Epilogue

Six years later…

"Mommy?"

The soft voice of her son roused her from the very pleasant dream she had been having. Serena lazily rolled towards the edge of the bed and away from the warmth of her husband's body. A quick glance at the alarm clock revealed that it was 2:00 am. Turning on the bedside lamp she sat up in the massive bed. Across the room Aiden Shields was standing between the slightly ajar bedroom doors and holding his favorite teddy bear like his life depended on it.

" What's wrong baby? Come here."

The toddler sprinted across the room and into the welcoming arms of his mother with the invitation. When he was safely within her hold he sighed with relief. It was hard to hug his mommy like he used to with his baby sister now in her belly, but he knew the monsters couldn't get him there.

Serena clutched her son, who grew to look more and more like his father with every passing day to her side.

"What's the matter honey? Did you have a bad dream?"

His beautiful black locks shook with enthusiasm as he nodded his head.

" There's a monster under my bed!"

She smiled as she soothingly ran her fingers through his hair and continued to rock his little frame.

"Really? What kind of monster?"

He pulled away and stood in front of her on the king sized bed.

"He was this big, with big red eyes, and big teeth! And he was really scary! And he was trying to eat me!"

She nodded at his antics, forcing herself to keep her expression serious.

"Oh my goodness! That does sound very scary!"

He dove back within her arms, his facial expression determined as he nodded at her.

"He's under my bed. I can't go to sleep. He'll eat me."

Serena pulled back the toddler and looked into the familiar ocean blue eyes he shared with his father.

"Remember that conversation we had about dreams and nightmares not being real? It was just a dream honey."

"No mommy! He's really under the bed!"

"Okay, well let's go check. Your mama won't have any monster scaring her baby. I'm gonna go show him who's boss."

He giggled at the idea.

"Mommies don't fight monsters silly!"

Her expression was an incredulous one.

"What? I'll have you know your mama is a certified monster slayer."

Aiden Shields was not convinced.

"I don't know. Daddy always helps me with the monster killing."

"Does he now?"

Serena glanced across the bed to the slumbering form of her husband.

"Darien darling, your son has had another nightmare. And I'm apparently not qualified for 'monster slaying'."

One blue eye peeked opened to greet the two occupants on the opposite side of the bed. He had been listening to the entire conversation. His son, his very clever son, knew exactly which buttons to press to get himself into their bed at night. And his mother was unfortunately very susceptible to his charms. He had really been hoping for a good night's rest tonight, so the tricks were not going to fly.

Tomorrow was going to be a vey long but exciting day. They had spent the entire day reacquainting with family members that had flown in for the family reunion that was to begin later on that afternoon.

He rolled towards his family. Aiden enthusiastically released his mother and threw himself onto his father.

Darien stared down at the miniature version of himself and immediately lost his resolve. It was impossible to resist those big blue eyes.

"Another monster champ?"

He nodded enthusiastically.

"Uh huh. A big one this time Daddy!"

"Well we've got to take care of that now, don't we? We'll be sure to send that monster back to monster land. Just like the monster from last week. Let's go get him."

He picked up the toddler and moved to get out the bed. Serena needed to get back to sleep. She was now eight months into their pregnancy and needed all the rest she could get with his crazy family members in town. Aiden however, had different plans.

"Wait!"

And there it was.

"Can I sleep with you and mommy tonight? Then we fight the monster tomorrow?"

His eyes connected with the amused ones of his wife, who was now comfortably lying in bed. They both knew how this would go. They could say no, but he would be back. Serena silently giggled to herself. Darien was under the impression that she was susceptible to Aiden's tricks, but it was he who was really putty in the toddler's hands.

"Okay, but just for tonight!"

"Yay!"

His mission accomplished, Aiden lounged beneath the covers and settled himself against the warm body of his mother. Darien frowned at the sight, causing Serena to giggle some more; so much for cuddling with his wife.

Within minutes he was asleep. Serena leaned towards the edge of the bed and turned off the lamp, sending the room into complete darkness. Darien begrudgingly pulled the covers over himself as Serena cuddled with their offspring, mumbling silently to himself about sneaky toddlers …

The following afternoon….

