Temporary Affair (slow updates)

Epilogue

[ No my babies I won't be doing a book two. BUT, I did finish up this last little surprise for you all. Anywho, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU beautiful people for continuing to read this book. I KNOW I fell off with updating & being consistent. But I'm glad you all stuck around and enjoyed it!! 🫶🏾❤️😢 ]

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Eight years had passed since their wedding night, and life had settled into a rhythm of love, laughter, and a growing family. Stevie stepped out of their cozy Lancaster home, drying her hands on a dish towel. The late afternoon sun bathed the yard in a golden glow, and she took a moment to soak it all in. To her right, Tremaine was under the hood of his candy paint red 1957 Chevy Bel Air, focused on whatever mechanical issue he was working on. To her left, their daughters, Sage and Storm, played in a sandbox, their giggles filling the air.

Stevie could only cup her mouth in astonishment and gratitude. This was the life she yearned for and had envisioned for herself for years. And as hard as she worked throughout her life, she never thought she'd achieve this, so easily. But, eight wonderful years later.

Stevie was indeed living out the life she could only look back on and remember saying she prayed for because it was truly her genuine source of contentment and happiness.

Taking a moment to look around the yard again. Everything and everyone was in the exact place she wanted them to be. Off to the side near the steps, sat two huge gardens filled with homegrown vegetables, fruits, and herbs, some of which she'd used to cook dinner.

Far off to the right, parked in a row near the barn Stevie coaxed Tremaine into building, just two years prior, to house their horses, were two vintage cars and Tremaine's brown pickup truck.

Humming softly she pushed the honey brown rings of natural curls from her face. "It's real, this is real, and they're all mine." She straightened the waist of her dark blue jeans, smiling, and she lifted her hands to her mouth whistling. "Yo, my crew, it's time for dinner. If you came in or outta me, in the crib, thanks." Stevie called from the porch, her voice carrying the warmth of a mother’s love, but, with her New York roots still very present.

Tremaine looked up from under the hood, his face smeared with motor oil. He wiped his hands on the material of the black Dickie pants he wore, a broad smile stretching across his face at the sight of his wife.

Sage, now six years old, was the first to respond, herding her little sister toward the house. "Hush up cryin', Stormy. Mommy said it was time for dinner. C'mon, and if you keep it up, no dessert kid," She was the bossy older sister, always looking out for her siblings.

Stevie couldn't do anything but laugh. She knew she had to admit that Sage's bossiness came from her. And she wasn't apologetic about it either. She always taught her girls, no matter their age, or the situation. Never, let anyone invalidate them, or their feelings. They are humans, who are entitled to feel and react how they see fit, regardless of how people around them took it.

Storm, four years old and full of stubbornness, Stevie would swear she got it from Tremaine, whined as she was led away from her play area.

Stevie knelt, meeting Storm at eye level. "Hey, Sage, be nice. Now, chicken it’s okay. You can come back out after dinner, I promise. Mommy just needs you to eat, okay?" She gently tucked some of Storm's curls behind her ear, as she wiped away her tears.