EPILOGUE
Life.
Ten Months Later
Killian sat in one of the cushioned lounge chairs in the covered area by the fire pit, enjoying the solitude of the early evening while everyone was off doing their usual routine. A smile touched his lips as he observed Nick tending to one of the island residents. The man, his last patient of the day, had just turned forty a few days ago and battled some mid-life crisis thinking he could still conquer the world in his phantom teenage body. Nick was giving him a reality check right about now, lecturing him on the gift of time and how he needed to enjoy his or risk ending it far too soon with his daredevil dives from the boat.
Nick had become the official island doctor. Whether it was patching up ten-year-old Zoe who ran far too fast and skinned her knee on a rock or taking care of Leon’s broken arm after a fall from one of their new structures, Nick had an island full of headstrong residents to deal with. In usual Nick fashion, he took it all in stride with a steady smile and words of encouragement.
Nick was about life—sharing it, living it, healing it, and stressing its importance to others. He took nothing for granted. Whether it was a new or familiar sound or something that caught his eye, the wonder and awe that filled Nick with each experience was intoxicating. It had become a habit, stopping to absorb every microscopic detail, as if memorizing it to add to his memory bank of life’s wonders. He had told Killian it was as if he was finally living. And he refused to waste a single second, swearing he would enjoy the gifts the world offered, regardless of how small they might seem to others.
Killian glanced down when Lilly fidgeted in his arms, letting him know she had had enough of the bottle for now. She was yet another small wonder in this world, a gift Nick had delivered a couple of months ago.
He set the bottle aside and put a small towel on his shoulder before holding his goddaughter upright and resting her tiny head on the soft cloth. He had learned that lesson on day one when this tiny, beautiful baby spit up a horrific, vile glob of what-the-fuck-he-still-didn’t-know all over him. It had taken two days of showers and scrubbing to erase the worst of that stench, yet it had still lingered a few days more.
Dex was shit out of luck if he thought godfather duties extended to diaper changes. But this, holding this tiny reminder of life in his arms was something he cherished each afternoon before sunset.
He slowly patted Lilly’s back as he heard the birds calling overhead. The soothing sound of crashing waves played a rhythmic tune, a song he had come to enjoy over the last few months. All because of Nick and his appreciation for life and its gifts.
It had been difficult at first, getting used to this peace. It was almost unsettling after dealing with a lifetime of chaos. But Killian welcomed it, greeting each new day with a huge grin and open arms.
“You know,” Dex said, walking over to the fire pit area and pulling Killian from his reverie. He plopped himself on the chair opposite the small round table, his eyes immediately drawn to his baby girl. “She fights us all the time to take that bottle. But she takes it just fine from Godfather Killy.”
“Don’t call me that.” He inwardly groaned, knowing this snarky bastard was going to condition his daughter to use that nickname.
“I can see it now.” Dex leaned back in the chair, feigning a nostalgic look on his face as he spread his hands wide in an arc. “She’s four years old, chasing you through the trees, calling out to you…Killy, Killy, Killy.”
“I’m not a fuc—fricken cat.” He scowled as he patted Lilly’s back and held her closer. Secretly, he couldn’t wait until she started talking. And without a doubt, he was going to be wrapped around this little girl’s finger tighter than Nick’s.
He had to have a serious sit-down with his dark side. The damn thing had taken a vacation since they’d moved to the island. Or maybe the tropical weather had permanently thawed the coldness within?
“You’re not fooling anyone.” Dex gave him a knowing smirk. He leaned forward and started packing up Lilly’s bag. “You’re still coming over later. Right? Aly’s all excited about that recipe Nick gave her. She’s making that tonight for dinner.”
“Yeah, we’ll be there.” He pressed a kiss to the top of Lilly’s head before reluctantly surrendering her to her father.
“See you then,” Dex said, nuzzling his daughter and whispering senseless words that triggered a sound close to a giggle.
Killian inwardly groaned. Yeah, he was going to be totally fucked in a few years when that little girl became a full-blown princess. Without question, he would stand guard at her side and ensure her tiara was perfectly straight while granting any wish in his power.
He leaned back in the chair, watching Nick finally release his patient with a soft pat on the back and a smile. Killian’s pulse sped as Nick turned toward him, walking along the path that led to the fire pit where he sat.
Their eyes met and a huge grin spread across Nick’s face.
Even from a distance, that smile sparked a flutter in Killian’s chest.
