All My Broken Pieces (FindingLight #2)

Epilogue 2

Arriana

My heart hammers as I slip through the crowd. Even though it’s been nearly a decade since Fallon and I originally fled the country, I still get worried whenever we’re in large crowds. The possibility of someone taking me away from my baby again has me ready to rip out the throats of every passerby.

“Hey.” Fallon whispers, squeezing her fingers in mine. “It’s going to be okay.”

I turn my head toward her, plastering on my usual carefree grin. “Of course it will be, baby.” I murmur, bringing her hand to my lips. She giggles as I press a soft kiss against her skin and wiggle my eyebrows at her. “Now, come on, we don’t want to miss our flight.”

In the years since we left, Andrew’s technological abilities have greatly increased, and thanks to his newfound skills, we have the capability of visiting our first home once again.

I’ve enjoyed our time in Mexico, teaching Fallon my first language, watching her grow and blossom into the woman I always knew she would be. I wouldn’t change a single moment for anything. But sometimes I still miss my world, and, if I’m honest, I miss my family.

I never thought I would say those words, but in the years we’ve been gone my brother and Hudson have grown closer and as such, I’ve gotten to speak with Cooper more in the last nine years than I did for nearly a decade and a half before then. Spencer is still an ass, but at least he checks in more frequently now too since he settled down. I’ve even got a few nieces and nephews running around I’ve yet to meet.

The announcement for our flight pulls my attention from my thoughts. “Shit.” I mumble, glancing around the airport. We’re still trying to navigate our way through and the clock is ticking. A thought crosses my mind and I pull Fallon to a stop, spinning her toward me.

“What-” She tries to ask, but her question is quickly cut off by a squeal as I yank her up in my arms. “Arriana!” She cries, giggling as she clings to me.

I smile at her before taking off in a sprint, the crowds moving much quicker to avoid being rundown by the crazy woman running through the terminal.

We make it to our gate, skidding to a stop before the flight attendant. I set Fallon down, waiting for her to rummage through her bag for our tickets. “ ?Boleto? ” The attendant asks, waiting expectantly for us to show her our plane tickets. Quickly scanning the small papers, she nods toward the hall beside her that leads to our flight.

“ Gracias. ” Fallon whispers, ducking her head.

The attendant smiles at her. “ Que lo pases genial en América. ” Fallon’s returning grin is breathtaking.

I may be excited to return to Seattle, but it’s nothing on my girl’s excitement.

We shuffle our way onto the plane, getting settled in our seats. Fallon clings to my arm, staring out the window. “We’re going home.” She whispers, her voice full of so much emotion I can’t pinpoint how she’s feeling.

“Yes, we are.” I murmur, trailing the back of my hand down her neck. “Are you ready?”

Taking a deep breath, she slowly releases it before turning to me with wide eyes. “I think so. What if…” She glances around, lowering her voice before asking her question. “What if they come after you?”

My chest spasms at the worry in her tone. Extracting my arm from her hold, I cup her face in my hands and bring my lips to her forehead. “They won’t.” I promise, feeling her tense up in response. “And, even if they do,” I lean back, the corner of my mouth ticking up in a smirk. “They’ll never take me away from you, baby. Never again.”

She studies me for several moments before whispering, “Promise?”

“Promise. Lo juro. ” Her expression softens and she melts in my hold. “You’re my forever, remember?” I chuckle, settling back into my seat and blowing out a slow breath. The rumble of the engine sounds beneath us and a now familiar worry tries to push its way past my confidence, but I just tighten my hold on Fallon.

There’s little guaranteed in life, but there is one thing I can count on.

I know we’ll be together forever, of that I’m certain. Because I won’t let it be any other way.

I groan as I stand up from the seat, stretching out my sore muscles. We only had one connecting stop in Denver, but it has turned into a day of travel and my body aches, reminding me I’m getting older.

Holding my hand out to Fallon, I wait for her to hurriedly shove her eReader in her bag. “You and your books.” I chuckle, earning myself a glare.

Over the years, my baby’s books have done very well, earning her a nice income. Which she promptly used on purchasing every book known to mankind, calling it research . I can’t complain when her research on certain topics bleeds into our relationship.

Huffing, she pushes to her feet, slinging her bag’s strap around her shoulders. My gaze travels down her body and I bite my lip. Even after a full day’s travel, dressed in an oversized hoodie, leggings, and ballet flats, she’s the most beautiful creature in existence.

