A Criminal Kiss [Max Verstappen]

epilogue

The morning light filtered through the lace curtains of our modest but beautiful home just outside of town, bathing the room in a soft, golden glow. From the kitchen came the faint clatter of dishes, accompanied by Thomas's cheerful chatter and Max's low laughter. 

I smiled, pulling my shawl tighter around my shoulders as I stood on the front porch, watching the dew glisten on the grass. The world felt calm here, far removed from the bustling town center but still close enough that we could walk there if we wanted. 

Life had changed so much in the past two years, and every time I thought about it, my heart swelled with gratitude. 

Inside, the smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air as I entered the kitchen. Thomas was perched on one of the stools, his hair as unruly as ever, happily munching on a slice slathered with jam. Max stood at the counter, his sleeves rolled up and a dish towel over his shoulder, grinning at his younger brother. 

"Morning, love," Max greeted me, his eyes softening as they met mine. 

"Good morning," I replied, stepping over to kiss his cheek. 

"Ann, Max said we might get to go to the lake after school today!" Thomas announced excitedly, his face lighting up at the thought. 

"If you finish all your lessons and help with your chores," I teased, ruffling his hair. 

"I will! I promise!" 

Max chuckled, shaking his head. "He's been bargaining since breakfast." 

The three of us shared a laugh before I moved to the stove to pour myself a cup of tea. This house had quickly become our sanctuary, filled with warmth and love. It wasn't grand, but it was ours—a home built with hard work and a lot of hope. 

-

Later that day, I walked into town to check on the children at the new community schoolhouse. Over the past year, I'd worked tirelessly to expand the school Max had started, raising funds and rallying support from the townspeople. It hadn't been easy, but it had been worth every moment. 

The school now had another teacher, a kind-hearted woman named Mrs. Bell, who adored the children as much as Max did. With her help, the classes ran more smoothly, and Max's workload had lightened considerably. His wage had even increased, thanks to the town's growing appreciation for his efforts. 

As I entered the schoolhouse, the sound of laughter and lessons greeted me. The children were engaged in their studies, their faces bright with curiosity and excitement. Seeing them thrive filled me with a deep sense of pride. 

"Mrs. Verstappen!" one of the younger girls called out, running up to me with a wide grin. 

"Yes, Lucy?" I said, kneeling to her level. 

"Will you read to us today?" 

I smiled, nodding. "Of course. Let me just check in with your teachers first." 

Max appeared from one of the classrooms, his face lighting up when he saw me. "Hello, Mrs. Verstappen," he said teasingly, leaning in to kiss my cheek. 

"Hello, Mr. Verstappen," I replied, unable to suppress my grin. 

Marrying Max had been the easiest decision of my life. Our wedding had been a small, heartfelt affair, with Thomas as Max's best man and Clara by my side. My father had even attended, his approval finally given after seeing how happy Max made me. 

"How are the kids today?" I asked, glancing at the lively classrooms. 

"Brilliant, as always," Max replied. "Though I think they're counting the minutes until storytime." 

I laughed. "Well, I won't keep them waiting." 

-

The sun cast a golden glow over our garden as laughter filled the air. Our home had become a gathering place for friends and family, and today was no exception. Clara and Franco sat together at the small stone table under the willow tree, their heads close as they shared a quiet conversation.

Nearby, Oscar and Lando were setting up a game of croquet with Thomas, their banter as sharp and entertaining as ever. Max leaned against the porch railing, his arms crossed and a warm smile on his face as he watched the scene unfold.

I stepped outside with a tray of lemonade.

"Ann, you're spoiling us," Franco said as I set the tray down on the table.

"Nonsense," I replied, pouring him a glass. "You're family. That's what we do."

Clara smiled at me, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Speaking of family," she began, glancing at Franco, "Me and Franco are finally engaged!"

"Clara," I gasped, reaching out to take her hand. "That's wonderful!"

Franco's face lit up, though he remained as composed as ever. "It's all thanks to Clara's persistence," he said, squeezing her hand. "She's taught me what it means to fight for what matters."

Clara beamed, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for my sister. She had grown so much in the past two years, stepping into a life she had chosen for herself.

Across the garden, Thomas let out a triumphant shout as he scored a point, and Lando threw his hands up in mock defeat.

"This game is rigged!" Lando declared, feigning outrage.

"Maybe if you stopped trying to cheat, you'd win," Oscar teased, his voice calm but his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Lando placed a hand over his heart, feigning injury. "You wound me, Oscar. Truly."

Thomas giggled, his laughter contagious. "You're just bad at it, Lando!"

Max chuckled, pushing off the porch railing to join them. "Don't let him fool you, Thomas. Lando's bad at all games, not just this one."

The group dissolved into laughter, and I watched as Max ruffled Thomas's hair before helping him set up the next shot.

-

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, we sat together on the porch—our little family. Eveyone else had gone home and Thomas was sprawled out on the steps, telling Max about the day's lessons with animated gestures, while I leaned against Max's shoulder, my heart full. 

"I never imagined life could be like this," I murmured, my fingers laced with Max's. 

He turned to me, his gaze soft and filled with love. "Neither did I. But I wouldn't trade it for anything." 

Thomas looked up at us, his face smeared with the remnants of dinner. "This is the best life ever," he declared, making us both laugh. 

And it was. 

We had a home filled with love, a town that had become a community, and a future that felt brighter with every passing day. 

For the first time, I truly understood what it meant to be content. And as I sat there with my husband and our little brother, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together. 

Together, we were unstoppable. 

He was all I could ever ask for.

He made my soul ache for more. To have him near me lights a fire in my soul.

He was my burning desire.

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i acatlly love them sm
but that's it!!
literally loved writing this one, was so fun
thank you yeasomcyt   for once again supporting one of my books, luv you
thank you eveyone who has read this book and made it this far, so greatful for you all :)
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