Chapter 49: Epilogue. I’ll Fight for You Until the End of Time

^EIGHT YEARS LATER^

CLAIRE

“Good. Now, kick your right leg out and use one fist to shield your face while the other guards your stomach,” I instructed the group of kids, ranging from six to thirteen years old. They all followed my command with ease, and I couldn’t help but beam with pride.

At twenty-six, I was a professional instructor in various forms of combat. Currently, I was in a decent-sized gym with a group of twenty to thirty kids.

I’d been teaching them for just three weeks, but they were all quick learners. The pay wasn’t too shabby either: fifteen dollars an hour for each class.

As I surveyed the room, my eyes sparkled with admiration. I’d been teaching the kids for an hour now, since noon. Today was a special day, so class ended an hour earlier than usual.

It was now one o’clock. We usually wrapped up at two.

“Alright. That’s enough for today. I’ll see you all on Saturday. And have fun tonight,” I announced, watching as they all hurriedly went to collect their bags.

A few of the younger kids came over to give me hugs before they left.

I grinned when I spotted a familiar pair of light blue eyes and bright blonde hair.

“Thanks, Claire. If Tyler comes home with another black eye next year, I swear I’m going to that school myself, finding the culprit, and giving him a taste of his own medicine.”

Ashley growled, hugging her six-year-old son, Tyler, protectively.

I smiled, nodding in agreement. “I’m with you. It’s infuriating that the teachers don’t seem to notice at all,” I said, my tone harsh.

Nick and Ashley had tied the knot the year after we all graduated and had a baby boy soon after. Their little bundle of joy always brought a bright smile to Ashley’s face, regardless of whether he had bruises or not.

The first time he came home with a bruise was during his first-grade year. A group of kids had decided to pick on him, and he came home with a large bruise under his right eye.

Ashley immediately called me, and I let him join the year-long session for just thirty dollars.

School was over now, and today was the Fourth of July. I was excited because I loved fireworks.

“Again, thank you so much, Claire. Now, I have to get these two home to cook dinner. Oh, wait. What are you and Blake doing tonight?” She asked, hoisting Tyler onto her hip.

“Uh, not much. I’ll be cooking dinner when I get home. Then we have to head over to his parents’ house for a bit. I think Blake took Maria out for lunch a little while ago.

“After we get home, his parents are going to have dinner and find a nice spot to watch the fireworks,” I summarized.

Ashley grinned. “Good. After dinner, come over to our house. We have an amazing view of the fireworks from our backyard,” she gushed, just as Nick came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

He planted a light kiss on her neck before turning to ruffle Tyler’s curly brown hair.

“Dad. Stop it,” Tyler groaned, swatting away Nick’s hand. Nick chuckled before turning and pulling me into a side hug. “Hey, how’s Maria?” he asked.

I grinned and nodded. “Blake’s doing fine, thanks for asking,” I replied sarcastically.

“Maria is doing well. Blake took her out for lunch and they should be back soon. Which means, I need to get going.” I slipped from his hold, going over to grab my bag.

Nick rolled his eyes, returning to Ashley. “I knew Blake was fine, which is why I asked about Maria. Plus,” he paused, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “I think Tyler likes her.” He grinned widely.

I laughed, shaking my head. “I don’t think Blake would be too thrilled about that. If anything, he’ll be waiting at the door with a shotgun,” I told him honestly.

Nick shrugged. “They’re only two years apart. Plus, Tyler can be her protector at school.” He replied, a glint in his eyes.

“They’re best friends right now. Let’s just see how things unfold.” I told him, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “Well, I got to go. But we’ll be there,” I called to Ashley, heading out.

***

As soon as I put the biscuits in the oven, I heard the front door open.

“Babe! We’re home,” Blake called out. “Hey! No, Maria, don’t do that,” he scolded.

Taking that as my cue, I walked into the living room. My eyes landed on my four-year-old daughter, Maria. Her full name was Maria Ann Johnson.

Blake and I had gotten married right after we graduated and had Maria four years later. The whole ordeal with Logan and my kidnapping had solidified our feelings for each other.

We were willing to risk our lives to save the other. Blake’s proposal was sweet and happened four months after graduation.

The wedding was intimate, just our families and a few friends, including Ashley, Nick, Nancy, and Jason.

Maria was chewing on the wrapper from her McDonald’s toy. I placed my hands on my hips and fixed her with a stern look. “Maria, what have I told you about chewing on plastic?”

She jumped slightly, then quickly spat out the plastic. With innocent eyes, she retreated into her father’s arms. “Sowwy,” she mumbled quietly.

