Epilogue Continued

**Saviera's POV**

I can not believe my eyes as I look around us. Our journey hasn't been an easy one, but it has been worth it. A huge thing we had to sacrifice is our privacy. Our children have lived their entire lives in the spotlight and have dealt with harassment and bullying from other kids at school. After threatening to beat the shit out of another kid's mom, I decided it was best to homeschool. One thing I will never understand is a parent who encourages their child to assault another child, but being labeled as aggressive for putting my foot down was a negative look on us with the case going on. I will wear that label with pride when it comes to my children or spouses.
The staff has turned the theatre into a large reception hall. A long table stretched across the stage to seat us with the bridal party and our six children. Daveed sits in the middle while Zuri and I sit to his right and left. Beside Zuri are our three boys; Jackson, Julian, and Jameson. Beside me is our three daughters, Jillian, Jadalyn, and our youngest, Jasmine. Our parents, my sister, Daveed's siblings, and Rory fill in the rest of the seats.
After having the twins, Jadalyn and Jameson, and Jasmine two years later, I decided to get the tubal ligation. Having three boys and three girls is perfect for us. I also love that we have two identical twins and two fraternal twins. We are so blessed.
As the staff prepares the food and tables, our guests form a line and walk across the stage to congratulate us, and many of them put money down on our table. We announced we will not allow gifts, boxed, or bagged items to enter the theatre for safety reasons, and our security has been on top of their game. About halfway through the line, I saw a face I never thought I would see again. His face is no longer smooth and hairless, and his body is buff instead of skinny. If I didn't vividly remember the few times I have been around Ethan, I wouldn't have recognized him. I guess I should say his name is no longer Ethan. After the letter about his friend, Bennett, he wrote to us often. We never turned it into the police because we never felt threatened, and we never knew where he was anyway. In the second letter he sent to us, he said he goes by Jonas. We've been calling him that ever since. Jonas has been like a long distant godfather. He has never missed sending a letter and present for a birthday or holiday. The kids always look forward to receiving toys from godfather Jonas, the friend they think their mothers made during high school.
When we won our case, Jonas wrote us again to congratulate us. He asked if we could leave an invitation for him at the bar where we met at a certain time and day and with a waitress named Eden. So, that's what we did.
"Babe, Jonas is here," I whisper to Daveed and I point him out.
"Wow, I barely recognize him. It sure is him." He tells Zuri and she couldn't contain her smile.
Jonas finally approaches us and we hug him.
"I'm so glad you made it. Our house, one o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Please come." I hurried and whispered to him so the line can keep going. I want him to meet the kids. He gave a short nod and a wink before he continued walking.
The reception was a celebration to always remember. We ended it at seven o'clock in the evening so that our children can leave with us at a decent hour and it gave the crowd time to safely leave the building. No alcohol was served either, so we could peacefully sleep tonight knowing no one left our reception while intoxicated. There were so many protective measures that we took to ensure the safety of everyone who attended.

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The doorbell rings, and we excitedly welcome Jonas into our home with a group hug. I made BLT sandwiches, a fruit tray, and a veggie tray for lunch for his visit. We give him the rundown on how we fake met and that we call him godfather Jonas.
"Kids! Come to the living room for a surprise!" I call out. It sounds like a herd of elephants as they race out of their rooms and down the stairs. They come to a stop, looking confused when they see a big, hairy man with a bald head and arms covered in tattoos. We never told them about our surprise visitor at the wedding last night.
"Who is this bald man?" Jillian asks and looks him up and down. My daughter is so much like me; I can now see why my parents were so strict. I was a little spitfire.
"Is that a way to talk to godfather Jonas?" He asked and folded his arms.
Her mouth drops open, and all the kids screech and nearly knock him off his feet.
He stayed the whole day, playing with the kids and telling them about all the cool places he has been. They sat on the floor in the living room while he read them a short story before bedtime and kissed them all on the forehead as they lay down.
"Jonas, when will we see you again?" Jillian asked.
"I'm not sure, Jilly-Bean. I travel a lot, and I don't stay in one place for too long." He answered.
"Why?" She looks upset.
"Because there is so much world to see and so little time to do it." He couldn't have given a more perfect response.
"When I'm an adult, I'm going to see the world too. Just like you." My heart breaks, as I know why he has to see the world, but she doesn't.
"You won't only see the world. You are going to leave a mark on it. You'll cross oceans and climb mountains that only a few know exist. You are your mother's daughter. You can do anything." He gives her head a final kiss, "Goodnight, sweetheart."
"Goodnight, Jonas." He closed the door, and we make our way to the foyer.
"We're so glad you came. Thank you for everything you do." We take turns giving him a goodbye hug.
"I had to see you all one last time. I'll still be writing from wherever I go, but I won't be coming back to Florida. It was a risk coming back, but after about eight years, they basically considered me a goner. It was worth it, though. You have the most amazing kids, but man you have your hands full." He looks like he's exhausted from the long day.
"Yeah, we sure do. Do you have someone special in your life?" Zuri asked.
Jonas looks at the ground, "I did. But the life I have to live is not something I want to drag someone into. I should be alone."
"I'm sorry. I should have thought before I asked," Zuri palms her forehead.
"You're fine. I still get plenty of ass, so it isn't all bad." Daveed bumps his fist, and I shake my head.
"Still a douche, I see." I joke.
"And you're still a smartass." He smirks.
"Always." We give a final goodbye hug and watch as he rides away.
We shower and change into our night clothes before settling on the couch.
"So, what movie are we watching tonight?" Daveed asks.
"*Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2*," I answer while putting it on.
"Why am I not surprised? I'll get the popcorn and wine." He gets the stuff, and we make ourselves comfortable.
We hold on to each other, forever and always, till death do us part.