* * * Three Years Later * * *
Simon let out a whoop and let go of the rope he’d been swinging on, freefalling through the air for a few moments before hitting the warm water of the lake with a giant splash. From the sandy shoreline a few yards away, a two-year-old boy clapped his hands with delight, screaming “Daddy! Daddy!” When Simon resurfaced, he waved at the boy, his son, and then swam to shore with quick, strong strokes.
“Not too close to the water, Max,” Brittany admonished the little boy. But Max ignored his mother, and went splashing into the lake toward his father. Simon laughed as he approached the boy and swooped him up into his arms.
Simon shrugged sheepishly at Brittany, who was shaking her head at him.
“That boy is going to worry me to death,” she said. “He can’t swim, and I can’t exactly go chasing after him into the water right now.”
Simon glanced down at Brittany’s stomach, which was swollen like she had swallowed a giant watermelon. “You’d manage if you had to. Even eight months pregnant, you’d find a way to save your boy if you needed to. But you wouldn’t need to. Don’t worry so much. I’m right here to help, and so are all our best friends. Everything’s going to be fine.”
Brittany shrugged again, but leaned in to kiss him, trying to avoid pressing against his soaking wet body. “Well anyways, enough swimming for the moment. The food’s done. Come get some dinner.”
Simon grinned and followed his wife to the area with picnic tables near the grill. She was always beautiful, but he couldn’t help but thinking that she was the most beautiful when she was carrying one of his children. He loved the way her stomach swelled and rounded out, giving testament to the child growing within—a child that owed his or her very existence to the great love between Simon and Brittany.
The picnic area was full of food and friends. Today was the third anniversary of the day the Dark Warriors had been defeated for good, and the day was considered an official holiday in Torch Lake. Earlier today, there had been parades, speeches, and other special events all through downtown. The High Councilors recognized the great work of the military and the dragon shifters, and the crowds went wild as the dragon shifters themselves gave short speeches. Simon loved the festivities, but his favorite “Victory Day” tradition was this barbecue by the lake. Every year, the dragon shifters, their lifemates, and their children gathered at this secluded beach, after the festivities of the day were over, to spend time together, swim, and enjoy good food. The event had grown over the years, as more and more children were added to the group. Today, a whole slew of dragon shifter-wizard toddlers were running around, enjoying the fresh air and trying to sneak a cupcake before eating their actual dinner.
Simon’s heart swelled with happiness as he took the whole scene in. Russ, Jake, and Jasper were manning the grill, while Leif, Clint, and Stan helped pass out the food. Seth, Evan, Hugh and Mitch were keeping an eye on the little ones, but Kurt was soaking wet just like Simon—having spent the last half-hour in the lake. All of the dragons’ lifemates were here, laughing and talking, and occasionally scolding the children. Life was good.
Not far beyond this beach, the city of Torch Lake itself had been completely rebuilt. The burnt, damaged buildings were long gone, replaced by newer, sturdier buildings. The City Guard had been expanded to include an underground guard, to ensure an uprising like the one the Dark Warriors had caused never happened again. Torch Lake had become the safest, best place for any shifter or wizard to raise a family.
Simon smiled as he took a big bite of a freshly-grilled cheeseburger. He was proud to live here, and proud to have been a part of taking down the Dark Warriors. But he knew in his heart that the best place to live, really, would always be wherever Brittany was. The best thing he’d gotten out of Torch Lake was her.
Of course, his dragon buddies and their families weren’t too bad, either. Defeating evil had given him the opportunity to live in an amazing town with friends who truly felt like family. There was no greater triumph than that.
“To Torch Lake,” Jasper yelled out suddenly, holding up his beer in a toast.
“To Torch Lake,” voices echoed out all around Simon, and his own voice joined in the chorus.
“To Torch Lake,” he whispered in Brittany’s ear as she came to stand beside him, dragging Max along with her. “The city that gave me everything.”