I let out a sigh and nodded.

“Alright. Since it’s a special day, I’ll let it slide. But please be careful, baby girl,” I gently scolded her, just as a smile spread across her face and she jumped into my arms.

I laughed, making sure she was comfortable on my hip, before turning to Blake.

He leaned down and placed a soft, lingering kiss on my lips. “How was lunch?” I asked.

“We went to McDonald’s, as you can see. We talked about her birthday, the Fourth of July, you, and how much she loves her daddy more than mommy.” He smirked.

Scoffing, I shook my head. “I’m the one who cooks your meals. You guys wouldn’t last a week without me,” I exaggerated.

Blake chuckled, nodding in agreement. “You’re right. If we keep eating fast food, we’ll both get too big to even make it to the car,” he teased, earning an eye roll from me.

“Exactly. We’d be in real trouble then. Oh, and we need to swing by your parents’ house later. My folks are helping them with the fireworks and cooking tonight,” I reminded him.

Blake groaned in response. “But Anya will be there. You know how she loves to tease me and ask a million questions about when we’re having another kid and all that.

“She’s seventeen and about to start her senior year. Anya just loves to give me a hard time. It’s just her age, I guess,” Blake explained.

I laughed, shaking my head at him. “Anya is your little sister. Of course, she’s going to give you a hard time. Besides, isn’t her new boyfriend, Chris, coming over? You can give her a hard time right back.”

“Nope. I need to give him the third degree and make sure I know what his intentions are with my sister,” he replied, nodding seriously.

I rolled my eyes, tightening my hold on Maria as she began to squirm.

“Such a typical big brother. Alright, come here,” I paused, leaning up to give him a quick kiss.

“I’m going to start on the potato salad. Once that’s done, we can head over to your parents’ house for a bit, then come back to finish cooking. It’s two-thirty now.

“And get started on the burgers and hot dogs. Chop-chop,” I instructed, setting Maria down so she could scamper into the kitchen and help me cook.

Blake rolled his eyes, muttering a “yes ma’am,” before turning to start cooking. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched him go. I loved having the upper hand sometimes.

Especially because he was usually the one calling the shots. Once I got into the kitchen, I immediately started on my famous potato salad for the evening.

By three o’clock, the potato salad was ready and the burgers and hot dogs were cooked. I scooped up Maria and Blake followed me out to the car.

“Your mom said we need to stay until at least four-thirty, so brace yourself for an hour and a half with the whole family.” I smirked at his groan.

“Ugh. Why? Can’t we just leave at, like, three-thirty?” He whined, stomping his foot like a child. For a twenty-seven-year-old, he could be pretty immature.

I laughed, shaking my head as I secured Maria in her car seat. Once she was buckled in, I turned to Blake and patted his head playfully.

With a mock sympathetic look, I asked, “Is my big, tough husband scared of his own parents?”

Blake stuck out his lip in a pout, playing along. “No. But they always ask so many questions. Maybe we should just call in sick. Or say we moved to Texas. Yeah, Texas sounds good.”

Blake suddenly grinned, his eyes lighting up with mischief.

I laughed, pushing him towards the passenger seat. “Can you buckle up, or do you need help with that too?” I teased.

Blake’s eyes narrowed playfully at mine. “I’m not a child, woman. I can handle my own seat belt,” he retorted, his tone full of mock arrogance.

I rolled my eyes, muttering, “Could’ve fooled me,” just before I slammed his door shut.

Once I was in the car, I buckled my seat belt and started the twenty-minute drive to my in-laws’ house. They’d lived in the same house for the past eight years.

My parents, on the other hand, had moved to a house ten minutes away the year I graduated.

My mom was fifty-one, and my dad was fifty-six. They said they wanted to spend as much time together as possible, while they still could.

I was always thrilled to see how much they loved and cared for each other. It never failed to make me smile.

“Look, Mommy. Grandma and Nana Lizzy are outside,” Maria pointed out. I nodded in agreement.

We’d decided that Maria would call Blake’s parents Grandma and Grandpa, and my parents Nana Lizzy and Papa Tony, to avoid any confusion.

“They sure are. Probably waiting for their favorite grandchild.” I grinned at her. As soon as we pulled into the driveway, Sara and my mom hurried over to the car. I got out and gave them a stern look.

“Will you two calm down? You saw her just two weeks ago,” I exclaimed, opening Maria’s car door.

My mom and Sara both crossed their arms. “Well, excuse us for missing our favorite little grandchild,” Sara retorted.

