Page 221 of Endgame

Everett

“Mommy, you’re sooo pretty,” Nia, our five-year-old, says, her voice full of awe.

“Thank you, baby.” Aurora’s arms are wedged between us.

My arms make sure she’s as close as I can get her.

Still, she manages to crane her elegant neck at our daughter, offering her one of her warmest smiles.

Even my soul thaws when she aims it at me.

“Mom, please, you don’t have to keep thanking her. She’s been saying it over and over since we left the house,” August pitches in.

At six years old, he’s more sarcastic than I would’ve liked.

But not as sarcastic ashewould’ve liked, I imagine. His lips twitch into a small smile as he helps his little sister throw the other end of the solar-powered fairy lights up and over my shoulders.

“August.” I look down at him, biting back a smile of my own. I’m never really upset with our children. Impossible, when I love them so much it hurts. “Apologize to your sister.”

“Fine, you’re right. Mommy’s always beautiful.” He hugs Nia, offering her his half-assed apology. Together, the two of them avoid—barely—the two white bouquets they left on the ground before the string lights mission started. “I’m sorry.”

“Aww,” Aurora whispers so only I can hear.

My beautiful bride rises onto her tiptoes.

I don’t wait for her to offer me any fucking thing. I lean in, capturing her mouth with mine.

Her red lipstick is smeared. Her gown is crumpled in my hands.

I’m grabbing her so tight, needing her so close, that the lace material of her corset is about to tear.

It will tear. Later, when we’re home. When we’re done with ourrealwedding, as we explained it to the kids.

That was my idea, by the way. Aurora has never gotten the ceremony that she deserves. I never had my family surrounding me like I do now, in this graveyard. With their tombstones at our feet.

Back then, our wedding was all wrong.

By the time my heart was in the right place and I wanted to make it right for her, the Clarkes’ trials started.

Then Aurora got pregnant the first and second time. Our entire focus was on our perfect children and us. Our family.

Together, we created two clever, gorgeous children. We’ve been wrapped up in them since.

Time flew, as it always does.

Now, we’re finally here.

Next to our family’s burial plot.

August, my best man, and I match in black tuxes.

Aurora is in an elegant white gown, her hair tumbling down her back.

Last but not least, Nia. My brilliant girl is wearing a glimmering blue dress that accentuates her blue eyes.

Speaking of ideas—being enveloped in fairy lights was hers. She’s obsessed with fairytales, with happy endings. With magic.

Can’t blame her for that.