Epilogue
Serena Mclane's P. O. V
Turning this way and that, I try to catch sight of myself in the mirror as much as I can. Trying my best to see myself from every angle. Inhaling air and then exhaling it, I tilt my head and purse my lips at the difference. Before I can make more conclusions, a sharp rapt knocking resounds through the empty bathroom causing me to let out a sigh.
"Hurry up." The person speaks up as they knock on the door once more, trying to get me out of the bathroom as fast as possible. I let a fake scowl slip onto my face as I open the door, it almost hitting me in the face with how fast my actions are.
"Well?"
"Well what?" I repeat, blinking my eyes innocently at the look of annoyance flashing into those blue eyes along with clear excitement.
I let out another exasperated sigh though he knows I'm just winding him up, especially when he fake glares at me and lets out a huff of his own, turning around only to run his hands through thick blond hair.
"When are you going to tell everyone?" Greg questions once more as he throws himself on the bed, back lying flat and legs kicked up in the air.
Throwing him a funny look, I take a seat on my dresser and shrug.
"I only found out a week ago." I say in a low voice, placing a hand gently on my stomach as I caress it tenderly. Already a bond forming inside of me as I feel incredibly attached to the life force.
"Well if it helps, you can't tell your pregnant. Just look as if you've had too much to eat."
My fake scowl turns into a very much real one as I reach over to grab a hair brush and throw it at him, missing his head by mere inches but that doesn't stop him from yelping and sitting up straight. Proffering claims of abuse which did not occur.
"There is no such thing as 'too much food'" I say wisely as I cross one foot over the other. Eyes watching Greg who nods solemnly at me.
"Amen to that."
Silence ensues for a few seconds as I merely gaze at the carpeted floor that lies beneath my sock covered feet, rubbing one foot against the other.
"How do you think I should tell him?" I ponder aloud, talking my fingers against the wooden structure, head placed in my palm as I gaze at Greg who stares back intently.
I'm not even sure if I should tell Damien now, he's been incredibly tense ever since the court hearing as started in regards to Arturo and the whole gang. I suppress a shudder at memories of me sitting in the court room, the few times I was called.
Other then me being a nervous wreck, the entire thing was most definitely boring.
Greg raises a finger in thought and looks to be in great concentration before pulling his phone out.
"When all else fails. Google is there to save the day."
I open my mouth to protest, about to tell him that isn't what I meant but snap my lips closed. It couldn't hurt to leach off of other people's creative ways of telling their significant other they're pregnant.
"Well you could do the typical 'Buying a baby grow with you're a daddy' type of shit but knowing Damien, he's already a Daddy."
I scrunch my face up in confusion before his innuendo registers in my mind and I shake my head vehemently, face aflame.
"Ew. No. Not at all. Next one please." I rush along, trying my best to get rid of Greg's coy smirk that he sends my way.
The both of us go thorough an extensive amount of ideas but can't seem to come up with the right one. A few ideas did seem quite intriguing to me and I know I would have liked to use but I have a feeling my current mood wouldn't settle for anything less then perfect.
"Ooh maybe you could-" Greg gets cut off by the sound of a door opening with a low grunt then a rough husky baritone speaking up.
"Babe?" Before any one of us can respond back, the noise of footsteps reach our ears, coming closer and closer till Damien's suit clad form appears in the doorway.
His tired face with stress and frown lines covering his forehead, creases before his eyebrows shoot up in surprise, only for them to furrow in anger as his eyes shoot from me standing near the dresser and Greg casually draped across the bed.
"Hey." Greg calls out.
"Why the fuck is Greg on the bed. In our bedroom. With you also in the same room. Bedroom at that." He grits out through clenched teeth, arm shooting out and grasping onto my own arm firmly as he pulls me into his side, wrapping the other arm around my waist.
"Calm down." I say gently as I turn around in his embrace, placing my hands on his shoulders as I stand on my tip toes to place a kiss to his lips, "He was just helping me out with something." I wince at the words leaving my mouth and I even hear Greg curse behind me as he stands up and tries to edge past Damien.
