One year later...

"Oh my. It's here! IT'S HERE!" I squealed to myself, grabbing the white envelope from the person who handled our mail before dashing through the gates.

Some of the guards grunted as I pushed them aside.

"Sorry!" I exclaimed as I rushed to the front doors.

The property was fixed about six months ago, all the damage repaired, and Erik had set up new software and security measures. It was a relief to finally be back.

I stumbled to a stop when Marco and John, who were on patrol duty, stepped in front of me.

After a couple months, John was completely healed, even though he had a couple of new scars. John had also helped Erik with upping the security, paranoid that the FBI or another enemy would strike the property again.

I waved to Marco before looking at John.

"John, have you seen Damon?" I called out.

John shook his head. "Sorry, kid. He may still be out for a meeting. I'll let you know when I see him. Have you been practicing your drills for tomorrow?"

John was serious when he said that he would be teaching me self-defense. The first few weeks were the worst; my muscles were always sore and aching. While I had been dancing with Jasmine for months, it was completely different blocking punches and kicks instead of spinning and climbing on a pole.

"Yes, but you're still going to kick my butt. I'll see you later." I said to him, making John smile.

It made me happy that John was smiling more in the last few weeks. We had gotten closer due to the lessons and had the opportunity to talk to each other, mostly about our families that had passed away. It felt nice remembering the good times with someone who dealt with the same grief and troubles. It made us both lighter in my opinion.

I continued jogging, entering the house. I spun around like a madwoman trying to spot Damon. Sighing, I clenched my envelope and went into the main kitchen. I perked up when I heard laughter and then a crash.

I peeked through the doorway to find Julian wrestling Josh on the tile. Jasmine shook her head in amusement as she took a sip of her wine, casually sitting on top of the counter.

I ignored the twins, completely used to their antics, and went to Jasmine.

"Hey, Jas, do you know if Damon got out of his meeting yet? I finally got it!" I waved the envelope in her face and Jasmine beamed.

"Oh my goodness, Rosie! Did you find out the results yet?" Jasmine asked.

I shook my head rapidly. "No, I'm too nervous. I want to do it with Damon."

Jasmine opened her mouth to speak only to be interrupted by a bottle shattered on the floor. Jasmine's lips tightened before she let out a shrill whistle. Both men instantly froze.

"That's enough, boys. Come on, stand up."

Julian and Josh slowly got up, sulking that their playtime was interrupted.

"But he got tomato sauce all over my shirt. I hate the color red." Julian pouted as he gave Jasmine puppy eyes.

"Don't fall for it Jasmine. He loves red now, even has a knife with a red handle named Coraline." Josh accused, pointing at his brother childishly.

Jasmine rolled her eyes at their arguing. "It doesn't matter. Look at the mess! Have you both forgotten there is now a child living on this premises? You better get some brooms and clean this up."

Julian walked up to her and held his hands in front of him.

"Will I get a kiss for being good?" Julian said seductively, but Jasmine made an unimpressed expression that I knew was completely fake. I used my hand to cover my smile.

"Now."

Julian and Josh grumbled before they walked out to grab supplies.

"I do not know what I see in that man." Jasmine said in bemusement.

"You were the one that fell for him." I interjected, earning me a playful glare.

Jasmine and Julian became official after the funeral. I guess after going through a life-or-death experience really brings people together. I thought they were absolutely adorable.

Julian was completely smitten, always giving Jasmine gifts– mostly different daggers and weapons. However, I think Jasmine was actually flattered by those gifts, even if she would never admit it. Jasmine in return brought more balance to Julian, making him more...peaceful?

Jasmine and Julian were always by each others' sides and always within touching distance. I can't tell you how many times I stumbled upon them making out like teenagers.

However, it didn't mean that the twins didn't continue their antics. Josh also came with the package. Julian and Josh would always be thick as thieves, something that Jasmine accepted. They were a little trio.

However, I can admit that Josh sometimes forgot that there were boundaries.

Jasmine rubbed her temple before facing me again. "To answer your question, I believe they're just finishing their virtual meeting with Adlai in the office. I'm sure they will be out any minute. And don't stress, everything will work out," Jasmine patted my hand. "Besides, this shouldn't be as stress-inducing as the trial was."

