The Dunhams (Sequel to Better or Bad - Lizzy Walker)

Epilogue Part 2

"Slow down baby! Stay still!" I said, chuckling as Hailey happily moved her head. I was doing her hair after finishing River's. My eyes scanned the long brownish colored hair. From the times they were infants, it's still so adorable. Harry's were always normally raven. Bryce didn't think it looked bad since that's how it supposed to look. She let out a giggle while swinging her legs. "Sorry Mommy! I'm just excited to see our cousins!" She giggled. I was combing her hair a few times and used the curling iron to curl every strand. Her hair color suddenly made me remember Valerie. They're the same. I've spoken to them about their mother after their tenth birthday. All they know is she went to a happier place and loved them so much. Hailey fiddled with her fingers but looked up. "Mommy, can I tell you something?" She asked. I scoffed. "Of course! You know you can tell me anything." I said, turning off the iron. She turned around and sat on my lap. "I wanna visit Valerie's grave." She mumbled. My eyes slightly widened. I've never thought she or Harry would bring up this question today. They would've waited until they're grown up. Nonetheless I'd still tell them stories about her and what things she liked. Guess it wasn't really enough. They'd rather see her from the gravestone. "Y-y-you do?" I stuttered. Hailey nodded. "I wanna pay my respects Mommy. I'm sure Harry wants to. I know you loved her so much and I'd really like to honor her memory by bringing flowers. Her favorite ones. I bet she'd appreciate them very much. Please Mommy." She told me. They've been told everything about her. Now they wanna see her up close. My heart nearly melted. A warm smile popped on my lips. "Ok. We can do it today but we have to be back soon before everyone comes." I said. She cheered happily, hopping off my lap. "I wanna pick out clothes!" She beamed. I nodded and opened the gores to lay out an outfit. Like River, she has a unique style. Breanna was all Justice when she was their ages but now it's SHEIN or Fashion Nova. Harry came in and sighed. "Mom, are we going to visit Valerie's grave?" He asked, hopefulness in his voice. I nodded. He smiled. "Go ahead and dressed baby. Don't forget your glasses." I told him. He hugged me before running out. Hailey giggled cutely. I inhaled a deep breath. "Alright sweet. You can change now. I'll be back." I said. She nodded as I walked out and closed the door.

In the car, music blasted from the radio when the kids playfully sang. Me and Bryce couldn't contain our quiet laughter. Every other morning was like this. Even when they're going to school. Nonetheless at this moment was different. The twins held two bouquets of yellow roses in their hands. Valerie's favorite flowers. I've seen painted pictures of them in her drawing book. River, Breanna and myself had three single ones. All I thought about is what they're going to say. Harry fiddled with the bouquet while looking down. I smiled sadly, knowing he wished he'd met Valerie. River laid her head on his shoulder and held his hand. He smiled softly. I snapped out of my thoughts when Bryce parked where Valerie's burial site was. Behind the car was Breanna's purple BMW. We got out and came inside the burial house to see her gravestone of her lifeline's written. Three picture frames of herself, a few goodbye letters and flower bouquets.

RIP Valerie Knoche
A beloved daughter, close friend, greatest colleague.
2000-2022

The kids placed their flowers in front of the gravestone with others. I laid mine near theirs and wrapped my arms around their necks. Bryce rubbed Harry's hair. "Do you wanna say something?" He asked quietly. He shrugged. It became awfully silent for a few seconds. Breanna turned to me and sighed. "If it's ok with you I'd like to." She spoke. I mentally stared in disbelief. This quite surprised me but I'll let it happen. I motioned her to go ahead. Breanna sighed, stepping up to Valerie's burial stone. A moment of silence was present. She cleared her throat. "Hi Aunt Valerie. So happy to see you again today. I don't have to ask if you're ok because above is where you're at peace. Not a day goes by that we haven't thought of you. Hearing beloved stories about you made me think how grateful I am to have you as my Aunt. Even more thankful and grateful because you've given me two wonderful siblings. Thank you for being a huge light guiding our family and everyone you meant so much to. Keep smiling up there." She said, smiling softly. Tears were threatening to escape. I noticed Hailey was shedding tears. Harry side-hugged her. Bryce wrapped an arm around my waist comfortingly. I laid my head on his shoulder and exhaled a deep breath. "Anyone else wanna say something?" He whispered. River nodded her head no. Hailey hugged his waist tightly. "I do daddy." She mumbled. We parted. Harry nodded. "Me too." He said. They stepped forward and their hands intertwined. "Valerie, we love you so much. You're a an amazing person who is filled with love and warmth. I wish we'd had a chance to meet you. Thanks for bringing me and Harry here. Miss you." She said kindly. That made us smile happily. We're definitely grateful she did. I hugged her from behind. Harry hugged Bryce. "You guys are the greatest blessing she given." I whispered. They smiled including Breanna. "Wanna say more?" I asked. They nodded their heads no. Bryce shrugged and patted Harry's head. "Ok. All the families are coming, let's go." He said. Everyone began walking out until I stayed behind. I couldn't help but smile tearfully. "I'll always love you Val." I spoke before following after them.