"That is my cue to leave before Damien decides he wants to beat the shit out of me." His tone is lighthearted but I can see the seriousness in his eyes as he glances wearily at Damien then at me.
"Wai- "
I quickly cut Damien off by slipping my hands under the material of his suit jacket, pushing it off and letting it fall messily to the ground. Ignoring Damien's pointed look, I continue my course of action as I grasp onto his tie and tug at it gently, untying the precarious knot that he so expertly manages to do. Loosening it up, I then undo the first three buttons, the smooth muscular plains of his chest gracing my sight as I run my fingers over the soft skin. Skipping down his arm to his wrist, I undo both the buttons there and roll his sleeves up, wanting him to get as relaxed as possible and to unwind from his tiring day before I blurt out the life changing news to him.
In that moment I decide to just say it, hoping that in this case my words are enough to convey the entirety of this scenario.
"Come lie down." I whisper to which he nods immediately, my own lips forming a frown as I take note of how truly tired Damien actually is.
"Would you like a massage?" I ask tentatively, perching on the bed while he throws himself onto it, carelessly removing his shoes as he sinks into the comfort of the bed.
Turning to face me, he shakes his head and instead winds his arms around me.
"I just want to hold you for a little is all." He drawls tiredly, arms tucking me partially under his body as he rests his face into the crook of my neck.
I hum in content and allow his body to relax completely into mine, loving the way his arms cradle me to his chest almost as if he's protecting me from the horrors of the world outside of our little cocoon.
I reach my arms up and let them sink into his silky hair, scrapping my fingers gently into his scalp, messaging him to which he lets out a soft groan.
"That feels so good baby." He moans into my neck. I let a smile slip onto my face as I continue my motions for a little while, pausing slightly only for him to let out an annoyed growl and nudge his head into my palm.
Laughing, I comply to his demands and then wonder if maybe I should tell him right here and now.
No moment can ever truly be perfect, no matter how much you plan it. Something is bound to go wrong.
And well, this little moment. Being wrapped up in one another's arms is perfect within itself.
The little things in life are what to be truly cherished.
Once more stopping my actions and ignoring Damien's petulant expression, I let out a soft sigh, gazing at my hands and watching the engagement ring sparkle in the light.
I can't fret over anything now. Especially the 'What if's' and numerous thoughts of wrong timings.
Damien seems to notice my lack of attention as he props his chin on my chest and gazed at me through hooded eyes.
"What's wrong love?" He questions worriedly, stroking the side of my face as he sits up properly, adjusting us so that I'm sitting on his lap, face completely void of any tiredness, now only tenseness in his stature.
"I don't really know how to say this." I say in a slow voice, chewing on my lip as I try to think of how to word it.
Do I just spill it out?
Congratulations Damien. I've got a bun cooking in my oven.
Or maybe.
Try pulling out faster next time.
I get pulled out of my ludicrous thoughts by Damien calling my name softly.
"What do you mean?" He asks tersely, voice worried.
I look into his deep blue eyes, letting out another sigh, "Oh God! What if you freak out?"
The bad scenarios start to filter into my brain, all horrible thoughts of Damien getting up and leaving, saying he doesn't have time for stuff like this.
No.
No.
Damien would never do something like that.
"Why would I freak out? I'm not freaking out? What did you do?" Damien practically squeaks out, voice getting higher as he sits up straighter.
"What do you mean 'you'? It take two to tango you know?" I hiss as I get off of his lap, eyes glaring into his own. Watching as they widen, mouth dropping open.
"Di- Wh- You-" Damien slams his mouth closed, clenching his jaw before running a hand down his face, tortured blue eyes staring intently into my own.
"Did you and Greg-?"
I roll my eyes at his stupidity, smacking him with my hand as I shove him.
"Will you stop with the Greg and I stupidity?"
"I can't help it. You were literally on the bed-"
I take a step back, almost tumbling off of the bed but fighting myself at the last moment.
