Pleasing

Epilogue

The apartment was quiet when Marcel slipped inside, the door clicking softly behind him. It was nearly midnight, and the weight of the night still clung to his shoulders — the kind of mission that left his voice low and his jaw tight. But the moment he saw the small figure curled on the couch, something in him eased instantly.

Jennifer sat up, blinking sleepily, her cheeks warm from the heat of the blanket. She was wearing one of her "I'm not trying but I look incredible" outfits — a fitted black tank top that hugged her softly and a pair of loose gray shorts that sat high on her waist, showing just enough leg to make Marcel's breath catch for a second. She didn't dress like that often, not intentionally. But when she did... it always hit him harder than she realized.

"You're home," she said quietly, brushing her hair behind her ear.

Marcel lifted the bouquet in his hand — white tulips, her favorite — and her eyes widened just a little. She always looked surprised when he brought her flowers, even though he did it often.

"For you," he said, setting them gently in her lap. "You waited up."

She nodded, shy but smiling. "I tried not to fall asleep."

"You did terrible," he teased, brushing a thumb over her cheek. "You look like you fought a war with that blanket."

She laughed softly, embarrassed but happy. He loved that sound — soft, breathy, like she wasn't used to laughing freely yet.

He kissed her forehead, lingering there before pulling back. "Go get ready, baby. We're going out."

Her eyes widened. "Now?"

"Now," he confirmed. "The guys are at the bar. Tavante said if we don't show up, he's sending Vinny to drag us out of bed."

Jennifer groaned at the thought of Vinny barging in, and Marcel smirked. "Exactly. So go."

She stood, still clutching the flowers, and padded toward the bedroom. Marcel watched her go — the sway of her hips, the way the tank top dipped low on her back, the soft confidence she didn't even know she had. She'd grown stronger, steadier, but she was still his shy girl. And he loved her exactly like that.

A few minutes later, she stepped out wearing something that made Marcel's jaw tighten in the best way — a fitted long‑sleeve top that hugged her curves and a short black skirt that showed off her legs without being too bold. It was sexy, but still her. 

"You look perfect," Marcel said, grabbing his keys.

She blushed. "I didn't even do much."

"You don't need to."

He held out his hand, and she slipped hers into it without hesitation. They walked out together, the apartment quiet behind them — no toys, no clutter, no noise except the soft click of the door. Just the life they'd built, simple and steady.

In the elevator, Jennifer leaned into him, her head resting lightly against his arm. Marcel kissed the top of her hair, breathing her in.

"You okay?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yeah. I like when we go out together."

He smiled. "Me too."

When they reached the bar, the noise hit them first — laughter, music, the familiar chaos of their friends. Tavante spotted them immediately and threw his hands up dramatically.

"Finally!" he shouted. "We thought you two were doing married‑people things."

Jennifer's face turned pink, and Marcel shot Tavante a look that made him laugh harder.

Vinny slid two drinks across the table as they sat down. "About time. We were placing bets."

"On what?" Jennifer asked nervously.

"On whether Marcel would show up with flowers again," Vinny said.

Jennifer's blush deepened, and Marcel smirked, draping an arm around her shoulders. "You all bet against me? Idiots."

The table erupted in laughter, and Jennifer relaxed into Marcel's side, smiling softly as she listened to the banter. She wasn't loud, she wasn't bold, but she didn't shrink the way she used to. She fit here — in her own quiet way.

Marcel watched her, his thumb brushing her shoulder, and felt that familiar warmth settle in his chest. Marriage suited them. The simplicity, the closeness, the late‑night flowers and the way she looked at him like he was her whole world.

No pressure. No expectations. Just them.

And as Jennifer leaned into him, laughing quietly at something Vinny said, Marcel knew — this was exactly the life he wanted.

Just her. Just them. Exactly as they were.

____

I know this rushed, I know it may not have been what we wanted. But, I must say this is the best we will get for now. 

I also hope you guys have taken a second to look at my other book that has been published and currently in the making! I hope you guys had fun growing up with me, genuinely! Much love for you guys!