Epilogue
The Prince Albert Hotel’s Imperial Ballroom was bedecked with red, white, and blue streamers, while festive lights were strung across the banisters and the balconies. A live band struck up a lively tune, and the crowd was whipped up into the frenzy as the emcee made the announcement.
“And now, let’s welcome to the stage, New York’s newest Governor, Jacob Martin!”
The people in the ballroom went wild, cheering and shouting as the doors opened. The crowd parted, and Jacob Martin strode through the room, accompanied by his son and new daughter-in-law. Father and son were wearing matching black tuxes while the new Mrs. Martin looked positively glowing in her blue chiffon evening gown that showed off her baby bump. The trio went up to the small dais set up in the front, and Governor Martin walked up to the podium after helping Selena to her seat.
“Thank you, everyone. Thank you for coming to tonight's Inaugural ball,” Jacob said, his face beaming. “Allow me first to thank a few people who I owe a great deal to and, if it were not for them, I wouldn’t be here. First, my campaign team …” Jacob continued with his rehearsed speech, showing his gratitude to everyone who helped get him elected. “Finally,” he said, clearing his throat. “As you all know, we had a bit of a last-minute surprise during the campaign, namely, my son, Quinn. And while some of my staff warned me that acknowledging him might cost me the election, I told them to go to hell.” The crowd laughed. “And I’m glad I did because I’m proud to be the father of such a wonderful young man who beat the odds and turned out well, no thanks to me.” Jacob gave his son a smile, his eyes shining with tears. “And, well, while I didn’t get to see his first walk or hear his first words, he’ll have a chance to do it with his son or daughter. Speaking of which, thank you, Selena. You’ve been instrumental in healing the rift between us. I’m so glad my son found a lifelong partner in you, and, if I leave this world soon, I’ll be happy knowing you’ll be there to take care of him.” Overcome with emotion, Jacob stepped away from the podium and walked to Quinn and Selena to give them both hugs.
“You’re going off script, Pops,” Quinn whispered. “I think your campaign manager’s about to bust a vein.”
“Meh, she’ll live,” Jacob said. “Besides, I’m already Governor. I can do whatever the hell I want.”
“C’mon, Dad,” Selena urged. “They’re waiting for you to open the dance floor.”
“All right, but save a dance for me, okay?” Jacob’s brown eyes twinkled, his expression reminding her so much of Quinn’s. As she found out, Jacob Martin was every bit as charming as his son.
“I will. Now go!”
Quinn pulled Selena closer to him and buried his nose in her hair. “Kitten, you look so sexy in that dress. Your tits look amazing.”
“I look fat,” she said glumly. “And I’m only going to get fatter.”
“You do not,” he protested, then placed a hand over her belly. “You’re beautiful and sexy, and I want to pull you into the nearest janitor’s closet and have my way with you.”
“Quinn,” she admonished, “we’re on a stage in front of three hundred people.”
“So? They can’t hear me say how I wish I could bend my wife over that podium and screw her silly.”
Jacob turned his head from where he was standing by the foot of the stage and gave them a wink.
“Except the Lycans,” Selena said wryly. “Behave, please. And dance with your wife.”
“Only because you asked nicely.”
Quinn led her to the dance floor where he gave her a playful spin that set her into a fit of giggles before pulling her close into his arms. As the music played and the other couples danced around them, she laid her head on his chest, tuning out the rest of the world and listening to the beating of his heart.
The last few weeks were certainly a whirlwind. Between Carla and Paul being sent to Lycan prison, trying to repair the relationship between Quinn and Jacob, getting engaged, having a quickie wedding, watching the campaign, and, of course, gestating a magical Lycan baby, Selena was exhausted. But the worst was over now. Quinn and Jacob were slowly healing, together, and his father’s public acknowledgment of their relationship was a big factor in helping with that. It was horrible at first when the news broke. They were being followed by reporters all day long, but that pretty much died down a few days later when the next big scandal hit the headlines.
“What are you thinking about?” Quinn asked.
“About families,” she said.
Quinn frowned. “Are things okay with your father?”
Selena sighed. “Uncle Lucien says I'm not banished from the coven. He won't tell me how, but I suspect he had a lot to do with that. So, I’m free to visit Philadelphia and mom anytime.”
“But?”
“But … I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I just … he’s my dad, you know? It still hurts …”
“I know, kitten.” He pulled her close. “Whatever you decide, whether you want to try and work things out or never talk to him again, I’ll support you.”
“Thank you.”
“Your stepsisters on the other hand …” He gave a distasteful grimace.
Selena giggled. “Did they try to get tickets to the ball?”
“They did, and I told them to fuck off. Then a couple hours ago, I saw them trying to sneak in here, telling security they were the Governor’s son’s favorite sisters-in-law.”
“Ha! Hopefully, security didn’t let them in.”
“I circulated their pictures to the staff. They won’t be getting in here.”
“Good,” Selena replied. Katrina and Alexis would always be part and parcel with her father, something she had to accept if she ever wanted to repair that relationship, but she vowed never to let them or anyone else walk all over her again.
“I love you,” he whispered in her ear.
She looked up at him, into his clear blue eyes, and her heart fluttered, even after all these months. She once thought that loving Quinn would only lead to heartache and pain. Sure, there were days when she didn’t know whether to kiss him or drown him, but it was all worth it. Loving Quinn was freedom; it was giving him the best of herself, but also getting the best of him in return. And for Selena, that would be enough for the rest of her life.