When the Flower Falls (Fitzmael 7) - COMPLETED

Finale: When The Flower Blooms

REN WILLIAM FITZMAEL

AS THE SUN SET, THE BEACH was glowing with a warm light. The waves rolled quietly in the background, and we found ourselves alone on the shore, near a big rock.

I looked at my wife, Jealrain. She was staring at me, eyes bright, lips curved in a soft smile. "We made it..." she whispered.

Tears ran down my cheeks. "Yeah... we made it. I still remember all the fights we had here. And now... we're married." I gave a small chuckle and wiped my tears.

"Do you regret anything?"

I shook my head. "My only regret is not treating you right when you were just trying to help me survive."

"It's okay, love. I would still do it without a doubt. At such a young age, you carried a huge responsibility taking care of your siblings. I may not fully understand it, but I know it must've been hard for you as the eldest," she said, resting her head on my shoulder. "You took care of your best friend, Archer, and all your cousins... You saved them. And I'm so proud of you... But please understand that heroes get tired too. You're allowed to rest... or make mistakes, and then learn from them."

"Thank you for saying that," I said, my heart pounding. "I was drowning, and I'm grateful the waves brought me to you."

"Mom! Dad!"

Jealrain leaned against me as we watched our daughters run toward us. It felt like time slowed down. I prayed for all the pain I once carried to disappear... and seeing my wife and my daughters, it felt like it already had.

God's plan for me was greater than anything I ever imagined or prayed for.

I'm forever grateful.

"Wisteria got a lot of seashells!" Lavender said, giggling. "Look!" She handed us the bucket they were both holding.

Jealrain and I smiled widely when we saw them. "These are so pretty!"

"Let's clean them when we get home and display them, okay?" I said gently.

"Why did you come back so quickly? Are you done playing?" Jealrain asked.

They both sat in front of us. "We wanted to watch the sunset with you," Wisteria said.

"That's so sweet!" I said, pulling them both into a hug.

"Earlier, we went to Uncle Kyler and Uncle Ari's house, but no one was there. Where are they?" Lavender asked.

"They're on vacation right now, so they're not home," Jealrain explained. "But we'll go visit Bloom Village in the next few days."

The two of them lit up with excitement and hugged each other tightly.

Our visits to Bloom Village had become a monthly routine. We wanted our children to grow close to their cousins.

The family just kept growing.

I even thought about adding more to ours, but I didn't want Jealrain to go through another difficult pregnancy.

Our ride had just arrived. We were traveling in a convoy for safety. I hadn't retired from L'azienda yet. I planned to step down only when someone could replace me. Jealrain understood my work. I just needed to be careful during missions so my family wouldn't get dragged into it.

We arrived in the afternoon. We were staying at Lilac's house this time. Last month, we stayed at Catmint's. They kept fighting over us, so I decided to alternate between their homes.

"Dude, you took forever!" Marcus teased.

I laughed. That was always his greeting. I asked how they were, and it was obvious they were happy.