I didn't need the reminder. It was crazy to believe that I testified anonymously in court only a month ago.

It was absolutely awful and triggered multiple panic attacks. I had to see Dr. Paxton almost daily and would've ripped all my hair out if Damon and Jasmine weren't there for support.

I gave the judge– who the guys had background-checked to make sure he was clean– my testimony. It was gratifying to know that that chapter of my life was finally over.

I had stopped checking the news because it was too overwhelming. But the last I saw, multiple people have been sentenced to prison, including Anthony Wiseman.

The final thing I read was that Lorenzo Diablo was found burned to a crisp at the warehouse. The FBI is claiming that some of Lorenzo's men turned on him and killed him and his followers before burning the place down.

I'm not sure how the guys pulled that off, but I wasn't going to ask any questions.

"Don't remind me of that. I rather think about the happier things," I stated as the twins came back with a broom and dustpan. "I'm going to keep looking for Damon. Wish me luck!"

The trio said their goodbyes as I went down the hallways. I frowned when I saw that Xavier's office door was still closed. "Gosh darn it!"

It meant they were still in the meeting. I was not going to be the person who barged in. I looked at my envelope and then the door.

"I can wait. I can wait." I murmured to myself, trying to find patience as I stuffed the envelope in my back pocket. I really wanted to open it with Damon. What if the results were bad?

"Great, now I'm spiraling. I need to see Maria."

I jogged to Maria's wing of the house, opening the door to the sound of little gurgles. Maria was on the floor, blowing raspberries on her baby's belly. The child let out a squeal before falling into a fit of giggles.

I closed the door behind me, getting the little one's attention.

The ten-month old baby beamed as soon as she noticed me, twisting her body to see me better. I crouched on the floor, opening my arms with a smile.

"Hey, Reagan," I cooed as the baby girl crawled towards me. I picked Reagan up and cradled her in my arms. The little girl instantly began smacking my face with her hands, showing me a couple of baby teeth.

Reagan Octavia Monroe was an absolute joy– when she got what she wanted. She definitely got her attitude from her mother, with a set of lungs to back it up.

She was the princess of the household and had everyone wrapped around her little finger, especially her father. With her red hair and blue eyes, I knew she would be a force to be reckoned with.

Maria sighed as Reagan tried to put my hair into her mouth.

"This girl is going to kill me, I just know it."

I gently pulled my hair away from Reagan, causing her to grunt in annoyance. Before she could pitch a fit, I put her down in front of her toys, instantly distracting her. Reagan giggled as she shook a rattle.

"I thought she was finally on a normal sleeping schedule?" I said as I sat next to Maria on the floor, watching the baby.

"That's not it. Rae is too smart for her own good and I completely blame her father. She can always find and grab the objects that I take away from her– even when I put them up high and out of her reach. I secretly think she will be an evil genius. I am onto her." Maria said, but I didn't miss the love in her eyes for her daughter.

"She could've gotten the brilliance from you as well, Maria. And just wait until she actually walks." I laughed. Maria scoffed.

"Then Xavier can track her down. Rae will never sit still again. So what's up, Rosie? I thought you were on a baby break?"

I sighed as I took out the envelope showing her the return address. Maria's eyes widened.

"It's here! What does it say? Rip that sucker open!" Maria demanded.

"I'm waiting for Damon. He's been checking the mail as well." I said stubbornly. I frowned as I examined it. "It's too small, right? Don't all school acceptance letters look bigger on TV? Oh gosh, it's a rejection letter isn't it?"

Maria shook her head rapidly.

"It depends on the school. Not all of them will use large folders. Heck, people just get emails now. I highly doubt that you got rejected from John Jay College of Criminal Justice."

"Their acceptance rate is low and one of the top schools in the country! I don't know why I let you guys convince me to apply." I groaned. "I should've just applied for Grand Canyon University or somewhere else."

"No, no. You have the intelligence and the experience to get into this school. You got high scores on the tests and have done some work at MPS. You totally nailed your application and your essay and Xavier's letter of recommendation is a big deal. John Jay should be begging to have someone like you attending." Maria said with certainty.