"You big idiot. I'm pregnant!" I practically scream at him. My nerves on end.
Damien- currently in the middle of trying to get up from the bed- freezes before falling back onto it, face blank as his back hits the mattress.
I wait a few moments, watching as the gears tick away in his mind. Slowly he gets back up and takes a step towards me.
"Is it mine?"
My face falls at his words and a gasp leaves my mouth. I feel myself starting to heat up, eyes turning into slits and hands clenching tightly into fists.
"No it's not," I watch as his own jaw hangs low before I speak up, "It was Santa who fucked me up.," Running a hand through my hair, "Of course it's yours, you dumbass."
Having enough of his stupidity, I march out the door. Tears in my eyes forming as my sock clad feet slide against the wooden floor. I barely make it down the hallway before two strong arms wrap around me, pushing me into a form chest.
"Oh my God." I hear a faint whisper say from behind me, "Love I'm so sorry. I was just in shock. Still am." The hoarse voice says as he lets out a shaky breath.
I get turned around in his arms, watching Damien's eyes sparkle as incredulity mars his face.
"Are you sure your pregnant? It's not just food poisoning?" He whispers slowly, eyes trailing down to my flat stomach, hands following along not too soon after as he places both palms to it.
I somehow manage to find the strength to laugh, eyes watering even more as I nod my head yes. Watching as the man before me drops to his knees and kisses my stomach gently, gazing up at me from the ground through teary eyes.
"I- I can't even say anything." He whispers in awe as he finally stands up, cupping the side of my face and pressing a chaste kiss to my lips.
"Hopefully it's all good?"
The answering smile I get settled away in doubt that wanted to implant in my mind, the words following soon after causing a warmth to blossom within me.
"You've made me the happiest man in the world."
After a moment, simply wrapped up in one another's arms, Damien makes a weird noise in the back of his throat, causing me to divert my attention to his face in alarm.
"Holy crap. I'm going to be a father."
"That took a little while to settle in." I comment dryly, placing a quick kiss to his lips to whiten the oncoming torrents of comments swirling in his mind.
************
A disgruntled looking Damien flops down onto the couch besides me, immediately pulling me into his lap and placing both hands on my only slightly bloated stomach.
"You know what I was thinking?" He speaks up, cutting the peaceful atmosphere of the night while I glare at him, annoyed that he's interrupting my movie time.
How fucking dare he?
"Don't you know how fu-,"
"I was thinking," Damien lets out a deep breath, acting nonchalant about cutting me off causing me to shove a handful of popcorn in my mouth, "Instead of having such a fancy event that no one really cares about. How about we elope instead."
My mouth drops open and I stop mid chew. Eyes bulging out of my head as my brain starts to process his words. When they do register, I start delivering swift snacks to his torso, letting out inhuman screeches in the process.
"You do not say shit like that to the bride, three days before her wedding. Do you hear me?" I huff, annoyance shining through. I'll never admit it to Damien but a larger part of me is also intrigued.
Just the thought of standing for hours on end, awkwardly smiling and then saying some cheesy crap I'd never dared be getting caught saying in front of other people just seemed so... eh.
I'm mostly in it for the food.
"It was just a thought." Damien grumbles morosely, "I just want to get married to you as soon as possible. I can't wait for people to call you Mrs. Serena Stryker. Or simply revelling in the fact that you are officially mine. All mine." He murmurs happily, pressing a kiss to my lips as he catches me off guard.
"And what about you?" I mumble quietly, trying to find some sort of lee headedness and not just melt into a puddle at his feet.
"Well I'm yours of course."
I bite gently on my lip, loving to hear that.
"Maybe you should become Damien Mclane." As soon as I say that, I cringe and the both of us shake our head. It not sounding as right and fitting as Stryker.
"Come on then. Lets get you to bed." Damien mutters, standing up and pulling me along with him. Not giving me a chance to properly stand before he has me hoisted up into his arms, cradling me gently as I whine in protest.
"I was watching a movie and eating popcorn." I grumble.