Nick had a light about him that was a force, as if rays of happiness beamed from him and spread to those exposed to it in his proximity. His hair had lightened from the sun. Still nowhere near as pale as it had been as a boy, but Nick’s sandy hair was now sun-kissed with light golden streaks that appeared even brighter with his now tanned skin.
And his eyes…
Killian sighed heavily. Like a love-struck fool, he lost himself each day as he stared into those jade pools, obvious windows to Nick’s soul that showcased the endless joy screaming from their depths with swirls of gold flecks and shards of emeralds. Nick was life and all its beauty personified. And he was the most amazing gift Killian could ever imagine receiving in this lifetime or the next.
Every day, Nick showed him what love and life were about.
And Killian was forever grateful.
He stood when Nick neared, welcoming how his heart pounded quicker with each step as it always did in his presence.
“Hey there,” Nick said, placing a gentle peck on his lips.
Killian took Nick’s hand and led him to sit down on the lounge chair with him, nestling Nick between his legs. Killian wrapped his arms around Nick’s waist and tugged him closer, pulling Nick back against his chest and resting his chin on Nick’s shoulder.
They stared out at the ocean, enjoying the sight and sound of the crashing waves. “How was your day?” he asked, kissing Nick’s cheek.
Nick turned his head to the side, pressing his forehead against Killian as they lingered close enough for their breaths to mingle. They talked about their day, as they always did each evening. The island was small and secrets were nearly impossible to keep, so nothing new was ever revealed. But it was their time together. One of many quiet moments they shared with each other, in complete and total privacy just to hear the sound of their voices without interruptions.
And without the need for subtitles.
“Tell me something happy. A memory that makes you smile?” Nick asked, nestling into the embrace.
Killian tightened his arms around Nick, smiling at Nick’s question. The same one he asked each and every day.
“It was a sunny day, hot as hell,” Killian began, a small smile curling his lips. “You were fighting that big sailfish. Sweat was dripping down your face and you were pissed you had the hat on because it had blocked your view of the fish when it jumped out of the water. So you reached up with one hand and spun the baseball cap around so the bill was at the back of your head. But at that exact moment, the fish pulled and nearly yanked you out of the seat. When I reached for the fishing rod, you gave me this death glare and told me, ‘Don’t you dare touch my pole.’”
A bubble of laughter erupted from Nick, vibrating Killian’s body with the closeness. Killian took a deep breath, soaking in the heat between them and the vibration resonating through him. His heart hammered in his chest, as it always did with Nick’s laughter.
“That was yesterday,” Nick said.
“I know.”
Nick looked over his shoulder, pressing a kiss to Killian’s cheek. “Why do you always do that?”
“Do what?”
“Tell me something from the day before.”
“That’s what you get for making me happier each day.”
“That’s sweet. I think Lilly’s rubbing off on you.”
Killian tugged him closer. “As long as she’s not spitting up on me, I’m good.”
A smile pulled Nick’s mouth wide. He leaned his head to the side, resting against Killian’s forehead with a heavy sigh. “I could stay like this all day with you.”
“We’ve got dinner plans later over at Dex and Aly’s.” Killian pushed his nose into Nick’s hair, breathing him in, wondering how someone could smell like love, life, and passion all rolled into one scent.
Nick groaned. “You keep rubbing up against me like that and I’m going to hold you hostage at home while I take advantage of you.”
Killian would hold him to that promise. Later.
They held each other and watched as the sun slowly dipped into the horizon, spilling streams of color into the sky. Killian broke free from the embrace with a sigh a short time later. He stood and took Nick’s hand, leading them out of the lounge area, through the trees, and down the path to their home. He loved these quiet walks with Nick as the trees shaded the sky and the air softly breezed between the foliage.
“You’re quieter than usual. Everything okay?”
Killian nodded. Everything was perfect, as it always seemed to be these last few months. So much so he often found himself in a daze, wondering if he was daydreaming. But this was real. He knew it, felt it, and craved it each and every second—refusing to waste a single moment.
They broke through the trees and walked off to the shorter, older, outer path to the village. Killian stopped when they reached the old carved wooden sign, the first addition to the sanctuary he had envisioned, inspired by the younger version of the man staring back at him.
Nick reached out, strumming his thumb along Killian’s stubbled jaw as he stared at his face, obviously trying to decipher the subtitles between them in that moment.
