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“Did he admit he was planning to?”
“Yes, and he said his spitfire daughter came over and set him straight.”
“Huh. I wonder why he’d say that.”
He tugs me into his chest, holding me close. “Thank you, agápi mou. Every day you do something to make my life even better.”
“I had to do something. I couldn’t let you be traded because of me. I’d never forgive myself if you were.”
“That won’t be a problem now. I hope you won’t regret your decision. What if you get sick of me?” He grins.
“As if I could.”
“I’m so proud of you, Evie. Not only did you stand up to your dad but he backed down. That’s fucking impressive. I know what a hard-headed man he is.”
“I’m so glad we don’t have to worry about being separated. I can’t imagine living without you as a constant in my life,” I say.
“You don’t need to imagine it. I’m here to stay. You and I are as permanent as the ink on my body. You’re a part of me, and that’s never going to change.”
EPILOGUE
DARIUS
I finish tyingballoons with “Happy Birthday” written on them to the posts on the front porch and the chair backs. There’s a long sign made of giant purple and pink block letters on my front lawn that says “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TILLIE.” I even had a bandana made for Brutus that has pictures of the two of them all over it.
I glance at my watch and realize I’m running behind. Evie and Tillie should be here any moment now. “Are you ready to see Tillie? Are you going to give her a birthday kiss?” I ask Brutus.
Evie’s car pulls into the driveway and my girls get out.
“Mom.” Tillie bounces on her toes, pointing. “Look at the sign.”
“Wow. That’s so cool,” Evie says.
“Happy Birthday, Tillie!” I shout.
She runs over to me and I scoop her into my arms for a hug. “Thank you, Dar. I love my sign.” I set her down, and Brutus wanders over for some attention like it’s his birthday and not hers.
“I’m glad. Eight’s a big birthday. How do you feel?”
“Awesome!” She runs off with Brutus.
I meet Evie as she steps onto the front porch and I press a kiss to her upturned lips. I smile down at her. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself. It looks like you’ve been busy.” Her eyes scan the tables and chairs set up on my front lawn under a large white tent.
“Maybe a little. Wait until you see the backyard.”
“Oh geez. Should I be worried?”
“Nope. But just a little warning, Tillie’s going to lose her shit when she sees it.”
“I hope you didn’t do anything extravagant.”
“Nope. Not at all.” I wink. “Before everyone comes over I have a surprise inside the house I want to show both of you.”
Her blue orbs are filled with questions but all she says is, “Okay.”
“Hey, Tillie. Can you come inside for a minute? I have a surprise for you,” I shout to her.