I rolled my eyes. “She’s your only grandchild,” I muttered, unbuckling Maria and lifting her onto my hip.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement when she saw her grandma and Nana. “Alright, there you go, sweetheart,” I said, setting her down so she could run over to them.

“And make sure you share her!” I called after them as they whisked her inside.

Blake wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Not now, Blake. We’re at your parents’ house. Let’s go inside before Anya gets suspicious. Then you’ll really be in trouble.” I laughed.

He groaned in annoyance. “Let’s go,” I chuckled, grabbing his arm and pulling him along.

The delicious smells of chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, and biscuits filled the air. I inhaled deeply, sighing in contentment. “Smells amazing,” I commented.

Sara looked up from Maria to smile at me. “I know. We also have apple, blueberry, and pumpkin pie in the oven,” she said, before turning her attention back to Maria.

Before I could respond with my usual sarcasm, a fit of giggles interrupted me. Loud giggles, to be exact. I raised an eyebrow and turned to see Anya and a guy walking in, his arms wrapped around her waist from behind, whispering something in her ear that made her blush and giggle.

I cleared my throat, crossing my arms as they jumped in surprise. Anya’s eyes widened in embarrassment when she saw me.

“So, you must be the infamous Chris I’ve been hearing so much about,” I said, feeling Blake stiffen behind me as he watched his little sister with the guy.

Chris looked to be about a year older than Anya, with curly brown hair, bright blue eyes, and broad shoulders. He seemed like a giant next to Anya’s petite frame.

Anya’s golden blonde hair had grown down to her lower back, and her eyes were the most vibrant blue I’d ever seen. They sparkled with joy and happiness.

Anya finally nodded, looking away shyly. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Don’t be embarrassed, sweetheart. It reminds me of the times you used to catch Blake and me in…awkward situations,” I said, raising an eyebrow with a grin.

Anya coughed awkwardly. “Yeah. I remember that,” she mumbled.

I shifted my gaze from Anya to Chris when I saw him step forward, extending his hand for me to shake.

I raised an eyebrow but took his hand and shook it firmly. “I’m Chris Boyd, Anya’s boyfriend,” he introduced himself with a smile. I returned the smile.

“Nice to meet you, Chris. I’m Claire Johnson, Anya’s older brother’s wife.”

Chris swallowed hard, then turned to face Blake’s icy stare. He hesitantly extended his hand to Blake, but Blake just glared harder.

Finally, Blake seemed to come to a decision after sizing up Chris.

“I’m Blake, Anya’s older, very protective brother.

“I’m sure my father has already given you a similar speech, but if you do anything to hurt my sister, I won’t hesitate to take matters into my own hands to ensure you get what you deserve.

“I appreciate the respect you’re showing my sister and our family. Keep it up.

“This isn’t a threat, but a warning about what will happen if you hurt her. Are we clear?” Blake finished, his eyes narrowing on Chris’s.

Chris looked like he wanted to bolt, but he squared his shoulders and swallowed hard. With a nod, he said, “I understand,” in a strong voice.

Blake nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response. “Oh,” Blake suddenly said. “And no public displays of affection,” he added casually.

Anya frowned at him. “That’s not fair. You and Claire do it all the time,” she complained.

Blake pulled me against his back, his hand firm on my waist.

“There’s a difference. We’re married. You’re dating. And even when Claire and I were dating, we always tried to make sure we were alone when we…” Blake trailed off with a smug smirk.

I glared at him and elbowed him in the stomach. Blake groaned loudly and clutched his stomach. “I still got it,” I grinned at his discomfort.

“Jesus, woman. Stop hitting me,” he groaned.

I shrugged. “I didn’t hit you, I elbowed you,” I corrected with a grin.

Laughter filled the room, and I turned to see Anya and Chris laughing together. “Thanks, Claire. Now I know I don’t have to keep hitting him when he crosses a line,” Anya said with a grin.

I smiled back proudly. “Yup. I got your back,” I said, grabbing Blake’s arm and pulling him back into the kitchen. “Be safe, though,” I called back to them.

I grinned smugly when I heard her groan of embarrassment. Payback was sweet.

***

At four-thirty, I finally got Maria back and into the car. After the incident with Anya and Chris, we all left to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the pie they had made.

My dad and Daniel spent most of the time watching sports and drinking beer. It seemed Daniel had already given Chris a warning, as had my dad.

We were like a pack. Always looking out for each other and having each other’s backs no matter what.

When we got back home, I finished making dinner and we all ate until we were stuffed. After dinner, it was six o’clock, and Blake and I decided to head over to Nick and Ashley’s.