Unable to help myself, I pull her into my arms, my lips crushing against hers. Her earlier moodiness melts away as the kiss deepens, her hands clinging to my arms as if to hold herself upright.

A throat clears behind us. Breaking the kiss, I scowl at the flight attendant for daring to interrupt. Her eyes widen at the gleam in mine. I’ve had just enough stress and weariness from the day I feel like a rubber band about to snap. From the look on her face, she can tell she really doesn’t want to be on the receiving end when that happens.

Before I can act on any of the thoughts running through my mind, Fallon’s hand squeezes my arm, drawing my attention back to her. I shift my gaze and become lost in her beauty once more.

“Let’s go.” She whispers, indicating the exit with her head.

My earlier annoyance already gone, a smile spreads across my face as I shuffle out of the way, half bowing and extending my arm. “After you.”

She giggles, slipping past me. I watch after her for a moment, enjoying the view of her luscious ass as it sways with each step.

My desire for her has only grown over the years, the need to have her in every way increasing with each moment I’m blessed with her presence.

As I gather our carry ons, all I can think of is how I got so goddamn lucky to have captured a goddess.

Fallon

I feel disgusting. Exhausted, stuffy from the poor air circulation, and just all around miserable.

Sneaking a peek over at Arriana, I can’t help but shake my head.

How does she still look so gorgeous?

It’s both not fair and exciting beyond words how beautiful she is. On one hand, I don’t want to be alone in the frumpy appearance when we meet our friends. On the other hand, that’s my girl I get to show off how stunning she looks, even after a day of hellish travel.

“What has you smiling like that, baby?” Arriana chuckles, resting her hand on the small of my back.

I melt into her touch, leaning my head on her shoulder. “You.” I admit, my lips turning up into a sly grin. The thought of us sneaking off to one of the airport bathrooms plays in my mind and has me biting my lip.

She chuckles quietly, pressing her lips to my head. “Whatever you’re imagining right now, the answer is yes.”

My face flames and I quickly duck my head, letting my hair hide both my embarrassment and excitement. It doesn’t matter that I can read and write the filthiest books, filling the pages with creative and steamy sex. I still find the old shame tries to creep up at my desires.

I hope one day to be able to exist without the need to hide away, but it’s a journey and every step on it has brought me closer to full freedom to be and express who I am.

Before I can get too lost in my head, the terminal opens to a revolving door exit. My body tenses as we grow closer, the familiar anxiety crawling up my throat and a heaviness settling on my chest.

“Hey, it’s okay, baby.” Arriana reassures me, shifting her arm to wrap around my waist and pull my body close to hers. I jerk my head in agreement, even though my instincts are screaming at me to run.

Each step closer to the exit has my anxiety growing until I can’t think past the fear. Planting my feet, I glance around and mumble, “May-maybe we should have just flown everyone to us instead.” The worry bleeds into my tone as I fist the fabric of my hoodie in a tight grip.

Arriana chuckles again, brushing back my hair to lean and whisper into my ear. “You know why we couldn’t do that, mi vida .” She releases her hold on me to walk through the slowly spinning doorway.

I watch after her for a moment, swallowing down the fear.

She’s right. We’ll be fine. And there’s no way I was going to miss this.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly push it out of my lungs, repeating the process a few times until I can breathe a little easier. I hold onto the certainty that Arriana wouldn’t let anything happen, that she would move heaven and earth to make sure we make it home safely after this.

With one last mental pep talk, I walk through the spinning exit and step through the other side. My heartbeat races as I don’t find Arriana waiting for me. An impending sense of doom settling inside at her absence.

“Fallon!” My head jerks to the side, the panic easing when I find the small group of people waiting for me. I spot Arriana in a hushed conversation with Andrew as he stands beside a girl with gorgeous long black hair and the body of a dancer.

My focus is pulled away as I catch movement out of the corner of my eye. I brace myself moments before a small body slams against mine, tiny arms wrapping around my legs. “Auntie Fae!” The little voice makes the tears slip over, sliding down my cheeks as I bend to scoop the little boy into my arms.

“Hey, buddy.” He wiggles in my hold, trying to get back on his feet. “Okay, okay.” I chuckle, releasing him and quickly wiping my cheeks.

