Epilogue

Kamel and Kola stood on the Hawaiian beach holding hands and gazing at each other lovingly. The clean sand looked like sugar spread out for miles.

Kola looked beautiful in her long, white beach dress. She was glowing with happiness. Their marriage had been inevitable from the time they’d met. They were inseparable, and each was the center of the other’s universe.

The pastor was ready to wed them. Peaches and Sophia were the flower girls, and Apple was the maid of honor. Eduardo Jr. was the ring bearer.

They spoke their vows to one another. Kamel was ready to live a different life and become someone new. As he stared at his beautiful bride, he thanked God for her. Today was the happiest day of his life.

They both said, “I do.” They were now married.

Kamel was ready to kiss his bride. He moved his face closer to hers, and their lips met. When she kissed him, his brain lit on fire, and the warmth spread throughout his entire body. He was addicted to her. Her love and kisses were his salvation. She was the half that made him whole.

The children and Apple clapped. They all were excited.

Hawaii seemed like the perfect getaway. Their troubles felt like they were a lifetime away. Apple had her strong bond with her sister again, the children had a family; it felt like they had won. They’d prevailed against the odds.

But Kamel didn’t forget about the unfinished business of the favor he owed Eduardo—what it took to keep them alive. Kamel was now in debt to the man, and Eduardo could call in the favor he owed any time.

From a distance away, three Colombian men clad in dark suits observed the happy couple. They simply watched, not interfering, but hovering over the newlyweds like a dark cloud. When the time came, Eduardo would come calling again, like a cancer out of remission.

For now, they all would live happily ever after.

Until their next chapter.