Page 95 of Sin and Deception

"That's not funny," Theo huffed, setting Hayes down next to Charis in his crib.

But I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of two grown men exhausted by two tiny babies, needing a nap themselves.

"You’re going to pay for that," Theo said with half-seriousness. "And you need to keep your voice down, or you'll wake the boys."

My heart raced at the warning. "Um, I have an early morning tomorrow."

Xander shook his head, a sly grin spreading across his lips as he approached me. "You know the rules. You must face the consequences of your actions."

Suddenly, I realized I had backed myself against a wall instead of moving toward the door that led to the adjoining living room. I tried to find a way around them, but Xander blocked my view.

“How about a rain check?"

Theo stepped closer, a mischievous glint in his gray eyes. "We don't accept IOUs."

"So, what do you accept?" I asked nervously, feeling a blend of anticipation and fear.

"You'll find out soon enough," Xander said mysteriously. "Now, make your way into our bedroom and take off your clothes."

Epilogue – Chapter

XANDER

“Where the hell are you?"

Theo’s message flashed on my phone, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

I craved a moment of solitude before the ceremony.

Nerine had confined us to a distant wing of the estate, ensuring we wouldn’t cross paths before the wedding.

Even though I wouldn’t have my name listed on the marriage certificate, and I’d be the one marrying Theo and Nerine, it felt like I was getting married to both of them myself.

I wasn’t nervous. I wasn’t anxious.

I felt completely at ease with our plans for today. They seemed long overdue.

Theo and I should have acted much sooner to marryour angel, but the chaos with our enemies delayed us. Now that we’d overcome the worst, it was time to move forward.

I was more than ready. As I adjusted my tie, I noticed the tension I had held for years was finally dissipating. Today, I felt genuine unrestrained happiness in my heart.

The dark, empty space I had drowned in during Nerine’s absence was finally filled by her light and healed by her love. I reflected on the turmoil I had faced—the sleepless nights consumed by anger and alcohol that I had wasted, overwhelmed by worry and distress, haunted by countless unanswered questions that tormented me endlessly.

I didn’t know whether Nerine was alive or dead. Then she returned, alive and well, with our boys. It felt as though all my prayers had been answered.

Yet, I hadn’t prayed—not once. Not in my darkest hour. Instead, I had raged and cursed at God, even threatening to harm those I thought God might care about.

But in the end, all I did was hurt myself. And yet, here I was, slipping into my tuxedo jacket, the loves of my life waiting for me at the altar. I combed my hair again, adjusted my tie in the mirror, and stared myself in the eye.

A movement in the reflection drew my attention, and I turned just in time to witness the door behind me swing open. This additional bedroom led to a small private terrace through that door, which provided access to the rear of the estate grounds.

I felt at ease.

Happy.

Smiling.

And when I turned, I expected to see Theo—or possibly my future mother-in-law.

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