The midafternoon sun was at its highest peak when Serena finally made her way out of her home and unto the massive front yard where the reunion festivities had already started. She smiled as the screaming voices of the children reached her ear. Across the vast lawn Aiden and his cousins were in the midst of a high-speed game of tag.

It was a beautiful afternoon by every measure of the phrase. The sun was shining, a cool ocean breeze was blowing across the island, and the ocean was at its midday calm. The freshly cut green lawn and surrounding rose bushes left a sweet aroma in the air. Her eyes traveled down the rolling green landscape to the crystal blue water of the beach. A few family members were already enjoying themselves on the white sand.

The music was pumping, everyone was engaged in some activity or the other, and if her over sensitized pregnant sense of smell were any indication, the food laid out by the caterers they had hired would taste amazing!

She shrieked as wet arms engulfed her from behind. In one swift movement she was facing the amused face of her husband.

"Darien! Why in the world are you wet?"

He released a hearty laugh before pulling her back into her arms.

"I've been playing basketball with the guys out back! I wish you were in a condition to play. I'd pay big bucks to watch you embarrass my brothers on the court."

Reaching up, she gently brushed his matted bangs off his forehead.

"You and I both honey. One more month before little Rini here will receive her eviction notice."

"I can't wait to meet her. "

Bending forward, he placed a soft kiss on her very gravid abdomen. It was an action he did often, and it persistently filled her with warmth. He had missed the pregnancy of his son, but he would be damned if he didn't enjoy every minute of Serena's pregnancy with their daughter.

"Who were your teammates?"

"Kaile and Zack. Oh man, you should've seen some of the moves Kailie pulled on Andrew. It's crazy how good she's gotten! Her old man taught her well."

"You? I'd like to think she got a great deal of her talent from my teaching as well."

"Perhaps. But the majority of that talent is definitely from my superior genes and coaching."

"Darien!"

"What!?"

The couple shared a laugh at their own expense. Over the years Kailie had blossomed into a very gifted basketball player. She was currently captain of the junior varsity team at her high school and was likely to be promoted to captain of the varsity team in the following year. She was a highly gifted student on and off the court. The family had been surprised to learn she intended to pursue a career within the business realm. There was no doubt that she would be a ruthless businesswoman. She carried the same no nonsense attitude on the basketball court and her parents couldn't be more proud.

Kayla on the other hand, was the complete opposite. The young dancer had taken to the arts and had decided on a course of professional dancing and modeling. She was also a top student and would likely get into any school she desired, but dancing would always be her first love. Darien, Trista, and Serena were equally proud. Kayla's dancing was so immaculate it moved ones soul.

The girls had grown into the gorgeous young women their father always knew, but secretly feared they would. They were both 5'10 with dark locks and the piercing blue eyes of their father. They had already entered the boy crazy phase and would likely begin dating soon. It was a realization Darien was still struggling with. He was not ready to let his baby girls go.

Nearby screaming drew their attention to the very pair. The girls were in a full sprint while Aiden chased after them in full pursuit.

"Dadddd tell him to stop!"

They quickly huddled behind their parents as their brother halted to a stop. He folded his hands behind his back and stared up at his parents with his big innocent blue eyes.

"Aiden, what do you have behind your back?"

"Nothing Daddy."

"That's not true!"

" I'll handle this girls. Aiden..."

"It's just a grass hopper! He didn't hurt nobody."

"Yes, he didn't. But you know your sisters don't like bugs. Is it nice to chase after your sisters with bugs that they're afraid of?"

"No Daddy."

He stared down at his feet before staring back up at his older sisters.

"Sorry Kai. Sorry Kay. "

The girls finally stepped away from their hiding spot and kneeled before their younger sibling.

"We know that Aidy. We just…don't do bugs. Your sisters are a pair of chickens when it comes to crawly creatures. We forgive you, okay?"

"Okay. But I just want to show you-"

"No!"

Darien and Serena laughed at the interaction. It was really an unfortunate situation that their son harbored a love of all creepy crawly things where his siblings did not.

"Well this is one fancy shindig."

