Epilogue: Live, Laugh, Love

***1.5 years***

This was my favorite time of day. I’d started taking a lot of joy in the simple, yet peaceful quietness of sitting out on my patio first thing in the morning, with a warm cup of tea. It was my me time before the day really started. Sometimes these moments lasted longer than others. Today would be a short day as I heard wailing coming from the other side of the house. I welcomed the distraction because it meant I was going to keep busy instead of watching the clock.

“Good morning Graham.” His eager little arms reached out for me. 

Most days he was the first one up as if he knew he had to get the attention before his sisters woke. The only problem with that his crying usually woke up the other three. He was lucky this morning, his sisters seemed to be snoozing away still. After a quick diaper change, the two of us exited the room quietly.

“You hungry baby boy?”

“‘Ood, ‘ood,” he babbled happily in response.

“Yes, mommy will feed you. How about some banana nut oatmeal?”

I got him strapped into his chair before preparing his breakfast. The self-feeding stage was messy, especially when all four ate at the same time but it was all a part of the growing up thing. With each new milestone, I was a little sad at the fact these were my last babies, but at the same time I was relieved. They were getting older, doing more, which meant their personalities were starting to come through. They were all so very different, and even though they wore me out most days, I loved every minute.

“Are you excited to see sissy today?”

Graham frowned and shook his head. “No sissy!”

I laughed at his reaction. Most days they got along, but some days it did seem like the girls ganged up on him. If he had a toy that they wanted, they would just snatch it from him. Most times he didn’t even put up a fight. It’s like he already knew it was a lost cause. If they were like this now as toddlers I only imagined what the next few years had in store for me. I heard the beginning sounds of light talking coming from their room. The others were waking, my day was really about to take off.

Two hours later everyone was fed, dressed and happy. We were all having a good time in the play room when I heard the car pull into the driveway. I already had the door open before they got a chance to ring the bell.

“They will never be able to sneak out the house,” Finley said with a smile as she threw her arms around my neck.

“I’m sure they’ll still try. You did,” I returned. “Hi Zana dear. How are you?”

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Chapter 107-A Woman Scorned

The kids took the news of the engagement well. Bynni, Ceula, and Nina all kicked into wedding planner mode since Marcus insisted on us getting married before the babies were born. Since I was again carrying multiples, I was on limited activity restrictions. I wasn’t totally bedridden, unless it was left up to my soon to be husband. The wedding was planned at a small chapel in town. We had done the beach, and the house, so I hoped having it in a church this time would make a difference. I still worried but tried not to let Marcus know. We had planned it for after the triplet’s graduation and that day had arrived.

“Mom you look absolutely radiant!” Ceula exclaimed.

“Yes. I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy or Marcus, but you are glowing.” Bynni added with a smile.

“I’d say it’s probably more Marcus than the pregnancy because these kids are kicking your mom’s ass.”  I replied laughing.

Seconds later Jonathon and Finley walked in.

“Ugh I don’t like this thing.” He complained pulling at this bow tie.

“At least you don’t have to be in a dress.” Finley retorted scrunching up her nose.

Nina walked over to softly scold both of them. “Stop complaining you two. You look very handsome.” She said kissing him on the forehead.

“Ew mom, stop that!” he whined wiping of the lipstick

.

She just rolled her eyes before turning towards Finley “And you are the prettiest flower girl I’ve ever seen.”

“Yes you are.” I agreed.

I hadn’t seen Finley in a dress since she was a toddler. Once she got older she turned into quite the tomboy. I didn’t push and wanted her to become her own person. She didn’t know it, but I did pack her a change of clothes so she wouldn’t have to stay in the dress the whole time.

“Ok you two, it’s time, go get ready.” Nina said taking their hands. “I’ll send in Aric.”

“Actually tell him I need about ten minutes.” I replied.

“Mom?” Elphie asked looking concerned.

All four girls turned to look at me. “I’m ok. I just need a moment to myself.” I responded.

They gave me hugs then filed out of the room. I exited the side door that lead out the gardens. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in sight, an absolute perfect day to get married. Things were going well, my life was finally looking up, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread I carried with me. 

“Look at you.” 

 I turned when I heard her voice. Florence stood behind me with a scowl on her face and there was something off about her. She said some words I didn’t understand then gave me an evil smile.

“For me he postpone often, for you he wastes no time.”

“Florence, what are you doing here?”

“Came to offer congratulations.”

I looked past her towards the chapel, Aric would be looking for me soon. As angry as I was that she would just show up, I had to keep calm for the babies’ sake. She turned and looked towards the door as well then shrugged.

“They can look, but will not find. Just a simple cloaking spell. Gives us privacy.”

“Cloaking spell?” I asked confused with my uneasiness about her presence increasing.

Florence let out a wicked laugh before leveling her crazed gaze at me. “Marc no tell you. Naughty boy.” 

Her eyes lowered to my stomach for the first time making me instinctively wrap my arms around it for protection. “Well this will be more fun than I thought!”

Before I could say anything else everything went black.

Marcus POV

“What do you mean she’s gone?” I asked Aric failing in my attempts to keep calm. “Where the hell would she go?”

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Chapter 88-Making Amends

Mulo POV

“Why are you here?” Aric stood outside his house blocking the door way. He didn’t even give me a chance to knock.

“Is that anyway to greet your father?”

“Well I could punch you again.” I smiled remembering the right hook he caught me with the last time we saw each other. I was proud of how he defended his mother like a good son should.

"I like the new house. Grow tired of the beach?"

"No, Nina thought it was too large for just us and wanted something smaller, that felt more like a home. Mom rents out the beach house now. You haven’t answered my question.” The anger rolled off of him in waves. I hated that my actions caused this rift in our relationship, but now that I was back I wanted to make amends for the wrongs I made with him.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 88-Making Amends"

Chapter 87-Bygones

“Hey mom.” Aric said giving me a hug. He and Nina came over when I called telling them I needed to talk to them both. I took little Jonathan from him giving him a big hug. He was getting bigger and looking more and more like Aric every day.

“Where’s Finley?” Nina inquired. “I was hoping they could play a bit while we talked.”

“She stayed the night with Carter. He should be bringing her home in about an hour before his shift starts. Let’s go sit. I need to tell you something.” We walked into the living room. Nina sat John on the floor where some of Finley’s toys were before taking a seat next to Aric.

“Mom you seem upset. What’s going on?” Upset was an understatement. I barely got any sleep last night. I was haunted by the memory of seeing Finley face down in the pool. Knowing that my children had been so corrupted that they would stand by and let something happen to their sister broke my heart. I was also angry, so very angry over the fact that she just couldn’t leave me alone. I was doing what she asked yet it still wasn’t enough. Taking a deep breath I told them about how the triplets haven’t’ really gotten better explaining the near fatal incident with Finley.

“Is that why she’s not here?” Aric asked.

“Yes.”

Continue Reading: "Chapter 87-Bygones"