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EPILOGUE (SEVEN MONTHS LATER)
SCAR
"Oh, my God!"
"He is just the most sexiest man I have ever seen. And his son is adorable."
I smile.
The two women behind me fuss and gawk like they have never seen a handsome man with a six-year-old holding his hand.
"Yoo-hoo, Scar!" I turn to see Cara, the new owner of Mallory’s gallery prancing toward me. She's wearing a bright yellow, graphic print belted shirt dress, and her long, dark brown, wavy hair cascades over her shoulders. The black stilettos make her a few inches taller than her usual height of 5’ 7”.
I've worked with Cara for the past six months, and we have become good friends during that time. And right now she's got that big smile that tells me she has news.
"What's up?" I meet her halfway.
"The butterfly was sold for half a million dollars," she whispers in excitement.
My eyes widen. "Wh-what did you say?"
It's one of my most lighthearted works. It's a dazzling portrait of a young woman whose face undergoes a kaleidoscope of colors, morphing into a vibrant young girl bursting with life. This work of art is a nod to the magical transformation we go through during times of change and loss, like a butterfly. Once we've gone through all the stages of grief, we emerge more beautiful than ever before. This particular painting was months in the making, and I couldn't be prouder of the result.
"What was your inspiration?" Cara asked me.
I turn to the handsome man with my son holding his hand.
Ricky. My husband.
Ricky and I got married six months after Skye’s death. Since he had more money than he could ever need, we used the funds to create the Paint the World Foundation. The charity was built to help support teenagers with suicide prevention and promote and advance art teaching. Scholarships were awarded to those who wanted to pursue a degree in art.
For my fifth birthday belated present, Ricky gifted me the opportunity to attend art school by paying my full tuition. It was a life-changing present that allowed me to pursue my passion for the arts and develop my skills as an artist. I threw myself into my studies, spending every spare moment in the art room. I experimented with different mediums, from paint to charcoal to clay. I’m learning about color theory, composition, and the rich history of art.
Mom and Dad remarried and held the ceremony at the cabin in memory of Seth. Since then, things have been great between them.
When Ricky officially retired from his acting career and started coaching college football, Mason sold his father's company and started a technical school in our small town to offer hands-on training with motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and dirt bikes.
The moment I spot Kaleb in the crowd, my eyes light up with excitement. He's dressed in a navy blue suit with holding a little baby attached to his chest, I can't help but let out a delighted squeal. I rush over to him, and he greets me with a beaming smile. "Hey, little squirt," he says, pulling me in for a careful hug, mindful of the baby.
I can hardly believe it has been so long since I last saw him - not since our wedding. And he didn't have a baby back then. "What are you doing here?" I ask, eager to catch up with him.
"I wouldn't miss your big night for the world," he replies, his eyes shining with pride. "I'm really proud of you. I know Seth would've been, too." His voice is tinged with sadness as he mentions my brother. Kaleb didn't take it well when he learned what Skylar did to us. But he knew that Seth would want us to move on, knowing that Skylar got what was coming to her - even if it didn't make the pain any easier.
Looking at the little bundle on Kaleb's chest, I can't resist the urge to peek under the blanket covering the baby's face. "Who's this little guy?" I ask him, admiring the newborn's tiny features.
"This is Micah, my son," he replies proudly.
"Your son? Who's the mom?" I can't help but ask, curious about the mystery woman.
"Someone from my past," he says quietly, and I can sense there's more to the story than he's letting on. Kaleb stood tall, holding his newborn son with ease and comfort. His pride was evident in his eyes as he looked down at the little one nestled in his arms.
"Oh, my God, Kaleb. You look like a natural!" Gemma's smile widened as she stood beside me, holding a wine glass.
Kaleb's response was humble yet proud, "Thanks. It's been an amazing experience so far, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Mason chimes in, "I can't believe you're a dad now, man. Feels like just yesterday we were in college."
Kaleb chuckles at the memory. "Remember when I used to dominate on the football field?"