Killian took a deep breath and dug into the pocket of his shorts, closing his hands over the small metal pieces. He closed his eyes and exhaled, hoping to settle the nerves fluttering in his stomach. He had run an errand, something he thought appropriate. Now, he second-guessed himself, wondering if he should risk muddying the waters. All because he didn’t want to screw things up, even though Nick assured him that wasn’t possible.
“Did something happen when you went to the mainland this week?”
He shook his head. It wasn’t a worry of imminent doom that silenced him more than usual. He stayed up-to-date with his sources during his monthly visits to the mainland. Petrov had stuck to his word and all was silent on that front. Even his self-proclaimed best friend Ramon kept an ear to the ground and insisted on providing updates during their monthly “friends must have lunch together” appointments.
Without the contract, Nick was free to accompany him to the mainland, and had twice before. But the thought of someone getting hurt and needing medical attention in his absence pulled at Nick, beckoning him to return to their home on the island.
Their home. The thought always made Killian's heart skip a beat.
He was happy. For the first time in his life, he understood what that meant…what it felt like. He smiled every morning as he woke and blissfully sighed each evening as he held Nick in his arms for another peaceful night of sleep.
All because of this man.
The man who insisted he was his Nico Marks.
And it was time he made it official.
Killian swallowed heavily as he withdrew his hand from his pocket. He opened his hand, palm side up, revealing two rings.
Nick didn’t bother disguising the gasp or how his eyes rounded.
“I had the talisman melted down. It took a while to find a trustworthy jeweler who could work with titanium and not ask about the bullet.” Killian looked at the two metal rings in his palm and cleared his throat, his voice suddenly thick. “It was pretty much ruined that night. But I couldn’t part with it.” He glanced up at Nick, hoping he wouldn’t screw things up with the wrong words. “It’s the one thing that linked us years ago.” He swallowed heavily, struggling with the boulder that had lodged itself in his throat. “And I wanted it to keep us linked forever.”
Nick stared at him, in stunned silence. A wealth of emotions shone bright in his eyes. His full lips were parted, each breath slow with an almost quiet whoosh.
Killian cleared his throat again, fighting the swell of emotions suddenly making it difficult to speak. “I promise to always love and protect you. If you’ll have me.”
With the ring, came a promise. A promise of many more tomorrows and happy moments. He wouldn’t deny he was anxious—he hadn’t ever felt this much hope bubbling inside.
Nick ducked his head and silently stared at the rings.
Killian brushed the hair at the side of Nick’s head with his other hand, gripping the back of his neck and pulling him closer. “You made me want things. Things I didn’t think I deserved.”
“You deserve them,” Nick whispered, still staring at the two rings, hesitating for a moment before letting his fingers graze them in Killian’s palm.
“I love you, Nico Marks.”
A rush of air escaped Nick. “I love it when you call me that,” he said, his voice hushed, breathy, and almost wistful as he flattened his palm against Killian’s, sealing the rings between them.
“Then let’s make it official. Marry me.”
An unspoken vow had already been exchanged between them that night in the hangar, cementing their bond far more than gestures or words ever could. Killian didn’t need the formality or customs, the bond between them was stronger than Killian’s own iron will.
But that didn’t stop him from wanting to follow tradition.
Nick took both rings, sliding one onto his own finger. He held up his hand and admired the new addition, exhaling a slow, shaky breath through pursed lips. Killian’s heartbeat quickened when Nick took his hand, slid the other ring on him, and then pressed a kiss to Killian’s now ringed finger.
Killian locked away every microscopic movement and reaction in his mind, knowing he would recall this precise moment tomorrow evening when Nick asked him for a happy memory.
Nick glanced up, his eyes misty as a grin widened and brightened his entire face, bursting with the light and joy that always weakened Killian’s knees and seared his soul. He cupped Killian’s face, his gaze intense and unyielding.
“I love you,” Nick said fiercely. He wrapped his arms around Killian’s shoulders and yanked him closer, flush against his body as he cradled the back of Killian’s head in a caress. “You will always be my angel.”
Killian instinctively slid his arms around Nick’s waist and closed his eyes with a sigh, his pulse racing with the warmth of Nick’s breath feathering against his ear. “A ‘yes’ would be good right about now.” He couldn’t resist teasing even though he knew the answer now as he always did.
A faint chuckle echoed next to his ear, unleashing a swarm of butterflies in his stomach. Nick placed a tender kiss to his lips and then pressed their foreheads together before whispering Killian’s favorite word in the entire English dictionary.
“Yes.”
~The End. ~