Really wish I had her confidence right now.

Reagan let out another squeal when she realized we weren't paying attention to her "performance" of banging the rattle on the floor. She crawled to her mother, patting Maria on the chest.

"Demanding," Maria sang but lifted Reagan up in the air, making silly faces. "Are you demanding, Rae-Rae?"

Reagan kicked her legs in excitement, giving her mother a toothy smile.

I laughed as drool escaped and landed on Maria's shirt. Maria was completely unfazed by the mess. We had all gotten some sort of substance from the baby all over us at one point in time. She supported Reagan on her legs so the baby could practice standing.

"Any idea when the guys are going to barge in here?" I asked, letting Reagan hold the envelope she was eyeing.

Maria checked the time on her phone

"I say we've got five minutes. But I will distract you...whether you get accepted or not, we should get a drink at Elysium. I just want one little drink– a shot or even a sip of wine. I miss wine. I miss Frank and working. I'm hoping to coax Xavier to let me back at work but...I also don't ever want to leave this little angel. Ever." Maria booped her daughter's nose.

"There's nothing wrong with waiting until Reagan is older to work. You also don't have to be a waitress and can do work from home. Pretty sure Xavier will do a jig if you don't go back."

I shrugged. I understood the feeling of wanting to go back to work, but working at Elysium wasn't my calling. I did miss Frank and Michael though. The last time I saw them was when they came to meet Reagan.

Also, I was pretty sure Damon would have a heart attack if I stayed to work there late at night. We didn't necessarily have the best memories of me working there, especially how we met in the first place.

"Maybe I can help Erik with the paperwork. I know it's not his favorite part of the job. I can be a part-time secretary. Or I can work in the medical wing." Maria said thoughtfully.

"Oh! Reagan, how about we don't put it in your mouth?" I gasped as she tried to eat the envelope. I pulled it away, unable to stop my smile when Reagan let out a little whine.

She was too cute.

The baby girl then moved on to playing with my rose charm bracelet, which had been repaired with a new gold chain. I tried to argue with Damon that the chain didn't have to be so expensive, but it was lost on deaf ears.

Maria and I chatted for a while until Reagan started to get fussy. Maria stood up, moving her up and down to soothe her.

"She may be getting hungry. My poor boobs. I feel like they're going to fall off or explode." Maria grumbled.

I winced at the thought.

Maria's eyes began to water. "Oh, gosh, am I going to lose my boobs? Is that how it works?"

My eyes widened at the swift mood change, scrambling to figure out what to say. Luckily, the door opened and the two men we had been waiting for arrived.

"There are my favorite ladies," Xavier said smoothly, instantly plucking Reagan from Maria's arms. Xavier looked at his daughter adoringly, giving her multiple kisses on the face.

Reagan instantly began babbling to her father, as though she was telling him about her day. Xavier nodded, as though he understood her gibberish.

"Yes, my little princess. I know. You're hungry? Yes. I got you. One bottle coming right up."

"No! My boobs, Xavier. My. Boobs!" Maria snapped.

Xavier's eyes widened and he looked at me for help. I shrugged helplessly. I mouthed "pain" and he instantly understood.

"Sugar, why don't we go sit on the couch so you can feed Rae? I'll get you your favorite fuzzy blanket and we can watch The Mentalist. Deal?" Xavier spoke softly, keeping Reagan close to his chest while giving Maria a kiss.

I watched the little family with a smile on my face as large arms surrounded me.

"Hi, Flower." Damon murmured in my ear before nuzzling the side of my neck.

"Hey, handsome. How did your meeting go?" I asked, turning so I could wrap my arms around his neck.

"It was good. We needed information on a recent case and Adlai's help." Damon explained. "I may have to take a day trip to Florida though. I hate the swamps."

Damon's job was very demanding, but he tried his best to stay here for work. While I thought it was sweet, I knew he enjoyed being on the field.

He took small "business trips" every few weeks, but he always came back to me. As long as he wasn't severely injured, I was a happy girl. I knew from experience he could take care of himself.

