MISSING LINK

Epilogue

Epilogue: One Year Later

"Auntie Claudette's going to read you a book. Come sit with Auntie," Claudette sat in the living room, a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. It had been a peaceful afternoon, the kind she cherished with her little Godson. The sunlight filtered through the cathedral windows, casting a warm, inviting glow across the great room. She heard the soft patter of tiny feet from the adjoining hallway and smiled to herself.

Just as she turned the page of her book, the doorbell chimed, followed by a gentle knock on the door. Claudette glanced at the antique clock on the wall. Misty was upstairs, likely finishing her shower. She rose from her chair to answer the door.

As she swung the door open, her heart skipped a beat. Standing in the foyer was a man who she knew all too well.

Claudette gasped, her voice echoing through the house as she called out, "Misty! You have a guest!"

The young man's gaze shifted from Claudette to the baby boy who stood a few feet away, his 18-month-old frame wobbling slightly as he took cautious steps toward the stranger. A bright, mischievous smile lit up the toddler's face, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

The handsome stranger crouched down to the child's level, extending a hand. "Hello there, little man. What is your name?"

With a giggle, the baby boy responded, "Linky."

The man's eyes widened in disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared at the child in front of him. He couldn't tear his gaze away from the boy's striking amber-brown eyes, so reminiscent of his own.

Just as the tension in the foyer reached its peak, the sound of soft footsteps descending the spiral staircase echoed through the house. Claudette stepped aside, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Misty descended the stairs, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes locked onto the man in the foyer. Time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other, their hearts speaking the words their lips couldn't.

A year had passed, but their love remained unchanged. The tears that welled up in Misty's eyes mirrored the emotions that marinated within her. She stepped closer to the man she had never stopped loving, her voice trembling as she whispered, "Link."

He reached out to her, his hand trembling as it brushed against her cheek. "Misty," he breathed, his voice filled with tenderness and longing. Then, as his eyes shifted to the toddler, his voice caught. "This...this is my son."