Love, Eventually

Chapter 14: Final

Chapter 14 - Five Years Later

The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen as Brielle moved gracefully from the stove to the counter, plating dinner with practiced ease. Just as she reached for the final garnish, a familiar cry pierced the air.

She turned off the stove without hesitation and hurried to the nursery.

"Mommy! Mommy! Why is he crying?" her three-year-old daughter, Hope, called out, already standing by the doorway in her little ladybird pajamas.

Brielle smiled gently. "He must be hungry, bug."

Hope Penelope Byrne had been their first miracle, and two years later came their second-Caleb James Byrne. Finnigan had affectionately called Hope 'Bug' ever since she developed a fascination with ladybirds. The name stuck, and she wore it like a badge of honor.

"Bug, did you tidy up your toys? Daddy's coming home soon," Brielle asked, settling into the rocking chair with Caleb.

Hope gave a proud nod. "I already did!" she chirped, climbing up beside her mother to peek at the baby.

"When will he be big like me?" she whispered, eyes wide with wonder.

Brielle chuckled softly. "It'll take a while, sweetheart. But one day, you two will be inseparable."

Just then, the front door creaked open.

"Daddy's home!" Hope squealed, dashing toward the living room.

Finnigan entered, weary but smiling, his uniform rumpled from the chaos of another long night. Hope flung her arms around his legs. "Hey, bug," he greeted, ruffling her hair before locking eyes with Brielle. "Hello, my love."

"Hi, sweetheart," Brielle replied with a warm smile. "Dinner's almost ready-just need to finish feeding Caleb."

He leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Why don't you go rest? I'll handle dinner."

She gave him a look. "You need rest more than I do."

He chuckled, surrendering with a playful grin. "Alright, doc. You win."

In the bedroom, as he peeled off his shirt, he winced. An ugly bruise spread across his left side-a souvenir from a scuffle with a criminal. The hot shower eased the ache, but the soreness lingered.

Later, as Brielle laid out dinner, Finnigan crept up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist and pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"I missed you," he murmured.

She turned to face him, only for her eyes to narrow when he flinched at her touch. Lifting his shirt, she gasped. "Finnigan!"

"It's fine. Just a bruise," he said casually.

"You should've gone to the hospital."

"Honey, I'm alright. I've had worse."

"We'll talk after dinner," she muttered, already planning to fetch the first aid kit. He chuckled and teased, "Yes, doc. Let's eat first-I'm starving."

As they sat down, Hope peppered him with questions about his day, the stars, and why Caleb couldn't talk yet. Finnigan answered them all patiently, laughter ringing around their dining table.

That night, after tucking Hope into bed, Finnigan checked on Caleb, who was sound asleep. He stood silently by the crib, gratitude swelling in his chest. All the pain, all the struggle-it had led him here. He never stopped fighting for her, and she had finally chosen him back.

Brielle found him there, quiet and reflective.

"Is he sleeping?" she asked softly.

Finnigan nodded. She reached for his hand, and together they walked to their room.

Once inside, she gently examined the bruise, her hands careful but firm. Tears brimmed in her eyes.

"I hate this part of your job. I'm always scared I'll get a call one day..."

He touched her face, brushing away the tears. "I know. I think about you every time I step out. You and the kids-that's what keeps me grounded."

She leaned into him, her heart full. "I wish I had realized sooner just how much you loved me."

He smiled softly. "It's okay. My dad used to say love can't be rushed. It comes softly, when it's ready."

"I love you," she whispered. "More than anything."

"And I love you more than life itself," he replied, pressing a kiss to her lips.

They lay together, curled in the quiet comfort of each other's arms. Just as their breaths began to sync in peace, Caleb's cry broke the silence.

Brielle groaned and laughed. "He's reminding us he's still the baby."

"Guess it's not time for another one just yet," Finnigan joked, already getting up. "I'll check on him."

Brielle watched him disappear into the hallway, love and gratitude overflowing in her heart.

He was more than just her husband-he was her home.

-THE END-