Damien gives me a blank look and points to the credits rolling on the screen. I turn around and say nothing, knowing there isn't much to say to that.
The next few days pass in a blur, the amount of stress that I've been out through not healthy for me or for the child I'm carrying. I of course tried to use this to my advantage but everyone would tell me to gear up because I was the one who wanted such a lavish wedding in the first place.
"I miss Damien." I pout childishly to a calm looking Amelia, my best friend and maid of honour, who sets my tiara straight onto my head, making sure it doesn't fall off.
"You'll literally be seeing him in a few minuets so be quiet. You'll smudge your make up."
I comply to her demands with a final shrug, and clear my throat, eyes catching sight of a teary eyed Katelyn and my own mother besides her. Both cooing here and there.
"Are you nervous?" A soft voice speaks up from the back.
Turning around, I smile at the woman holding onto a toddler in her hands. Nora looked very much the same from when Damien I met Nora and Alexander in London, except this time her stomach wasn't bloated and she looked stunning in her soft blue dress.
"Surprisingly no." I answer the question everyone has been asking me that day, noting the looks of surprises.
"Just very excited."
Before anyone can say anything else, a man dressed in a suit appears at the door and gives us the thumbs up before informing us that it's time to get a move on.
Every little moment seems to rush by so fast, from me making my way down the hall and over to the glass door through which I can see Damien looking absolutely perfect in his suit, glancing about nervously here and there while Greg- I assume- tries to whisper soothing things into his ear but only making the situation worse.
I inhale sharply as my five year old cousin Cynthia struts down the aisle- a vengeful look in her eyes- with a basket of flowers in hand, aiming the petals at the guests rather then anything else.
People start walking by me, heading down the aisle as Amelia takes her place. My turn finally coming.
"You ready Honey?" My father whispers gently into my ear as he slips his arm through mine, giving me a short squeeze.
"Not at all." I admit.
"Good. That's how it should be." He jokes as the both of us take slow steps, coming into the sight of every person in the huge hall.
Everyone's eyes flit to us but I keep my gaze trained on the most important one. A blinding smile reaching onto my face as his eyes widen, lips part and most satisfying of all, thumping Alexander and Greg who stand rather too close behind him with an excited look on his face.
Slow and steady.
Even though every part of me wanted to run, I finally find my hands being placed into Damien's, the look of pure love and adoration immediately bringing tears to my eyes.
That's all the two of us focused on, each other.
So much so that the Minister had to clear his throat a few times before any of us realised.
"I have to admit," I whisper to Damien as the two of us find ourselves gliding across the dance floor hours later, smiles still ever present on our faces, "My favourite part had to be us saying 'I do'."
Damien grins in return and bends down to whisper in my ear.
"My favourite part was kissing you."
"Why am I not surprised?" I say dryly.
Damien lets out a laugh, shoulders shaking with the movement as he pushes me closer.
"Trust me, I'll be doing much more then that tonight." He whispers huskily in my ear, pressing his lower half against me. I tighten my grip on him, feeling hot in the face at the feel of him.
"Good luck with that." I manage to blurt out, Damien chuckling once more at my feeble retort.
"I have all the luck I need Love. Especially when you're by my side."
I raise both eyebrows and give him a look.
"I'm not sure if I should be impressed at how smooth that was or cringe at the cheesiness."
Damien merely grins at me and pecks me on the lips.
"A bit of both actually."
*************
Damien Stryker's P. O. V
"Relax love. I've got this all under control." I mock myself in a whisper as I frown at the sight before me.
Under control my ass.
"Are you sure?" Serena asks quietly, concern in her voice as she cradles our 10 month old baby to her chest. Not planing to let go yet any time soon.
As she looks up at me, the frown slips off of my face and I let a fake smile show, "Of course. I think Ellisa and I deserve some father daughter bonding time. Don't we?" I coo to the bundle of joy who squirms in Serena's arms, trying to get a hold of me as she smiles brightly at my voice.
That is true, ever since my baby girl came into this world, I want to spend every waking minute besides her and the love of my life. However, the thought of being alone with Ellisa for more then a few hours leaves me in a cold sweat as my heart starts to race.
