EPILOGUE
Freya
Two years later
I worked on the gold material of the dress at my sewing machine, smiling as I listened to the banter in the studio. We had a successful business here and seemed to get more customers by the month. I’d hired two more girls to work for us after carefully interviewing and we seemed to be on track. I leaned my head back and rolled slowly as I closed my eyes.
I was eight months pregnant. I was having twins, and I liked to think that I’d have one for each of my loves. By all accounts, Braden was the father. There were a close few that knew the truth. I just wanted babies with them. They looked alike so there was a good chance the babies would take after all three of us.
I jumped as hands moved to massage my neck, breathing in the scent of Braden as I smiled. “Hi there,” I said as I felt his lips against my hair.
“How are you feeling?” His voice was filled with concern and I pecked his lips. He wanted me to stop working three months into the pregnancy, but I was young and healthy. I was working less and just going into the studio to scratch my creative itch.
“I’m fine, baby. You need to stop worrying so much,” I teased him as his eyes darkened.
“That is our son and daughter baking in there. I want all of you to be safe.” He kissed me again, and I closed my eyes as he stroked back my hair. I knew that he meant the babies belonged to all three of us.
“I will be.” I smiled at him, glancing back to see women staring at us with envy in their eyes. If only they knew what was really going on. “Where’s Cal?”
“Golfing with Dad. It’s their new thing.” Braden rolled his eyes. “I think it’s boring as fuck.” His voice was low, and I giggled as I looked down at the dress. He reached out and stroked my ring finger, tracing the diamond engagement ring along with the two shimmering bands flanking either side. I chose one for each man since they were both rooted firmly in my heart.
The wedding had been in the garden. It was between Braden and I in front of family and friends. I shared long looks with Callin during my vows, who was standing just behind his brother. The reception had been filled with dancing and laughter as everyone toasted us. It was an occasion at which I could celebrate with both of my men without drawing too much attention to us. It was later that we made everything official, moving everywhere on the bed in the hotel suite across town. We moved into a large house that was located across the property and offered us the privacy that we needed. The area was heavily guarded given the importance of their positions and Callin had a staged cottage nearby. There might come a time when we could tell everyone the truth, but I was happy for now. In just another month, I’d be starting the family I’d dreamed of watching my parents together.
Mama walked over and took a long look at me. She gazed at Braden and shook her head as I rolled my eyes.
“Not you, too. I’m pregnant, Mama. That doesn’t mean I need to stay in bed all day, just that I need to be careful. The lot of you are going to make me crazy.” I smiled as I spoke, unable to hide my love for them.
“Twins, Freya. That’s a lot different from just having one like I did. You need to stay off your feet as much as possible,” she said with concern in her voice.
“I’m sitting. See?” I asked, looking down at the chair they’d insisted I used as soon as I announced the pregnancy.
“You’re as stubborn as they come, Freya. Dinner at seven? Mom wants to talk about the masquerade ball.” He kissed me, and I smiled at him.
“I’ll be there, ready to eat for three.” Mom laughed as Braden walked out, telling everyone to have a good day as they watched him leave. I sighed and sipped my water before finishing the skirt with a careful eye. “You’re coming to dinner, aren’t you?”
“Of course.” Mama and Kathrine were close friends now and spent a lot of time together.
“Good.” She hugged me, telling me that she loved me before she went to help someone that just had just walked in.
I looked up, gazing at the bright studio filled with clothes of all colors. Women were talking about their ideas and projects that were in progress and it reminded me of the boutique in Paris. I still missed that place, but this offered everything I’d ever wanted. Mama was even dating though slowly. She’d been introduced to a friend of the family in the last few months and they hit it off immediately.
I smiled at the paintings that I’d hung up near our stations. They were in the original store and gifts from Daddy to celebrate the opening. I needed a little piece of him here and I planned to name my son after him as well.
The day ended with another stack of drawings and I yawned as Mama told me about them at the dinner table. I’d left after finishing the one dress, admittedly tired. She was bubbling over with excitement and I grinned at her as Callin and Braden sat beside me. Her new beau was sitting beside her and I looked Ned over with a warm gaze. He adored my mama and treated her well, which is something that she deserved.
I walked to the cottage with Braden and Callin, ready to sleep. It was gated so once we walked through the front, nobody could see anything. Braden opened the door for me as Callin helped me to the bedroom and on the bed. He kissed me hard as I smiled against his lips, holding him close.
Love comes in many forms and I found it in two brothers. I was scared at first but love always wins. Your heart should choose what it wants and not what others think are best for you. It is worth the happiness.