“Look! Look what I has.” He bounces on his feet, shoving a small action figure into my hands. “His name is Buzz.” I look down at the toy, the recognizable space cadet with white, green, and purple markings bringing back memories from my own childhood. “I has a secret.”

I glance up, leaning close to whisper, “What is it?”

He beams at me, his jerky movements growing more erratic as his excitement grows. “He comes to life, just like the movies!” Glancing over his shoulder, he lowers his voice as he whispers, “But don’t tell Daddy.”

Following his gaze, I smirk, holding out my pinky finger. “Promise.” His face lights up as he wraps his tiny finger around my own.

“Oliver, are you bothering your Auntie?” A breathless voice sounds above us.

Oliver shakes his head aggressively. “Nu uh, Mommy.”

Ava chuckles, ruffling his dark hair with her hand. “Stop it!” He cries, moving out of her reach. In doing so, he spots my other half, his earlier grin appearing once more as he takes off in her direction.

I watch after him for a moment before pushing to my feet. Turning toward her, I wrap Ava into a hug. Well, as much as I can manage around the large bump between us. “Hey, Ava.” I smile, leaning away to take her in.

“Hi, babe!” She greets, her eyes alight. A sheen of sweat has formed on her forehead, face flushed from the exertion of traveling to greet us.

One look at her and I know Arriana was right, there’s no way they could have traveled to come see us.

Killian steps up beside her, wrapping his arm around her body protectively. “You need to sit down, baby girl.” He gently demands, nudging her toward the row of seats behind them.

Ava waves off his concern, focusing on me instead. “I am so fucking excited you’re actually here!” She cries, resting one of her hands on her extended stomach.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I ignore the nagging reminder that I missed her last pregnancy.

There was still too much heat at the time, and traveling to the States was out of the question. She was able to come see me a few times, but Killian put his foot down as she got farther along, his worry that something could happen while they were out of the country both endearing and beyond frustrating.

Ava smiles softly at me, reaching her hand out to gently squeeze my arm. Glancing over her shoulder, she catches Killian’s concerned gaze. She looks back at me, rolling her eyes and indicating the exit. “Well, you ready to get this show on the road?”

My eyes seek out Arriana, finding her enraptured by Oliver, nodding along with his animated exclamations and reacting to his stories in an overly exaggerated manner to show her enthusiasm.

My heart swells at the interaction, somehow falling more in love with her than I already was. She peeks over at me, throwing a wink my way before returning her attention to our nephew.

“Yeah, let’s go.” I reply, finding the earlier worries have melted away by being surrounded by those we love and who love us right back.

“Oh. My. God.” Ava barks a laugh, clapping her hand over her mouth. “What is this?”

I jerk my head to look at Arriana. “What did you do?” She simply shrugs, sipping at her drink. Rolling my eyes, I turn back to Ava. “I had no part in this.” I laugh, holding my hand out. “Can I see it?”

Ava leans to hand over the small box, huffing at the movement. I smile at her, taking it from her outstretched arm and inspecting the gift closely, both horrified and near hysterical giggles threatening to break free.

The box looks just like any other toy box, except the child on the front is holding a plushie knife, another concerning plush toy in the shape of a body bag lies beside the child. Written across the top is El primer kit de asesinato del bebé.

“Baby’s first murder kit? Seriously?” I can’t hold back the laugh this time, incredulous that she was even able to find something like this.

“I’m sorry, what?!” Ava cries, her eyes widening.

Arriana glances between her and the gift, a sly grin pulling up the side of her lips. “Can never start too early.” She shrugs once more, settling back in her seat as if this is the most normal interaction.

I glance up and find Killian glaring at Arriana, the hard set of his jaw and expression so furious I’m certain if the kit was real he would be using it on her. Laughing awkwardly, I hand the box back over to Ava. “She watches too many true crime documentaries.” I offer, trying to ease some of the tension in the room.

It’s obvious Killian still hasn’t disclosed what his job consists of, and while I hate keeping Ava out of the loop, I have to agree that it’s probably for the best.

Ava shakes her head, examining the gift once more. “Is it bad that I find it kind of adorable? In a creepy as fuck kind of way.” Arriana beams at the comment, winking at Killian’s furious gaze.