"You enjoy Florida. We went to Disney World and you had a blast, remember?" I asked teasingly. Damon's scowl said it all. He definitely had a good time, but refused to admit it.

"Remember, I'm in charge of our next vacation."

"Rosie, show it to him!" Maria shouted, waving the white envelope. Xavier snagged it from her to read it, and smiled with excitement.

"What?" Damon asked in confusion before realization hit him. "The school finally sent you the letter?"

I nodded, getting all shaky.

"It's so small. There's a very big chance I didn't get in–"

"Don't pull that shit, Rosaline Sinclair. Those people would be fools if they didn't accept you." Damon scolded before gesturing for the letter.

Xavier passed it to Damon, who took it gently and placed it in my hands. "But even if you didn't get in, know that I am proud of you no matter what."

I took a deep breath. "Okay. Okay."

Everybody watched as I opened the envelope, pulling out the letter. I closed my eyes tightly as I unfolded the paper.

"I don't think I can read it. Damon, can you just tell me?" I pleaded.

Damon grabbed it and I kept my eyes closed and crossed my fingers.

"Dear Ms. Sinclair, it is with great pleasure that that we invite you–"

"Holy shit, you got in!" Xavier yelled, Maria joining with a cheer.

My eyes snapped open as I snagged the letter from Damon to read it. I read it multiple times to make sure it was real.

I got in. I'm going to get a Master's in forensic psychology.

I stood in a daze as Damon squeezed the life out of me.

"Is this a dream?"

"It's not a dream, Flower. I'm so proud. I love you so much." Damon murmured before giving me a passionate kiss.

"Save it for the bedroom, you two!" Maria called out, calming Reagan, who was fussing from the loud noise. "This calls for a celebration!"

"Exactly. Ro-Ro needs a celebratory dinner. To the next forensic psychologist!" Xavier cheered, pulling out his phone to get everything organized.

"You do that. We'll see you in a bit." Damon said. I let out a squeak when Damon picked me up bridal style and left the room.

I gripped Damon tightly as he walked to our wing of the house. He didn't set me down until we got to our bedroom.

I bounced on the bed and Damon crawled on top of me. I ogled his arm muscles that were supporting his weight before looking into his green eyes.

"You are an extraordinary woman, Rosaline Sinclair." Damon spoke softly. I gave him a shy smile.

"Pretty sure that's you– but a man. Person. You know what I mean." I rambled.

"Yes, Flower. I know what you mean." Damon chuckled.

"Does that mean I can also get a tower of butter croissants as an award?" I smiled wider at the thought.

My man rolled his eyes.

"Sometimes I think you only love me for the pastries I make for you."

"They're definitely a bonus." I teased. "But I just love you because you're you."

Damon gave me another kiss before pulling back. "Well, that's good. Now I won't have second thoughts about doing this."

Damon got off the bed and I sat up in confusion as he began rummaging through his nightstand drawer.

"I was trying to find the perfect spot or plan, but it feels right. Every moment with you feels right and I want to spend the rest of my life with the woman who is perfect for me."

Damon bent down on one knee, showing me a small red box. My heart stopped when he opened it to show a beautiful diamond ring, a small golden rose next to the diamond.

"Rosaline Sinclair, will you marry me?"

I gulped as tears streamed down my face.

Holy guacamole.

"Yes. A thousand times YES!" I screamed, lunging at him. He let out a grunt as we fell onto the floor. I peppered kisses on his face before squeezing the life out of him.

"The rest of my life may be short if I can't breathe." Damon wheezed.

I pulled back, unable to control my tears and smile. I just hoped I didn't look like a maniac as Damon slid the ring onto my left ring finger.

Don't look crazy, Ro. Eek!

I didn't miss the satisfied gleam in Damon's eyes, but I was way too happy to care. Soon he would be wearing a ring to symbolize he was taken as well.

"Now you really are stuck with me." I sang and pulled Damon into a kiss.

"More like you're stuck with me." Damon mumbled against my lips. "I absolutely love you, Flower."

"And I love you, my partner in crime."

I had a future and a family. The journey here might have been bloody and painful, but it ended with something beautiful.

I wasn't alone, and I was finally happy.

Here's to a new life.

The End