Epilogue

 

Four months later

 

Standing at the grill, Dimitrius looked across the pool, over at Melanie as she sat next to Emily an umbrella table. He inhaled a deep breath and released it slowly, feeling a level of satisfaction beyond his wildest dreams. He never imagined he could end up this way – happy and in love. It brought him much joy and satisfaction to be with a woman like Melanie. A woman he was in love with. A woman he would build with. Grow old with.

He watched as Melanie rubbed Emily’s stomach. Emily and Dante had announced two weeks ago that Emily was five months pregnant. They were expecting a son. He was happy for his brother and happy that another Champion man was joining their family.

“Look at you manning the grill,” Desmond said, standing next to Dimitrius with a basketball tucked underneath his arm. “You look like dad standing here.”

Dimitrius smirked. Out of his brothers, he was the one who resembled their father the most.

“Hey, let me get one of them hotdogs, bro,” Desmond said.

Dimitrius poked a hotdog with a fork and said, “Here you go,” handing it to him. “We’re about to eat, so round up everyone,” he said. Everyone included Dante and Emily, Sherita, Melanie’s parents, Desmond and a few of their closest friends.

“Alright. I’m on it,” Desmond said.

Dimitrius took a roaster pan, that was filled with a variety of meats, over to the designated food table and then, after every one was gathered, he said, “Thank you everyone for being here at my home, sharing this beautiful day with my wife and I. This is truly what life is all about – family and friends.”

Dimitrius walked over to Melanie, took her by the hand and she stood next to him. He kissed her on the cheek and said, “And, with that being said, Melanie and I would like to make an announcement. We didn’t think it would be possible, and the doctors told us it was highly unlikely, but it just goes to show that when you love someone,” he said, throaty, taking a moment to get himself together so that he could finish his statement without becoming overly emotional. He released a breath and said, “When you truly love someone, anything is possible. So it brings me great pleasure to let you all know that Melanie and I are expecting a baby girl.”

Emily’s mouth dropped open. “Melanie! You’re pregnant?” she said with tears of happiness in her eyes.

Melanie nodded and rubbed her stomach.

“And you didn’t tell me!” Emily said.

Melanie’s eyes teared up. “We wanted to make sure we were out of the woods, especially since the doctors didn’t think I could get pregnant.”

“This is the best news I’ve heard all year,” Melanie’s mother said, elated.

“How far along are you?” Emily asked.

“Four and a half months,” Dimitrius answered. “She has to be closely monitored by the doctors. They’re almost positive that she won’t be full-term, but we’re committed to doing everything it takes to make sure our angel arrives here safely.”

Emily stood up and rushed over to Melanie, throwing her arms around her. “I’m so happy for you guys,” she said. Then she hugged Dimitrius. “Our children are going to grow up together,” she said happily.

Dante and Desmond walked over to Dimitrius and both gave him a congratulatory hug.

“This is awesome news…proud of you, man,” Dante told him.

“I am too, Dimitrius,” Desmond said. “But I feel sorry for my little niece already. I know how strict you’re going to be with her.”

Dimitrius smiled. “You know it.”

“And just to think that you guys thought this would never happen,” Dante said.

“I know. I’m glad I didn’t give up on Melanie. I have you and Emily to thank for that,” Dimitrius said.

“Not a problem, man,” Dante said. “That’s what family is for, right?”

“Right.”

The men looked up at the women. Melanie was barely showing but Emily still wanted to compare belly sizes. They were even talking about having their baby showers on the same day.

“Now, it looks like all we have to do is to get Desmond to settle down with his kryptonite,” Dante quipped.

“I’m too young to settle down,” Desmond told him.

Dimitrius shook his head. “You’re never too young when you know you’ve found the one.

“Is that right?” Desmond said.

“Yeah. That’s right,” Dimitrius responded. “Now let’s eat for crying out loud.”

Melanie looked up at Dimitrius and smiled. Then she walked over to him, wrapped her arms around him and said, “This is perfect.”

He smiled and said, “It is, isn’t.”

“Yes. Thank you for making all of my dreams come true, Dimitrius.”

“Thank you for taking a chance with me. I promise to make you the happiest woman that has ever walked this earth.”

She kissed his lips, then said, “Baby, you already have.”

 

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