Page 192 of Tarek

“They are doing great.” My father and Miranda are keeping steady watch as the nurse cleans them up.

“I love you Persephone,” I tease.

She gives me a small sleepy smirk “I love you to Hades.”

In that moment, I think of my mom. I remember her calling me Hades as a kid. I sit, wishing that she could have been here to see her grand kids, to share in this. Maybe in a different time, in a different world she could’ve been the mother I needed.

The cries from my sons brings me back to the present, she may not have been a great mom, but I intend to be a great father and husband.

Epilogue

Penny

Adult time, that’s what my husband calls it. I still can’t believe we got “married” in my mother’s car. Tarek’s dad did really get ordained. We had some legal things to sign over the past couple of weeks. But we are legally married. I am Mrs. Tarek Fairisles. Just the thought of it makes me giggle.

Tonight, Tarek has arranged for our parents to take care of the boys. It’s been six weeks since we have been blessed with twin boys. Secretly I think Dereck wants some time alone with my mom. I caught her looking at him when she thought no one was watching. I want to hear about their history, the full story, not just the fragmented pieces. Maybe someday in the future, they may fall back in love, and they will tell us their story.

I sit on the edge of the bed, waiting as Tarek finishes a phone call in the closet. He’s pacing, talking quietly, wearing a grey Henley and a pair of black jeans that hugs all the right parts.

“You ready, wife?” he asks, grabbing his money clip and keys.

I extend my hand to him and with his help I get off the bed. I thought that after a baby your body snaps back instantly. Stupid girl, I am wearing a faja to tuck my belly in. I can hardly breathe but I got this.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“It’s a surprise. Do you trust me?” Tarek states.

“Always. Do you love me?” I ask.

“Now, forever and always.”

* * *

TAREK

I hope I’m doing the right thing. I blindfold Penny and drove to the airstrip. Miranda, my father, our children with our new nanny are already on board.

Parking the Mercedes in front of the private jet, I reach across the seat and untie the blindfold.

Penny blinks and looks around. “Um, Tarek, where are we?”

“Lakeshore private airport,” I reply.

She brushes her locs away from her face. “Why is there a plane here?”

“Because I am taking you to Greece, Crete.” I hold my brea. I pray for her excitement, and I am delighted when I see joy spread across her face. Then it drops.

“What about the boys?” she asks gripping the seat belt.

“Our parents, the boys and the nanny are on the plane. I booked us a private trip so we can see all of your mythological gods and heroes,” I reply and swallow.

She remains silent and bows her head. Shit, I fucked up.

“If you don’t want too?—”

“I adore you so much, Tarek Fairisles.” She unbuckles her seat belt and jumps on me. Peppering my face with kisses

I exhale.Thank God.

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