Once we arrived, I knocked on the door and was greeted by Ashley’s bright smile. “Aw. Hey Maria. How are you?” Ashley asked Maria.

“Auntie Ash!” Maria yelled, wriggling out of my grip to hug Ashley. Even though Ashley wasn’t family, Blake and I had chosen Nick and Ashley to be Maria’s godparents.

Ashley picked up Maria and spun her around, then set her back down. “Go find Uncle Nick. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you,” Ashley said, watching as Maria ran into the house to find Nick.

“Come on in. I’m glad you made it. Are you hungry? There’s still some food left. Oh, and Nancy and Jason are in the back. She’s getting so big I just can’t wait to see the little—”

Ashley stopped mid-sentence, realizing she was rambling, and blushed a little. “Sorry,” she apologized.

I waved it off and stepped inside with Blake. “It’s fine, Ash. I know how much you love to talk,” I laughed. “When do the fireworks start tonight?” I asked her.

She checked her phone. “It’s six thirty-eight now. They usually start once the sun sets, which is around seven o’clock. So, soon I guess. Come on. Want anything to drink?” she asked, walking through her kitchen.

I shook my head. “I’m not thirsty. But I think Maria would like some apple juice,” I told her. “Oh, where’s Tyler?” I asked, realizing I hadn’t seen the little rascal since this morning.

Ashley pointed towards the TV room. “Probably back there with Maria, showing her his new game,” she replied, opening the fridge to grab two juice boxes. “Want anything?” she asked Blake.

He shook his head. “Nah. I’m good,” he said.

Ashley nodded. “Alright,” she walked into the TV room and handed the juice boxes to Maria and Tyler. “Play nice and no fighting,” she told them before leaving.

“Alright. Let’s go out back. That’s where Nancy and Jason are. I’m sure you want to see them,” Ashley said with a grin.

With an excited smile, I walked out into the backyard and immediately spotted Nancy and Jason chatting.

The sight of Nancy’s round belly made me want to squeal with joy. I bit my lip to keep it in. Nancy and Jason had tied the knot three years ago, and now, six months into her pregnancy, she was glowing with anticipation for their baby girl.

I’d already claimed the title of godmother, with Blake as the godfather.

Unable to hold back my excitement any longer, I let out a squeal and rushed over to Nancy. I wrapped my arms around her, careful not to press against her belly.

“Hey, Claire,” she greeted me.

“Hey, Nancy,” I replied, pulling back to take in her long brown hair and light brown eyes. She was as stunning as ever.

Jason came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and planting a kiss on the top of her head. He looked over at me and grinned.

“Hi, Claire. How are you?” he asked.

I nodded. “Same, same. How’s the baby? Is she okay? Still healthy?” I fired off my questions.

Nancy laughed. “The baby is fine. She’s okay and still very much healthy,” she assured me.

I squealed again. “I just can’t wait to meet her!” I gushed.

Before she could respond, Ashley’s voice cut through the air. “Fireworks are about to start!” she shouted.

My eyes widened. “I’m going to get Blake and Maria. I'll be back. Enjoy the fireworks,” I told her, rushing inside to find Blake.

“Come on, Blake. The fireworks are going to start. Where’s Maria?” I asked.

“She’s with Tyler. They just went outside,” he replied.

I smiled. “Good. Come on.” I tugged him outside with me.

Once we were in the backyard, we found a good spot and Blake pulled me down next to him. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer.

I grinned as the fireworks began. The sky filled with colors, and I bit my lip. Independence Day was my favorite holiday, mostly because of the breathtaking fireworks.

“I love you,” Blake whispered in my ear. I sighed happily and turned to kiss him. When I pulled back, I grinned at his swollen lips.

“I love you a lot more,” I countered.

He shook his head. “Not possible. The guy always loves the girl more in the relationship,” he said confidently.

“Well, this certainly isn’t a normal relationship, now is it? I mean, I was an undefeated boxer, and you were the popular Golden Boy at school with the whole ‘bad boy’ vibe going on and everything,” I chuckled.

Blake chuckled. “You certainly disproved that notion after some time, Miss Kick-Ass,” he teased.

Just then, Maria came bounding over and jumped into my lap. I turned my attention from Blake to Maria. “Hey, darling.” I kissed the top of her head and we settled back down to watch the rest of the fireworks.

A thought struck me. “Blake?” I murmured.

“Yes?” he responded, resting his chin on my shoulder.

“How long will you continue to fight for me?” I asked him sincerely.

I heard his soft chuckle before he replied, “I’ll fight for you until the end of time.”

He kissed me, just as the grand finale of the fireworks lit up the sky.

^The End^