Page 79 of Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists

The atmosphere in the room grew infectious. Rowan, with her big gray eyes, was doted upon by every crew member. Each biker and artist took their turn, gushing over her tiny fingers and soft coos. That kid had a way of charming even the hardest of hearts.

The hours rolled on, the party growing louder and more boisterous. Drinks flowed, stories from the good old days were shared, and there was a collective sense of relief in the air. Blackjack’s was back, and it was better than ever.

Somewhere in the midst of the festivities, Finn tapped me on the shoulder. “Hey,” he said, nodding upwards. “The guys and I wanted a word. Upstairs.”

Maddie took charge of Rowan and I followed Finn as he weaved through the crowd, Kai, Andrew, and James following suit. We emerged onto the roof, and the Miami skyline stretched out before us, the sun beginning its descent, painting the horizon in shades of orange and pink. I breathed in deeply, taking in the salt-laden air. It was quiet up on the roof and I took it all in, knowing that it was only a matter of time before the party spilled up there.

For the moment, however, it was just the five of us.

Kai stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Julia," he began, "From the moment you stepped into our lives, you've been a damn hurricane. Challenging us, loving us, fighting alongside us. I can't imagine my life without you."

Andrew took a step closer, "You've become the heart of our world, Jules. You’ve shown us what it means to be fearless, to tackle every obstacle head-on. I’ve seen some tough people in my life, but none as resilient as you."

Finn's gray eyes locked onto mine, his voice soft yet filled with emotion. "You've been my anchor, Julia. On the darkest days, your spirit, your drive, it's what pulled me through. I need you with me, always."

James approached last, holding a small velvet box. "Julia," he said, eyes glistening, "with you, I've found a home, a purpose. I’ve known love, true and deep. We all have. Together, we’re a team unlike any other. And so, on behalf of all of us," he opened the box, revealing a stunning ring, "Will you marry us?"

For a moment, everything stopped. The distant chatter from the party downstairs, the hum of the city, all faded into oblivion.

"Yes," I whispered, tears spilling over. "A million times, yes."

And as the sun set on Miami, painting the sky in a blaze of color, it marked the beginning of our new chapter, one filled with promise, love, and unbreakable bonds.

Epilogue II

Kai

Three years. That's how long it had taken us to move from the chaos of our past into a sparkling new future. And as I stood at the edge of the balcony of our massive, newly finished penthouse, the Miami skyline sprawled out in front of me like a shimmering tapestry of lights and dreams, I couldn't help but marvel at the journey.

Our new home was the embodiment of success and fresh starts. Spanning two stories, the living room was drenched in natural light, the floor-to-ceiling windows offering an uninterrupted view of the city. Every piece of furniture was chosen with care, an amalgamation of Julia's taste and ours, melding into an eclectic yet cohesive style.

There was an open kitchen with an island so vast it could seat all of us comfortably for breakfast. And then there were the bedrooms—each tailored to our personalities yet bearing a universal touch of sophistication. There was also plenty of room for Rowan to play.

Julia's laughter floated back to me, pulling me from my thoughts. She was looking radiant, her dress catching the Miami sunset in a myriad of colors. I couldn't help but smirk as I took in her proud stance.

"You do realize we're about to be invaded by an army of literary snobs, right?" I quipped, adjusting the cuffs of my tux.

She shot me a teasing look, her eyes twinkling in amusement. "Oh, baby, don't worry. All you have to do is flash those pearly whites, charm them with that brooding look, and you'll have the New York literary elite eating out of your hand."

I chuckled. "Are you implying my rugged charm won't be enough?"

She leaned in, her lips brushing against my ear. "A man who looks as good as you in a tux doesn't have to worry about a thing."

A comfortable silence enveloped us as we both took in the vast expanse of the city. Every light, every sound seemed to narrate a tale of our journey. From the dingy streets where we battled for survival to this lofty haven in the sky, we'd come a long way.

"This is it, isn't it?" I murmured, pulling her close. "From dodging bullets to dodging champagne corks. Quite the journey."

She nestled into my chest, her voice muffled but full of emotion. "It's our story, Kai. And thanks to you and the others, it has a happy ending."

I kissed the top of her head, my heart swelling with pride. Tonight wasn't just a celebration of Julia's book, it was a testament to our unwavering bond, our resilience, and our love.

Julia's eyes darted, her lips parting as if she was about to share a secret, but then, as swiftly as the impulse came, she shut her mouth. I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What's on your mind?"

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze distant. "I want to share something, but I think it would be better if all the guys were here."

I nodded, willing to give her the space she needed. "Alright, spill when you're ready."

The doors swished open, revealing the rest of our motley crew, dressed to the nines. "Damn, look at you guys," I teased, giving a whistle. "Who knew you all could clean up so well?"

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