Page 58 of Modern Romance July 2025 #4-8

EPILOGUE

T HEO HAD KEPT TJ’s first birthday present a secret from even Rebecca, as it doubled as a present for her, as well.

Theo sent James a text that they were ready for the unveiling as he surveyed the little beach party.

TJ and his uncle, Atlas Juno, otherwise known as AJ, crawling about on the big blanket, while Rebecca and Ariana watched them.

Atlas and Sharon stood off to the side, discussing something or another.

Perhaps in a strange twist of fate and timing, Theo and Atlas were learning how to be good fathers side by side, and in doing so, repairing some of what remained broken between them.

Theo chose to believe in that hope, day after day. Especially when Ariana had asked if they, too, could move to the island. Ensuring that TJ always had his uncle as playmate, and that family permeated everything they did.

The Murphys visited often, and Theo and Rebecca had taken TJ to Ireland just last month. They would travel there more frequently once he was older, Theo was sure.

James was the one who’d picked out the horse for him and been in charge of transporting the beast to the island and keeping him occupied this morning until it was time for the party.

He appeared now, so Theo knelt next to Rebecca and picked TJ up and settled him so he could see the horse coming. “Here is your present coming for you.”

Rebecca frowned a little, turned her head, then her expression went fully slack. Before tears filled her eyes and she looked at him. “Theo…”

“It is a present for you both, I think. Come, take our son for a ride.”

She brushed away tears and let him help her to her feet with his free hand. As a family, they walked over to the horse.

James helped with a knee so Rebecca could get on the horse, then Theo handed TJ up to her, and she settled him between her legs. TJ squealed in delight, even louder as Rebecca urged the pony into a trot.

After a little jaunt up and down the beach, she switched TJ for AJ and gave him a ride, as well. It was easy to see both boys had fallen in love, and Rebecca was exactly where she belonged.

Atlas boomed out a laugh with James, while Ariana and Sharon sat in the sand with TJ. Rebecca beamed on the back of a horse, with her baby brother-in-law in her lap.

Because they were a family. Not perfect. Not right .

And somehow exactly perfect. Exactly right.

Because if there was love, everything was perfectly right.