“Okay, not that that’s weird or anything, but maybe open ours next. Ya know, a normal gift.” Andrew cuts in, smirking as Arriana lifts her middle finger in his direction. He slings his arm around the girl beside him, leaning back and spreading his legs in a relaxed position.

While I still don’t know him very well, it’s nice to see the happiness he exudes, a direct contrast to the last time we were in this room. From what Arriana has told me, a lot of it is due to the woman beside him.

She looks up, catching my gaze and smiling, her grey eyes almost ethereal in the light. I return her grin, finding I’m excited to get to know her more. Something about her presence draws you in, a fact I had noticed in all the interactions I’ve witnessed so far.

Is it weird to use her as inspiration for a future character? Probably weird.

Mentally shaking myself, I return my attention back to my best friend.

Ava tries to grab the gift in question, growing frustrated as she is hindered by her belly. Noticing her struggle, Killian gently rests his hand on her shoulder, reaching down and picking up the present. She smiles up at him before tearing into it.

Andrew was right, their gift was normal, maybe even a little boring. Not that I’d say it out loud.

I tip my cup back to find it’s empty. Pushing to my feet, I mumble to Arriana that I’ll be right back before venturing into the kitchen for a refill. I’m lost in thought, the earlier inspiration having struck and my mind now weaving together another plot bunny that my current works in progress are side eyeing.

I’ll never get used to the fact that I write for a living. That people actually pay money to read words I’ve written, stories I’ve dreamed up, and worlds I’ve created.

The sounds of laughter wafts over to me from the living area and I can’t contain the smile in response. I look over the drink selection, my mind replaying all the moments that led to this one. Some good, some bad, but each piece, no matter how broken, made up the puzzle of our lives.

As I move to refill my glass, I nearly drop it into the punch bowl at the sound of a pained cry behind me. I quickly set down my empty drink and dart into the room. Looking around, I try to find what happened. My eyes widen as they land on Ava. Her face is contorted in pain, a small puddle pooled beneath her on the floor. I glance at Killian, finding him kneeling beside her, his hand gripped by Ava’s.

“Andrew.” He barks. I shift my gaze to Andrew and watch as he flies around the room, gathering supplies like they’ve rehearsed this a hundred times.

“What’s wrong with Mommy?” Oliver’s voice pulls my focus away. I look to find him perched on Arriana’s lap, curled up in her arms, fear on his face.

“Shhh.” Arriana soothes, brushing back his hair. “Nothing’s wrong, hombrecito .” Turning her gaze to mine, a wide smile spreads on her face as she says, “You’re about to be a big brother.”

If I ever wanted to have kids of my own, that desire has entirely disappeared after what I just witnessed.

When Ava pleaded with me to stay with her during her labor, there was no way I could say no. Now I’m going to have nightmares of her screaming and body contorted in agony.

Why she wouldn’t just take the meds they offered was beyond me, but she had apparently been adamant during all their planning that this time she was going to experience everything .

I thought Killian was going to have a coronary as he white-knuckled beside her, never leaving her side. The agony she felt reflected on his own face. “Please, just let them take away some of the pain.” He had pleaded with her, only getting a vicious glare in return. He didn’t try again.

No matter how horrifically terrible the experience was, the moments after? They made it all worth it.

“She’s beautiful.” I breathe, peering down at the tiny child, amazed that any human could be so small.

Ava looks up at me, a soft smile on her face. “She is, isn’t she?” Looking back down, she gently rubs her thumb on her daughter’s face. “Absolutely perfect.”

There’s a quiet moment before Killian reenters the room with everyone else in tow. A wave of congratulations sounds as each person steps up to see the beautiful being the two created.

Arms wrap around my waist. I lean back against Arriana as she rests her chin on my shoulder. My heart is so full it feels it might burst. “Hey, baby.” She whispers, tightening her hold.

“Hey.” I sigh, relaxing in her embrace.

“So, what are ya going to name her?” Andrew’s question peaks my interest.

Ava glances at Killian before smiling down at their daughter once more. “Lilliana.” She murmurs, the love in her expression nearly enough to break my heart.

I look around the room, a sense of awe filling me that this is my reality. That after all the heartache, struggle, and pain we have all endured. We’re here, surrounded by love.

Turning my head, I seek out Arriana’s lips, needing to let out some of this overwhelming joy. As she presses hers to mine, I find one thought repeats in my mind.

We found it after all.

Our happy ending.

THE END