******

We returned home and prepared for their visit. It was now 2pm. Breanna was watching TV with the twins in the living room. The doorbell ringed. Bryce chatted on FaceTime with his friends. I walked and unlocked the door. My jaw dropped. Jace! He smiled widely, opening arms. "Sup!" He beamed. I laughed and hugged him. He hugged back. "My beautiful big boy!" I cheered. We parted. "Your beautiful big boy has arrived." He said, smirking. We came to the kitchen. His presence caught everyone's attention. "Jace!" The kids beamed and hugged him. He laughed while hugging back. Breanna walked up to him. "If isn't Mr. Blonde Ambition." She teased. They parted. Jace picked Aera up and kissed her cheeks. "If it isn't the First Redheaded Dancer." He teased. She playfully growled. "You know what, I'd—Bryce cut her off. He smirked. "Nice to know you both never changed." He spoke amusedly. River hummed in response. "A true statement." She agreed. We laughed. Jace looked around confusedly. "Bella's not here?" He asked. I nodded my head no. "Still on tour baby. But she called me yesterday. She loves and misses all of you." I told him. Breanna smiled. "And same here. I'm pumped to see everybody!" She beamed. Bryce playfully rubbed Jace's hair. "You can chill in the living room or guest room." He told him. He smirked. "Thanks dad. I went for a run so I need to rest." He joked but in a serious tone. Bryce laughed. "Been there son." He said. Everyone walked back to the living room as he jogged upstairs.

Jace POV
I chilled in bed for half an hour. Nobody showed up yet. It felt really great to be back. Even to see everybody. We are extremely close with all our cousins and god-cousins including our friends. Every holiday, every birthday, every vacation. I love them more than life itself. They were there through all my ups and downs. My phone buzzed. I sat upwards and grabbed it off the nightstand. My cheeks burned unknowingly. Alice. We became good friends since she is my sister's childhood best friend. I always have her back like she got mine always. A yawn escaped my lips. "Hello." I answered. "Jace! Hi! It's been a while. How are you?" She asked. Been a while? What do she—My brain clicked. Oh yeah. She flew to Paris for modeling a month ago. Breanna talked to her a few times but working on my new single. Like my parents, I decided to get into music. Dad helped me work on my first song at fourteen. "Good. Are you finally home?" I asked. She chuckled. "Why? Missed me?" She teased. A smile mentally formed in my voice. Yeah, you weren't far from my mind. "Yup. That's why." I said jokingly. My cheeks somehow reddened more. "I've just had a sleepover with Breanna last night. She told me the families are coming over today. Must be lit!" She said, beaming at the last part. I chuckled. "Yeah. Missed everyone." I told her and scratched my head. "How's your twin siblings? River? They're so cute! River acts like a twenty year old in a nine year old's body." She said before laughing. I snickered while nodding in agreement. "That's my family for ya. I love them so much." I said. "Of course you do! Harry freaking idolize you and you're wrapped around Hailey's finger. You're really a great big brother." She said. I was trying not to smile too hard. "Thanks Al. You're a great best friend." I muttered warmly. "Aww, thanks Jace. You're the best too. I got to go. Talk later?" She asked. "Yup. See ya!" I said, hanging up. Thoughts about Alice resurfaced my mind for a moment. Her undeniable natural beauty, her sweet voice, her hidden fierceness and that strawberry shortcake scent every time I see her. Not to mention the smoothened dark hair. Whoa. As my mind drifted off, a soft voice completely snapped me back to reality.

"Bubba." She called.

I turned to see Hailey at the entry. "Hi sweetie!" I said, smiling. She returned the gesture and ran into my grasp. I hugged her. We parted, letting me place her on my lap. Hailey kissed my cheek while snuggling against my chest. I chuckled and hugged her from behind. "Were you just standing there?" I joked. She nodded her head no. "You were tired so I waited until you woke up." She told me. I looked at her in complete awe. Who can get this sweeter? "Aww sweetie. That's so kind." I cooed quietly. Hailey playfully tapped my glasses. "Are these real glasses bubba? Or sunglasses?" She asked. I smiled. "They're reading glasses. I'd wear them to read books or read on my phone. Usually I wear them all the time anyway without reading things." I explained. She crossed her arms and pouted. "I want glasses like you bubba." She begged. Cute! "Princess, we can get you some sunglasses if you want." I said. Hailey hugged me tightly. "Thanks Bubba!" She beamed. I laughed and hugged back. We parted. "Ok, what do you wanna do?" I asked. She hopped off my lap while pulling my arm. "Play your songs bubba!" She cheered, smiling. I laughed and pressed YouTube on the TV. Hailey waited patiently as I typed my name which shown a few videos. "Which song baby sis?" I asked. She smiled cutely. "One Thought Away!" She told me. That made me chuckle more. I played it and turned up the volume. She danced around goofily. I laughed more while filming her. Why is she so cute?! My smile grew each time she danced while laughing at herself. One day, just one day someone will earn my heart. Right now my sister stolen it.