I'm not prepared to do this on my own.
Scowling at the negative thoughts in my head, I try to clear away the doubt as I know I'm over reacting. And besides Serena needs a day out to relax. This is the first time since Ellisa's been born that she finally agreed to go out and relax.
Finally sighing in agreement, Serena presses a kiss to our daughters forehead before handing her over to me.
I quickly prop Ellisa up properly, not being able to stop the smile that grows on my face as grey eyes meet mine, black hair tinged with streaks of red so light that you have to squint just to see them, bouncing up and down as she repeatedly jostles herself in my arms. Her tiny, button nose scrunches up as her blinding smile flashes, quite a few pearly white teeth visible as she shoves her hand in her mouth and starts chewing on it.
I let out a grimace but then turn my attention to a worried looking Serena. Placing a kiss on her cheek, I just about manage to get her out of the door. Letting out a breath as she grumbles and with one last quick kiss, leaves.
"It's just you and me baby girl. Just you and me," I say slowly as realisation sinks in, "The two of us. Without mommy. This should be fun." I purse my lips as my daughter stares back unintelligently at me, not having a clue of my inner turmoil.
Aimlessly walking around with Ellisa in my arms, I finally decide that I should stick to the plan I had drafted out for this very day and get on with it.
The started off slow and good, the both of us sitting and watching aimless kids shows which were excruciatingly mind numbing. However Ellisa seemed to enjoy it and would clap her hands together whenever she would see something she'd like. Then grabbing onto my arm so that I would pay proper attention as well. Even making me clap along to some parts which I surprisingly didn't mind doing.
It was only when the two of us had sat down to have a snack, Ellisa munching happily on a cracker and me eating away at yesterday's left overs that I furrowed my eyebrows and took in a little breath.
I purse my lips as my eyes dart over to a giggling Ellisa who jumps up and down in her high seat continuously.
The foul stench becomes stronger and I have to hold back a gag as I shove my plate away.
"Please tell me you've passed wind." I practically plead as I hesitantly make my way over to Ellisa, picking her up and hesitantly turning her around.
She continues to squirm even more, causing me to rush towards the nursery to see if she actually has done anything. Placing her on the mat, I freeze momentarily as I realise I have no idea what to do.
Maybe she hasn't crapped?
I get my answer soon enough when her light pink tights start to get damp from the backside, my wince erupting at the sight.
"I have no fucking clue what to do." I hiss in annoyance as I grab the nappy and wet wipes.
Raising my black shirt over my nose, I tilt my head down till my chin reaches my neck. Praying the material doesn't drop down.
Pulling Ellisa's dirty tights off, the stench increases ten fold, causing me to gag even more.
Raising a fist to my mouth, I hold back the food that wants to come back up my throat. Letting out a shaky exhale, I pick her up as a sudden idea comes to me.
I rush to the bathroom and try to turn on the tap to the bathtub all while trying to hold Ellisa a safe distance away from me, I adjust the temperature and look around the bathroom.
Maybe if I put her on the toilet it'd be easier?
A crying baby, a nearly sick father, and an unsuccessful bath later, I lean further into the bath keeping a watchful eye on Ellisa as the front door swings open much to my relief.
Footsteps sound and before I know it, a smug looking Greg appears in the doorway.
"Looks like Damien Stryker can't even look after his own daughter." He taunts.
"Shut up or I swear to-"
"Fine. I'll just head on back home then. Sure was a quick visit." Greg threatens jokingly but enough to make me shut up.
"I don't know what to do," I practically moan as I point to a now quiet, once more Happy Ellisa who plays with a rubber duck, splashing about in the water.
"Let me guess. She crapped." He asks pointedly as he eyes the nappy on the floor.
"Yes. But that's a clean one."
Greg lets out a light laugh as he picks it up by one finger and examines it, "Why does it look like a rabid animal got its hands onto it." Fluffs of cotton fall out as the nappy shredded falls to the floor, plumes of more fluff falling soon after.
