Chapter 63.Epilogue
Ryder’s POV.
The club was alive with energy as the weekend reached its peak. The neon lights danced across the crowded dance floor, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the revelers. The pulsating music thumped in my chest, creating an electric atmosphere that fueled the excitement in the air. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat, mingling with the overpowering aroma of perfume and cologne.
Sitting at a reserved booth in a dimly lit corner, I was joined by my close friend, Alex. He exuded impatience, his foot tapping restlessly against the floor as he scanned the entrance of the club. We were regulars at this place, but tonight, our excitement was tinged with a hint of unease. We were waiting for Logan, our once dependable comrade, who seemed to have changed since his marriage to Mia.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
“Ryder, when is Logan coming?” Alex asked, his voice edged with irritation.
I understood his frustration; Logan used to be the first one to arrive, always ready to embrace the nightlife. However, things had changed since he tied the knot with Mia, and his absence tonight only deepened the divide between us.
“Let me call him,” I replied, pulling out my phone from my pants pocket. As I dialed Logan’s number, I hoped he would finally show up and bring back the camaraderie we once shared.
The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before he finally picked up. “Where are you, Logan? We’ve been waiting for you,” I asked, my tone a mix of concern and annoyance.
“Just pulled up, coming bro. Wait a little,” he replied, his voice slightly distant.
With a hint of relief, I hung up the phone
“He said he had arrived. He’s just coming inside after parking his car,” I informed Alex.
He nodded in acknowledgment, but his gaze soon shifted to his wife, Sarah, who sat next to my wife, Bella, chatting away. Alex seemed genuinely happy, the lines of worry on his face momentarily softened as he watched Sarah with affection.
“When are you due?” Alex turned his attention back to me, curious about our impending parenthood.
“Next month,” I replied, a smile spreading across my face. I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness at the thought of becoming a father. I glanced at Bella, her pregnant belly now in full bloom, and we exchanged a knowing look. Our lives were about to change forever.
“I can’t believe the three most notorious playboys got hitched and swooned off by their wives,” Alex chuckled, breaking the silence.
I laughed heartily, knowing the truth in his words. The three of us had been renowned for our wild and reckless ways, but love had transformed us into devoted husbands.
“Yeah, but I was really surprised when Logan told us that he was in love,” I said, shaking my head in amusement as I recalled the memory of his wedding.
“Someone took my name?” A familiar voice interjected, drawing our attention. And there he was, Logan, swaggering into the room with his wife, Mia, by his side.
We turned to face him, and a teasing grin played on Alex’s lips. “Think of the devil, and he appeared,” he quipped.
Logan smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “You know me, always making an entrance,” he replied, his voice carrying the same charisma that had captivated countless souls.
Mia whispered something in his ear, and he kissed her cheek before she went to meet Bella and Sarah. His eyes then met mine, and a knowing look passed between us.
“Alex, where have you left your son tonight?” Logan teased, raising an amused eyebrow.
“My parents volunteered for babysitting duty,” Alex replied with a nonchalant shrug. “It’s our night off, after all.”
“How’s everything with the new changes, Ryder?” Logan turned to me, his gaze filled with curiosity.
“It’s… thrilling,” I said with a knowing smile, recalling the whirlwind of emotions I experienced during Bella’s pregnancy. From dealing with her mood swings to making sure she was comfortable and happy, I had embraced every challenge that came my way. “But I love her, and I’ll do everything for her happiness.”
A sense of pride washed over me as I thought about Bella, my wife, and the love that had blossomed between us amidst the chaos of our world. She had brought light into my life and made me a better man, and for that, I would forever be grateful.
Breaking the momentary silence, Logan beamed, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “I want to share some news with you guys,” he said, barely containing his joy.
The curiosity in Alex’s and my eyes was palpable as we eagerly waited for Logan’s announcement. “Mia and I are expecting our first child,” he declared, a wide grin stretching across his face.
“Congratulations, dude!” Alex and I chimed in unison, exchanging hearty hugs with our friend.
“I can’t believe it, guys,” Logan said, his voice filled with awe. “I’m going to be a father.”
Amidst the laughter and celebration, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far we had come since our days as reckless and dangerous individuals. The love of our wives had transformed us into better men, instilling in us a sense of responsibility and purpose.
“We are actually lucky,” I began, raising my glass in a toast, “to have found angels in our lives who have changed us and our lives, making us better people.”
“I second you, dude,” Alex said, raising his glass to join the toast.
As we shared a moment of gratitude and unity, our gazes locked, and we instinctively knew it was time to join our wives. Together, we walked towards the table where Bella, Sarah and Mia sat, their smiles radiant with love and happiness.
At that moment, amidst the haze of our dangerous world, we found solace in the arms of our loved ones. Our bond as brothers extended beyond the loyalty of the mafia, and in the embrace of our wives, we found a sense of peace and purpose that made everything worthwhile. With renewed determination, we faced the challenges ahead, knowing that love and family were the anchors that kept us grounded in an unpredictable and perilous world.