My Ex’s Roommates: Epilogue I

The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the backyard as laughter and the scent of sizzling barbecue filled the air. I stretched out on a lawn chair, sipping an ice-cold beer while my three men worked the grill. Silas stood at the helm, flipping burgers with practiced ease, while Dylan and Carter bickered over the proper way to grill corn. I grinned, watching them, my heart swelling. This was our victory celebration—our team had clinched the championship—but more than that, it was the first time we were all together without drama from the past. Just good food, good company, and the kind of peace I never thought I’d have.

A loud, delighted squeal cut through the air. “Oh, Danny, don’t be shy now! I know you’ve got more stamina than that,” Casey teased, winking over her shoulder as Danny tried and failed to keep up with her in a game of cornhole.

Jay and Matt, my other brothers, stood nearby, laughing as they watched Danny’s struggle. “Man, just admit she’s got you beat,” Jay called, shaking his head.

Danny grumbled under his breath. “I’ve been out of the game for a while, alright? I need time to adjust.”

Casey smirked, flipping her long hair over one shoulder. “Oh, sweetheart, you better adjust quick if you’re gonna keep up with me.”

I snorted, shaking my head as I took in the sight of my best friend and brothers. It was still strange to see them together like this—bantering, teasing, flirting—but it worked. Somehow, Casey, with all her sass and confidence, was a perfect match for my stubborn brothers.

Carter plopped down beside me, stretching his legs out with a satisfied sigh. ‘You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think your brothers have met their match.’

I snorted, watching as Casey dodged one of Danny’s attempts to steal her drink, only for Matt to snatch it right out of her hand. ‘Oh, they definitely have. I just don’t know if that’s a good thing or a sign of the apocalypse.’

Carter smirked. ‘A little of both, I’d say. They’re perfect for each other in the most chaotic, slightly concerning way.’

I shook my head, laughing as Casey shoved Matt, who barely budged, before turning on Danny and poking him hard in the chest. ‘You know what’s worse?’

Carter looked at me, his grin widening. ‘What?’

I took a dramatic sip of my beer before sighing. ‘If this keeps up, we could actually end up as in-laws one day.’

Carter froze for a second before groaning. ‘No. Absolutely not. We do not speak that into existence.’

I nodded solemnly. ‘Too late. It’s happening.’

We both turned just in time to see Danny wrap an arm around Casey’s waist, pulling her against him as she let out a playful shriek.

I groaned. ‘Oh god. It’s really happening, isn’t it?’ Meanwhile, Casey was living her best life, laughing as Matt dipped her into a ridiculous, over-the-top bow before Danny pulled her out of his grasp and spun her around. Jay just stood back, shaking his head.

“Well, I guess we’ll have to consider beating them to the altar,” Carter winked.

Carter’s words almost made me choke on my beer, heat rushed to my face before I could even process what he’d said. I turned to look at him, my pulse jumping. He wasn’t even watching me—just smirking at the chaos in front of us like he hadn’t just casually dropped a bomb on my entire nervous system

Before I could respond, the speakers crackled to life, and Vance’s voice boomed over the backyard. “Alright, listen up, you bunch of degenerates. Time for the toast!”

Everyone gathered near the grill, beers and wine glasses in hand. Silas lifted his bottle, his gaze landing on me first. “To the best damn team I’ve ever played for, to the friends who have become family, and to the people who make all of this worth it.”

Dylan smirked. “And to Harper, for keeping us all in check.”

Carter chuckled. “And for finally admitting she loves us.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t fight the grin that stretched across my face. “Yeah, yeah. Love you idiots, too.”

Casey lifted her glass. “And to second chances. Because without them, none of us would be here tonight.”

Danny nudged her side. “Are you getting sentimental on me, kitten?”

“Shut up, Danny.”

Laughter erupted, and we all clinked glasses, the sound ringing out under the fading light of the setting sun. As I looked around at the people who had become my home, I realized I had everything I’d ever wanted.

A family. A future. And a love big enough to hold it all together.

This is our happy ending. Or rather, our happy beginning.