"I can't for the life of me work those things out." I admit, unfortunately the rabid animal was me.
"Come on then wise guy." Greg pats me on the back, motioning for me to stand up which I do, grabbing a towel, I take Ellisa out of the tub and dry her with it just as Greg emerges with a new nappy.
"Lie her down on the changing table," He says to me which I oblige to. Almost expertly, he puts the nappy on Ellisa who gurgles up in excitement at her uncle Greg.
"You know who it is don't you. Yes you do. Oh yes you do." He coos while I glare at him.
"She's my daughter. Not some pesky dog." I grumble to which he gives me the finger.
"I left my girlfriend just to come help you out. Be appreciative."
I snort at his words.
"What girlfriend?"
His answering glare makes me laugh as we both make our way to the kitchen to get a bottle of milk. Something I luckily know how to do on my own.
"You just needed help with that or?" Greg hints at me while I shake my head.
I wouldn't admit it to any living soul but it had been a long while since Greg and I had spent some time together. Not that I missed him or anything. He was just alright company.
"I have no idea when Serena's coming home. So I need help till then." I lie, knowing damn well when she's going to be coming home and also knowing Ellisa's going to be falling asleep in a few minutes time.
True to my words she does so and before I know it Greg has to leave as hours pass by. Serena supposed to arrive in a little while makes me agree to him going and so when the clock strikes ten, I find myself seated on the sofa, eyes falling closed, hands protectively on my chest as I cradle a sleeping Ellisa to my chest.
A loud light goes off along with a slow giggle causing my eyes to fly open. Catching sight of a happy Serena with her phone in hand, I give her a sleepy smile as she bends down to kiss Ellisa on the forehead. Then giving into my pout and pressing a kiss to my lips as well.
Making room for her and careful not to disturb Ellisa, the three of us curl up together on the couch, Serena cuddled into my side as I ask how her day was.
"It went pretty good. Great actually. Yours?"
"Not too bad actually." I say, only partially lying.
"Is that why Greg came over then?" She asks sarcastically causing me to scowl.
That little bitch.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Serena laughs at my words and shakes her head, "Well you have no idea as to how much I love you." She counters in a sappy tone.
Smiling at Serena, I let out an exhale as the three of us lie in silence, Serena and I enjoying one another's warmth.
My mind drifts off to all the times we've shared, the first moment we met and Serena fainting- a smirk erupting on my face at that thought-, the time I first realised how much I loved her and when she confessed her own feelings to me. The good times and the bad rush back to me and I can't help the feeling of adoration rise within me. Love for my child and woman.
Adoration for the woman besides me whom I loved whole heartedly.
I'd make endless sacrifices for the two people I love the most. Go through hell and back
I'd make sure if it.
"What are you thinking about?" Serena asks softly, cuddling further into my side.
"Just about us," at her look I explain further, "How I'd do anything to protect you both from whatever happens in the future. No matter what."
She hums in agreement.
"Nobody messes with the Stryker's right?" Serena jokes as she grins up at me.
Shaking my head in amusement, I place a kiss on her head as I whisper,
"Damn right they don't."
——————-
THE END.
Thanks for purchasing and reading DAMIEN! If you could take the time to provide some feedback on the story using this form, it would be much appreciated.
AN: I have no words. I wasn't ready, you weren't ready. Ain't nobody mutherfucking ready for that epilogue. But that was it. Damien officially is finished. Why does my chest hurt at this? I swear if it wasn't for the fact it's late at night and I'm half asleep, I'd be hella emotional. But oh well. Also I hope you guys liked it xD. I know I never got into too many details but that's because BONUS CHAPTERS. Yes you heard right BONUS CHAPTERS.
So tell me what you want in that or I might expand further on certain parts and include more detail from the epilogue.
Also should I do a Q&A for questions you guys have? About the book and whatever other questions. If so let me know.
If you've sent me a cover and I haven't posted it any of my chapters please do let me know since a few of my messages got deleted and I don't even know.
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