These Vicious Games (Seattle Undeground)

Epilogue

“And they lived happily ever after.”

Five years later…

I tap my foot, waiting impatiently. This man is always on time. Always. But as soon as he needs to make a ballet recital, he’s late.

Hope taps her little foot behind the stage, copying me as she waits for her daddy. Her ballet shoes shine in the light. Hair in an elegant bun as she fluffs her little pink tutu, huffing. “Call him again, Momma. I don’t have time for this.”

She’s five and giving him a run for his sanity. “Patience, Hope. He’ll be here.”

“He has my lucky bow!”

“Honey, objects are not lucky.”

She rolls her eyes. “Sure, but let's not test it.”

Finally, the door opens, an exasperated Atticus holding our three year old, Rosemary, and a bow in the other hand, storms in. “Sorry, Princess. I couldn't find it.”

“Flowers?”

He narrows his eyes at his daughter. “After.”

She huffs, tiny arms thrown in the air as she turns to me. “Momma, please put my bow in so I can join the rest of the girls. I’m about to crush them.”

I take the bow, sliding it in her hair. “This is a group choreography,” I say flatly.

“Sure, Momma, but that’s not what Daddy said.” She slips off before I comment, and I turn to glare at Atticus as he plays with Rosemary.

I put my hand on my swollen stomach, “He isn't getting his hands on you.” I tell the baby in my stomach.

“Fat chance, Little Bird.” He puts a hand on my back guiding me to the hall that leads to the auditorium. “Let’s go get our seats.”

Taking our seats, I hear Atticus hiss. “Shit, Rose.” When I look over I see his finger bleeding and Rosemary giggling. “I’m leaving her the business.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

I can’t help but laugh. While Hope is sassy, Rosemary has the attitude to lead a prison gang. Her father’s daughter through and through.

“Did you by chance bring flowers?” I ask.

He scoffs, “Come on, baby.” He pulls out purple roses, shaking his head at me like I’m a rookie.

The show begins and my sweet little Hope has somehow managed to push her way to the front and center. She smiles, making faces to please the crowd, and when it’s over she takes the biggest bow. And her father is the loudest. She looks like him, so does Rosemary, I’m hoping the one in my stomach looks like me. Only time will tell.

“Grandpa Francis!” Hope squeals as she rushes towards him, purple roses abandoned.

“Hope!” Francis snatches her up and puts her on his hip. “You did amazing!”

She laughs, “Of course, I did, Grandpa.”

“Ouch.” I clutch my stomach just as water splashes between my legs.

Hope gasps, “Momma peed herself!”

I groan, leaning into Atticus.

“Come on, Hope and Rose. You guys can stay with Grandpa and Grandma tonight.” Francis married the little flower lady which is who my children call grandma.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

Atticus hands Rose off to Francis. “Let’s go get our little boy,” he smiles.

“Here is your little girl.” The nurse says as she lays a pink bundle in my arms. I smile at her silver eyes and light hair.

“I know I’m not a good person but what did I do to warrant three girls?Maybe next time.”

“There will be no next time, Atticus. This is the last baby I will push out.” I smile down at my little beauty. “Isn't that right, Iris?” She blinks up at me.

“Iris? I like it.” Atticus leans over kissing my forehead before running his finger down Iris’ nose. “She looks just like you, absolutely perfect.”