"Mom! Hotaru! "

The twins separated themselves from their brother and ran in the direction of a newly arrived duo. Trista smiled as she was engulfed within the arms of her older children. Hotaru simultaneously squealed as she was lifted from her mother's arms and into the awaiting arms of her sisters.

"My goodness. You'd think we didn't just see you girls two days ago. "

"Well we missed you guys. Taru, look who's here"?

The toddler's eyes settled on Aiden Shields', and she excitedly wiggled her way out of her sister's arms.

The children were two years apart but had formed an inseparable friendship that had caught all the adults by surprise. Noticing his best friend, Aiden sprinted in her direction. They met at the halfway mark.

"Denny!"

"Taru, I got a grasshopper!"

"Wow! Can I see?"

"Yeah! Let's go play with him in the sand box!"

"Okay!"

And just like that, they were gone. Darien smiled at the sight. Though he would never consider Brian Tomei a friend, they had learned to be cordial with one another over the years for the sake of their children.

Hotaru Tomei was oddly equally similar and the exact opposite of her strange father. It was hard not to fall in love with the baby genius that had become his son's best friend. He was happy and relieved that Aiden had a friend who shared his passion for nature.

Little Hotaru was her father's pride and joy. At the tender age of four the toddler had already been declared a genius amongst her peers. Though she was two years younger than Aiden, they were in the same class. Brian Tomei doted on the little girl and went out of his way to provide her with everything her little heart desired. He had never imagined having children, much less a child that would remind him so much of himself. He was putty within her little hands and the entire island knew it.

Trista had married the esteemed physician a year after the birth of their child, who had come as an unexpected but cherished, surprise. The island had accepted her story with open hearts and empathy. Eventually the rumors had died down and everyone moved on with their lives. The decision to continue her relationship with Brian had been one of the toughest choices she had made in her life, and she thanked God on a daily basis that she had. They were happy, truly happy, and complimented one another in a way that was indescribable. She had eventually regained all her memories, and though she had internally struggled with many of the things she had done, she was thankful everything had worked out so well for everyone involved.

The pair had recently opened a new cardiology wing at the hospital and had established themselves to be the most skilled and esteemed physicians within the Caribbean region. People visited from around the world for their services, and they loved every second of it.

Serena and Darien were wed shortly after their son had turned one. Despite their complicated history, Trista attended the beautiful ceremony and was genuinely happy for the couple. As tears of joy escaped the eyes of everyone present at the wedding, including her, she had finally understood. The bond between Serena and Darien was an eternal and sacred one. She truly believed they were fated to be together and was genuinely happy that they had both found the happiness they deserved. They were all good people and deserved no less. And she couldn't have picked a better role model for her daughters in a stepmother.

Her eyes settled on the nearby pair. Darien as usual, had one had possessively around the smaller woman and his eyes held the expression of a man in love. As she approached her eyes settled on Serena's rounded abdomen, bringing a smile to her face.

"Are you sure you're going to make it through the next four weeks? You look like you're ready to pop."

Serena removed herself from her husband's side and leaned forward to pull the taller woman into a greeting hug. Darien followed suit. Though they had started off on rocky terms, she had developed a genuine friendship with Trista over the years. Aiden often spent time at the Tomei's residence visiting with his sibling and his best friend, and little Hotaru did the same. They took care of each other's children and shared a common love of medicine. It was impossible not to form a bond with the talented physician.

"God don't remind me. She already feels like she weighs more than Aiden did, and we've got a whole month to go."

Trista returned the warm hug and released a short laugh.

"I'm sure it won't be that bad. People give birth to ten pound babies vaginally all the time!"

" Oh my God! You think she'll be that big?"

"Wellllll…"

"Trista!"

"Of course not! I'm just messing with you."

The pair shared a laugh at their own expense.

"That is not funny!"

Darien smiled at the interaction. It was an odd friendship that existed between his ex and current wife, but he was thankful that they had all moved on and coexisted on happy terms.

" Don't go putting ideas in her head to scare her Tris. After all, we've still got to work on baby number three after little Rini turns one."

Serena's stare was an incredulous one.

"Baby number what? Are you planning on carrying this said baby? Cause there is no way I'm going through this again."

"Aw come on Sere! Aiden needs a brother! He's surrounded by girls!"

