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I gently poked him. “You’re very lovable, husband, for a grizzly bear.”
“Laughing hurts,” he whined.
“I might have just the thing to make you feel better.”
He wriggled his eyebrows.
“Later, my love. First, I have something to tell you.”
His eyes scrunched.
I took his hand and put it on my abdomen. “Our first of four is on his way, Leviticus.”
His eyes were wide. “You’re pregnant?”
I nodded. “I think the term these days is we’re pregnant.”
“Wait. How do you know we’re having a boy?”
I shrugged. “Ask me tomorrow, and I’ll probably say we’re having a girl.”
EPILOGUE
TYPHON
September
Ilooked across the grassy aisle to my gorgeous wife, who stood with her fellow bridesmaids. According to the doctor, she was eight months pregnant, and it was perfectly safe for her and the baby to travel. I wasn’t entirely certain it was safe for me, given I worried over them constantly.
Her eyes met mine, and we both smiled. I’d never dreamed I could ever be so happy, and my darling El often told me the same thing.
I watched her giggle as a butterfly landed on her shoulder.
As if by magic, thousands of Monarch butterflies arrived on Fire Island in the last couple of days. Brand explained the phenomenon happened annually as they migrated from Canada to Mexico. It was the reason they’d planned their wedding at this time of year.
I was truly moved the night Brand asked me to stand up with him, and I was more so today as I fiddled with the wedding bands I kept in my pocket.
The music playing changed to the familiar wedding march, and we turned to watch as Penelope exited the cottage with her father on one side and her mother on the other. They both walked her down the aisle, kissed her cheeks, then took their seats.
From what I’d heard from Brand, that they’d come together to be here today for their daughter, was nothing short of miraculous.
I wished I could find a way to make that happen for Eliza. Perhaps the birth of their first grandson—the doctor had confirmed we were having a boy—would be the impetus for a happy reunion between El and her parents. It was a long shot, but if Brand could make it happened today for Pen, I had to at least try.
As was predicted, the girls all cried when the “last of the tribe was finally married,” as Tara said in her toast as matron of honor.
As the day wore on and the postnuptial celebration began winding down, Brand and I looked out at the ocean, enjoying a cigar.
“So, what’s next for you?” I asked. “Back to the spy game? Running your billion-dollar family business?”
He shook his head. “Painting.” He chuckled and met my gaze. “My own work this time around.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He’d told me about his inheritance from his father’s family and that it came with the expectation he’d take the helm in the next few years, and wondered what had happened with that.
“There’s my savior now,” said Brand.
I cocked my head when Tara approached.
“How have I saved you this time?” she asked.