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“Mad?” She chuckles, pulling back to look me in the eyes. “Jani lost her mind years ago. I want to say I’m surprised, but the truth is, I’m not. I feel bad for the choices she made, the mistakes. It never should have come to this. I’m so sorry for what she put you through,” she says, apologizing to me.
Shock ripples through me. “I’m sorry I killed your cousin.”
Her lips tick up into a crooked smile. “Don’t worry about it.”
This is one of the strangest moments I’ve ever experienced. “Okay,” I mutter, unsure what else to say.
A throat clearing draws my attention away. Desmond leans on the counter with a file before him. He catches my eye and nods, his expression serious yet warm. “Charlotte, we’ve been through a lot, haven’t we?”
The gravity in his tone immediately draws me in. “Yeah, I guess we have.”
He smiles gently, his eyes holding a depth of understanding. “You’ve been an essential part of this community, always willing to extend a helping hand. It’s time we repay that kindness.”
My curiosity piqued, I look at him intently, uncertain of what he’s about to reveal, especially as Matty and Lyric move to flank him.
Desmond continues, “The diner has been a cherished establishment in this town for generations. It’s been a place of gathering, of warmth, and of family. It’s not just a business, it’s a part of our community’s heart and soul.”
Tatum, still standing beside me, nods in agreement, her expression reflecting the sentiment Desmond is conveying.
He takes a deep breath, as if steeling himself for what he’s about to say. “That’s why, Charlotte, we want to give the diner to you.”
I’m taken aback, my mind racing to comprehend what he just said. “What? But, Desmond, I can’t—”
He holds up a hand, cutting off my protest. “You’ve already become an integral part of this place, Charlotte. You’ve become an integral part of my life.” He pauses to look at the men on either side of him. “Our life. It’s only fitting that you officially take the reins. We’ve talked to the necessary parties, and the legalities are being sorted out. Consider it a gesture of appreciation for all that you’ve done for us.”
My heart swells with emotion, and I’m lost for words. Tatum’s eyes shimmer with excitement, clearly thrilled by the idea. It’s an incredible honor, a gift beyond measure. The weight of the responsibility and the love I feel is immeasurable.
Desmond smiles again, but this time, it’s warmer and filled with encouragement. “You have a great support system here, and I know you’ll continue to make this diner a place where everyone feels at home.”
My gratitude spills over, and I nod, finding my voice. “Thank you, Desmond. This means more to me than I can express.”
“You’ve earned it, Charlotte,” Desmond says, his eyes conveying a thousand different meanings with that single statement.
As the reality of this gift and our love for each other sinks in, I feel a newfound determination. I will honor this establishment, its history, and the people who have become my family. The weight of the responsibility feels like a purpose I’ve been searching for, and sharing it with Desmond, Lyric, and Matty, the loves of my life, makes it all the more meaningful.
Tatum squeezes my hand, sharing in the joy of this moment. “This is perfect for you. You’ve already been running it.”
Desmond offers me a reassuring smile. “You have our full support and guidance. We’re here for you every step of the way.”
“I can’t wait to break in this counter.” Lyric smirks with a devil-may-care glint to his eyes.
“The office,” Matty adds, lust filling his gaze.
Tatum shudders. “I’m out if you guys are going to fuck on every surface in here. Make sure you sanitize.”
Laughter bursts free of my soul, and for the first time, I finally feel at home.
With that thought, the warmth of acceptance, love, and belonging washes over me, infusing me with a newfound purpose and love for this small, welcoming town, even if it is full of serial killers and the mafia. A journey of new beginnings awaits, and I am ready to embrace it wholeheartedly with the men I love by my side.
Epilogue
DESMOND
The night wrapsaround me like a cloak, concealing my identity and presence. My brothers wait for me at the end of the crossroads, their inky forms rising from the shadows in the dead of the night.
“About time you showed up,” Darius snarks, the ember of his cigarette soaring through the air before landing on the cold road. Darius reminds me so much of Lyric—lethal and violent and always ready for a fight.
“That’s because he’s too busy with his new wifey,” Dante mutters, a tinge of jealousy in his words. He’s always been the lover among the five of us.
