curls. “You’re good with her, Cooper. Ever think about having one of your own?”

The question caught me off guard, and I glanced instinctively at Allegra. She was watching us with a soft smile, her gaze meeting mine across the room. “Maybe someday,” I said, surprised by how much I meant it.

Before Steele could respond, Ashlynn’s voice rang out from the dining room. “Dinner’s ready, everyone!”

There was a flurry of activity as we all made our way to the dining room. The table was a vision of holiday cheer, laden with dishes that made my mouth water just looking at them. As I settled Ember into her bouncer, positioned between Steele and Ashlynn, my eyes drifted to where my father sat quietly at the end of the table. The nurses from the care facility had helped him dress for the occasion—a festive sweater and pressed slacks that reminded me of holidays long past. Though his eyes were often distant now, today they seemed clearer, following the movement and laughter around him with careful attention.

“Would you like some turkey, Dad?” I asked, keeping my voice gentle. He nodded, a small but definite gesture that made my heart lift. It was a good day—he knew who we were, where he was. Those moments wereprecious now.

As we began to eat, the conversation flowed easily. Colton told us all about the law firm he recently joined, while Allegra shared updates on the wellness center, which had been thriving since its opening two months ago. Occasionally, Dad would smile at something someone said, and once he even chuckled at one of Colton’s jokes—a sound that made both my brother and me exchange quick, emotional glances. Steele and Ashlynn took turns feeding Ember, who slept on and off throughout the evening.

Watching them, I felt a pang of something I couldn’t quite identify. Longing, maybe? I pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the delicious food and the company around me.

After dinner, we gathered in the living room for the gift exchange. Ember, full and sleepy, dozed in Steele’s arms as we settled around the tree.

“Alright,” Ashlynn said, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Who wants to go first?”

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