AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Epilogue
Jasmine
1 year later
Jasmine scanned the faces around the rustic, farmhouse-style table at what had become a monthly tradition of dinner at Atlantis with their family and friends. Remy snuggled up next to Mikel, laughing at something Mia had said. Andre held their new baby girl, Ana, sleeping against his chest. Bently’s arm wrapped around Belle’s as he gave her a kiss on her temple. Atlas slipped his hand over Jasmine’s thigh, rubbing his thumb tenderly over her bare skin.
Fire zinged from his touch. Need and longing twirled within her. The pregnancy hormones had sent her libido skyrocketing. She ran a hand over the small bump forming in her belly. Zoey had been elated when they’d told her.
She turned to look at the man sitting next to her. He’d fulfilled his promises. Every single one. He’d used what was left of his nest egg to renovate the inn. He’d been welcomed into their fold. Of course, her brothers still had to give him a hard time now and then. But from the light in his eyes, she could tell he enjoyed their ribbing just as much as they did.
His restaurant was everything he’d described to her and more. People came flocking from the city to eat his fresh, seasonal cuisine. He’d invested almost everything he’d had left into his business—their business. He’d put her name on the deed as a surprise. Just one more way he’d proved he was in this with her. A true life partner.
“How are the kids adjusting?” Atlas asked Bently as the servers cleared the plates away.
Belle and Bently had added another teen to their home through fostering. It seemed everyone wanted a baby, but not many wanted the struggle that came with an older foster child. But Bently and Belle saw the need and opened their home and hearts.
“It’s going.” Bently chuckled.
“Amara is aging out of the system next month, but we’re gonna let her know she’s welcome to stay as long as she needs,” Belle added.
Jasmine yawned. Atlas tucked his arm around her and whispered in her ear, “Wanna get going?”
She nodded.
“Well, it’s been nice having you all here eating my food.” Atlas chuckled. “But I need to get this one home before she falls asleep at the table.”
They said their goodbyes.
“Oh, don’t forget your cake,” Remy said, a mischievous grin on her face.
“Cake?” Jasmine asked.
“I know you’ve been craving chocolate. I asked Remy to bring one for you.” Atlas winked.
“You’re the best boyfriend. Have I told you that today yet?”
He smiled and held her hand, leading her to the kitchen where his staff were busy feeding the few diners left this late. “Once or twice.” He lifted the small cake box from the counter.
“Have a good night, everyone.” Jasmine waved.
“You too,” Amanda, the other chef Atlas had hired to fill in part-time, said.
Atlas led Jasmine out the back to the Range Rover good ol’ Grandpa Remington had sent after Oliver signed over his rights. He’d been cordial with Atlas at Zoey’s birthday party. Eventually, he’d warmed up to his grandson, respect gleaming in his blue eyes.
Atlas drove them back to the inn—their home. She checked in with Rae, who’d been kind enough to watch Zoey for the night. After settling up with Rae, Jasmine opened the door to their section of the inn. They now had three separate rooms and a living space to themselves, but they still shared the kitchen with the inn.
She walked into their bedroom, taking off her earrings and slipping out of her shoes. She opened the top drawer of the dresser and grabbedthe oversized sleep shirt before closing it seamlessly. She paused, her hands tracing over the old, wooden dresser, brows furrowed.
“I fixed it,” Atlas said, closing the door behind him.
“My dresser?”
He nodded and slipped his shirt off, exposing his muscular chest. “Yeah. All it needed was a little love.” He chuckled.
Truer words have never been spoken.
“And Zoey’s sound asleep,” he added.
