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Zane stared at him for a moment, his eyes narrowing as if assessing Caleb's sincerity. Then, to everyone's surprise, he nodded. "Yes. Yes, I would."
The tension in the room eased just a fraction as they all registered the sight of the big bad mafia boss looking genuinely nervous. Rowan beamed, while Ryker's grip on Caleb tightened ever so slightly – a silent reminder that he was still there, still watching, still protecting.
As Caleb watched the unlikely scene unfold, he couldn't help but entertain the hope that maybe – just maybe – everything would work out after all.
Chapter seventeen
Epilogue
Themorningsuncasta golden glow over the beachfront house, its warmth seeping through the gauzy curtains that framed the floor-to-ceiling windows of Caleb and Ryker's bedroom. As Caleb stirred from his slumber, he found himself nestled in the strong arms of his lover, their bodies tangled together beneath soft, white linens. The scent of saltwater mingled with Ryker's earthy cologne, a combination that never failed to send shivers down Caleb's spine.
"Morning," Ryker murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the nape of Caleb's neck.
"Is it?" Caleb mumbled in response, reluctant to leave the sanctuary of their bed. "I could stay like this forever."
"Unfortunately, we have a little one waiting for breakfast," Ryker reminded him, running a hand through Caleb's unruly dark hair.
Caleb sighed dramatically, but couldn't suppress the fond smile that tugged at his lips. Their life together had become something beautiful — a far cry from the chaos and danger that once consumed them both. As they rose from the bed, their movements synchronized and fluid, Caleb couldn't help but marvel at the love that had blossomed between them. It was a love so fierce and unwavering that it had transcended the cruel world they inhabited, offering solace and redemption in equal measure.
In the airy kitchen, they worked together seamlessly, with Ryker cracking eggs into a sizzling pan while Caleb chopped fresh fruit. The sound of waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their comfortable routine, punctuated by the occasional teasing remark or stolen kiss.
"Your brother is coming over today, isn't he?" Ryker asked, sliding a perfectly cooked omelet onto a plate.
"Yeah, Rowan should be here any minute," Caleb confirmed, wiping his hands on a nearby towel.
As if on cue, the front door creaked open, and Rowan's familiar voice echoed through the house. "Knock, knock. I come bearing gifts!"
"Speak of the devil," Caleb muttered, rolling his eyes in mock annoyance. "We're back here!"
Rowan smiled playfully as he strode into the kitchen, a bottle of wine in one hand and a box of chocolates in the other. "Hi, Ryker."
"Rowan," Ryker greeted with a nod, his eyes never leaving the stove as he cooked up another batch of eggs.
"Let me help with that," Rowan offered, joining Caleb at the counter.
"Thanks, but I got it," Caleb replied, nudging him away with a hip check. "You're just going to slow me down."
"Fine, be that way," Rowan huffed, feigning offense before taking a seat at the table.
Rowan huffed playfully and took a seat at the table, and Caleb turned his attention to their next breakfast guest. He walked down the hallway and gently pushed the door to Eli's room open.
Sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow on the small, cheerful space. Eli lay in his little bed, eyes still heavy with sleep, and his teddy bear tucked safely under his arm.
"Hey, buddy," Caleb whispered, his heart swelling with affection as he approached the bed. Eli stirred, his eyes fluttering open with a wide, sleep-filled yawn. The sight of Eli's ruffled hair and sleepy smile was enough to melt Caleb's heart, and he couldn't help but return the infectious grin that blossomed on his ward's face.
Eli's happiness was a balm to Caleb's soul, a source of strength that had carried them through the darkest of times. As they got Eli dressed for the day, his giggles and joyful little chattered stories were a reminder of the life they had forged together.
Pyjamas finally traded for real clothes, Caleb finally scooped up the beaming kid in his arms and carried him into the kitchen for breakfast, over to the small, sunlit dining area where Rowan and Ryker had gathered. The sight of their little family unit -- a little strange, and put together through the weirdest circumstances -- brought warmth to his heart, filling him with a sense of contentment he had never thought possible.
"Alright, Eli, dig in," Caleb encouraged, placing the plate before the kid, who clapped his hands in delight. As they all began to eat, the conversation flowed naturally, light and easy as the ocean breeze that filtered through the open windows.
"Listen, Caleb," Rowan began, his tone growing more serious. "I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Sure, what's up?"
"Just.. thank you," Rowan said earnestly, reaching across the table to squeeze his brother's hand. "For everything you've done for Eli. I know it hasn't been easy, but you've really stepped up and made a difference in his life."
Caleb swallowed hard, touched by his brother's words. "I made a promise. All I want is to give him the best life possible."
