Blurred Lines: A Reverse Harem, Dad's Best Friends Romance (The Why Choose Haremland)

Epilogue Emily

Sunlight paints the newly restored balcony in buttery warmth, and I take a deep, satisfied breath. The scent of fresh paint mingles with the rich aroma of damp earth and the sweet promise of grapes ripening on the vine.

Below, the vineyard bustles with renewed life. Workers chatter in the rows, their movements deft and purposeful. The dull ache of neglect and financial strain has been replaced by a vibrant hum of hope and determination.

Look at them, Silas murmurs beside me, his arm snaking around my waist. You did this, Em. You saved this place.

We did this, I counter, leaning into his solid warmth. This man, with his quiet strength and unwavering support, has become the foundation of my world. He, along with Caeleb and Finn—the ever-enthusiastic, eternally optimistic Finn with his boundless energy and surprisingly insightful wisdom.

A flash of movement catches my eye. Flora, phone pressed to her ear, strides purposefully across the manicured lawn. A crisp new uniform accents her lean frame and the determination in her eyes rivals the sharp cut of her jawline.

Look at how glorious she is, I muse to myself, a swell of pride warming me from the inside out.

My sister, whod once been lost in the shadow of everything that threatened to bring us down, has blossomed. She aced that detective sergeant exam, and everyone in town knows shes destined for greater things. She always was, behind all the self-deprecating humor. Im so, so glad shes come into her own.

Incoming delivery of smugness, one grumpy detective sergeant, Flora announces, rejoining us on the balcony with a playful salute. She hands me the phone, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Its Caeleb on the other end. His voice crackles with static, but I can hear the smile in it. Latest shipment of samples arrived. Figured youd want to give ‘em a try. Also, I have a certain little man here whos demanding to know when bonus mommy is coming to visit.

My heart melts a little each time Brian calls me that. This bright, inquisitive child, whod endured so much upheaval, has finally found his place, his haven. Its here in Emberton, in the sprawling mansion overflowing with laughter and love, alongside me. The idea that I get to be a part of his life, a guiding light, fills me with a profound joy Id never dared to imagine.

Tell him you guys need to come here right now! I chirp into the phone, catching Silass amused grin out of the corner of my eye. Are you free, though?

Were always free for you, Caeleb answers. Be there in a bit.

As I end the call, another wave of gratitude washes over me.

Flora gives me a once-over. So?—

Bad news? Silas quirks an eyebrow, sensing the shift in my mood.

Quite the opposite, I grin as I loop my arm through his, resting my head on his shoulder. This is probably the best bit of news.

Flora leads us to the room adjacent to the balcony, now transformed from its faded, austere state. The walls glow with a soft, verdant green, a gentle echo of the lush vineyards below. Intricate molding and restored Victorian-era details bring an air of timeless elegance to the space.

Verona and Alec, she continues animatedly. Theyve taken off. They know well enough we have what we need to send them behind bars. I may have intervened and said theyd be safer overseas.

I laugh at that. You did not!

Flora shrugs nonchalantly. You mess with my family, you can be sure Ill find a way to get even.

A relieved sigh escapes me. Those two scheming, manipulative vipers—the ones whod sunk their claws into Emberton, leeching off its resources, poisoning the heart of my family—are finally gone. Were safe. Truly, undeniably safe.

Well, its about time, Finn booms from the doorway, startling us both. He beams, his freckled face alight with genuine happiness. I say we crack open a bottle of the good stuff to celebrate! With some apple juice for the queen, of course, he winks at me.

Or better yet, lets make it a double celebration! I exclaim, a burst of excitement bubbling to the surface. Guess who just aced her sergeant exam?

Finn whistles, enveloping Flora in a bear hug that lifts her off the ground. Her protests are drowned out by his booming laughter.

The late afternoon sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a blaze of orange and pink. Silas lights the candles on the balcony, casting a warm glow over our makeshift feast as Finn pours the wine—a rich, velvety red with the promise of better days on the nose. I dont have any regrets about not being able to drink it, though. Therell be many years for that. Right now, Im too happy to care. He raises his glass, a twinkle in his eye.

Heres to new beginnings, he toasts. To second chances, to families found and legacies reborn.

And to plenty more where that came from, Caelebs remark comes from the back. We turn to see him come in, Brian hanging to his side. The child runs to me the second he sees me, giving me a tight bear hug.

Silas hands Caeleb a glass.

To second chances… I murmur, echoing Finns toast. I look around the gathering, my heart swelling with a fierce, protective love. These are my people, this sprawling, patched-together, wholly unconventional family. Together, weve weathered storms, vanquished villains, and emerged stronger, more resilient, and more bonded than ever.

The touch of a tiny hand against mine draws my gaze downward. Its Brian.

Em, he says, with eyes alive with innocence. Can I help you pick your outfit for the promise ceremony?

I smile wide. The men and I have decided to have a promise ceremony with Flora and … if my mom can come around to accept my situation, her. Shes not gone cold turkey on me, but we dont talk as much as we used to. I hope that will change once she sees how happy I am.

A gentle, curious kick from within reminds me that our journey is far from over.

In a few months, our circle will expand to include the newest, most precious member. A wave of wonder and anticipation washes over me. The future, once uncertain and filled with shadows, now stretches out before us, bright and limitless.

We clink glasses, laughter filling the space between us.

There will be challenges ahead, Im sure of it. Life has a way of throwing curveballs. But with these men by my side, my fiercely determined sister, and a thriving vineyard brimming with the promise of new beginnings … well, Im ready for anything. Because after all weve faced, all weve overcome, one thing is abundantly clear: this big, beautiful, messy family of mine?

Were unstoppable.