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EPILOGUE - BRYNN
SIX MONTHS LATER
Brynn walked into the heart of Shattered Cove—Green Park. A warm summer breeze blew over her skin, making her green backless sundress billow in the wind. Aaron’s palm rested on her lower waist, right over her healed tattoo. Branches adorned her back covering her scars with empty cocoons hanging from them. Three vibrant butterflies flitted above them: one for her sister, Dani, and herself, signifying her freedom. Cleo had done an amazing job that far exceeded Brynn’s expectations, and now she proudly carried not only a piece of her sister wherever she went, but every time she looked at her reflection, she’d be reminded that all the pain she’d been through had brought her to this place where she was loved, safe, and free.
Aaron ushered her forward past the giant rainbow flags and underneath the red, black, and green Juneteenth banner and a few Loving Day signs. There was so much to celebrate in the month of June. The scent of grilled meat, fried foods, and summer filled her nose.
Dani skipped ahead of them, waving towards Aspen who sat on a picnic blanket with Pippa, Mason, and their twins, eagerly pulling on their parents’ shirts to stand on their wobbly little legs.
“I’m gonna go say hi to Aspen,” Dani announced as she widened the gap between them.
“What about you, sunshine? Do you want to set up our picnic blanket and rest while I make my rounds, or come with?” Aaron asked, lifting the basket in his hand.
“Let’s put this down somewhere and I’ll go with you.”
He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For just being you. And for being patient. I know mingling with people isn’t your favorite thing.” They walked towards the gazebo where a local band were finishing setting up their instruments.
“No, it isn’t. But you have an important reason to do it—keeping Hope a part of the community, garnering support, and giving these kids a chosen family.” Brynn motioned to the teens decked out in rainbow shirts with Hope Facility printed on them.
His hand moved from her lower back to her shoulder, pulling her tighter against his side. “And now I don’t have to do it alone.”
“Look, there’s your parents.” Brynn pointed to the red checkered blanket underneath a giant maple tree and waved.
Iris beamed and tapped her husband’s shoulder, and they both stood, clad in T-shirts that read, “I love my transgender granddaughter.” Brynn’s eyes stung as a wave of gratitude washed over her.
“Hey, sweetie.” Iris held out her arms and hugged Brynn and then Aaron. Samuel shook hands with Aaron and nodded hello to Brynn.
“I figured you’d be by a little later,” Aaron said.
His dad shrugged. “We were up early anyways. Thought we’d come and lend a hand setting up and make sure these Northerners know how to properly throw a Juneteenth barbecue.”
Brynn didn’t miss the surprise that filtered into Aaron’s gaze before he smiled. He and his parents’ relationship was getting better.
“I love your shirts.” Brynn grinned.
Iris’s eyes sparkled. “Well, we wanted Danielle to know we support her, and what better time to do it than for Pride month?”
“Thank you.”
“Hey, do you mind watching our basket while we make our rounds?” Aaron handed the picnic ensemble to his father.
Samuel took it. “No problem.”
“We’ll be back,” Aaron announced, slipping his hand in Brynn’s and leading her towards the gazebo.
Emma, lead singer of The Siren’s, greeted them with a smile. Her red lipstick matched her red-tipped blond hair. Link, the mechanic of Shattered Cove, had his arm draped around her.
“Hey, man.” Link reached out and bumped fists with Aaron.
“Hey, how’s it going?” Aaron asked.
“Perfect now that I got my wife home for a couple months.” Link smiled over at Emma, looking at her like she hung the moon.
Emma laughed. “It’s good to be back.”