"And he's doing just fine with that! How do you know the next baby won't be another girl?"

"I don't, but the more the merrier!"

"Darien Shields now you listen here. You-"

"Hey Dare, you coming or what? We said ten-minute break man. We're ready to start!"

Darien quickly nodded at his brother Andrew, thankful for the distraction. He leaned down and quickly kissed Serena's cheek.

"Gotta go honey. We'll finish this conversation later. See you in a few Tris!"

Before she had the opportunity to respond he was gone. Serena's face was still red over the emotional conversation, which caused Trista to erupt into a wholehearted laugh.

When she was able to speak again Serena was staring at her with her arms folded across her chest.

"Oh come on, you gotta admit that was funny."

"No, it's not. We're not having another baby."

"Hey, I believe you. You just gotta convince your husband of that fact."

She smiled at the taller woman.

"Oh don't you worry, I will. Come on, let's grab a drink. "

" Great idea. It's pretty warm out today. How's business going down at the clinic?"

Serena had recently opened her own pediatric practice within the island's business district. She was just six months into the practice and had already maximized her patient load. The children and parents alike loved her warm and loving personality. She was also brilliant within her own right, and parents found comfort in the fact that their children were receiving the most up to date medical practices.

The women ventured over to the spread laid out by the caterers as they continue to catch up. Serena eventually separated herself from Trista when an incoming phone call from Lita pulled her away.

Her friends were now all married and successful women. Lita was now four months into her pregnancy with the couple's third child. The pair had opened a very successful restaurant in the Miami Beach area and had decided to settle there.

Beryl and Diamond were married shortly after Beryl graduated from grad school. The couple were the proud parents of twin boys, and Beryl was as happy as Serena had ever seen her. They were still the closest of friends and kept in close contact. Beryl had been chosen as Aiden's God mother, and despite the girls' disappointment, Serena thought her most fitting for the title as she had played a pivotal role in Aiden's existence. She would forever remember that afternoon at the abortion clinic and the decision that changed her life for the better. It was sometimes hard to believe the doting mother was the same girl that seemingly hated the world and everyone in it in college.

Seiya decided to pursue his musical dreams and was now a renowned male artist. Serena and the girls attended one of his concerts two years ago and were truly impressed at the level of talent he had grown to posess. His busy lifestyle had impaired his ability to slow down and start a family, but he had recently shared his plan to propose to his long time girlfriend with Serena. She was happy he had found love with a woman who would love him the way he deserved to be loved. She was not proud of how she had handled her relationship with Seiya. His forgiveness had meant the world to her, and their friendship had blossomed over the years.

Raye, after much fighting, eventually gave in and married Jadeite. Though they had not yet started a family, the couple were a match made in heaven that kept everyone entertained with their explosive personalities when in their midst.

Mina had married a famous male actor in the most lavish ceremony any of the girls had ever seen. She had starred in now three major films and was happy with her life in the limelight. She frequently visited the island for vacation and to visit with family and friends.

Amy had recently completed her arduous residency in neurosurgery. She had married one of the top neurosurgeons at the Mass General Hospital three years ago, and the couple had welcomed their first child into the world six months ago.

Though they all led busy lives, they made it a rule to catch up in group video chats once a month. The group frequently reminisced on their school days, and calls were filled with laughter and teasing. It was hard to believe how far they had all come. Their second annual group reunion was set to occur in eleven months and they were all looking forward to it.

Andrew's voice over the speaker system alerted all the guests that it was time to begin the activities. Serena's eyes settled across the lawn where Aiden's face harbored a full grin sitting on his father's shoulders. The pair was heading her way and waved at her in the distance. Little Rini reminded her mother of her presence with a brisk kick that brought a smile to Serena's face. She was undoubtedly the luckiest person on the planet. There was no such thing as a perfect life, but this was certainly as close to perfect as she could've ever imagined. And to think, this all started with that one faithful night on the basketball court…

Fin

AN: Love it? Hate it? I'd love to hear your final thoughts! Be sure to keep your alerts up. There's another scandalous plot brewing in my mind that may just come to fruition in the upcoming year. Until next time, Veggie Out!