Her Dirty Professor Series (21+)

Epilogue

Chrissy

Eight months later.

The hospital room is decorated until there are practically no empty surfaces left. Several vases of fresh cut flowers adorn the windowsill and side table, while bundles of silvery balloons float around merrily. But I ignore it all as happiness crashes through my chest.

After all, I just went through an exhausting 40-hour labor to deliver my girls, and finally, I have the precious bundles snuggled against my chest. Collette’s wide eyes are open and an intense, deep blue. Meanwhile, Cassidy is taking the lull in the action as a chance to rest, her tiny pink lips parted ever so slightly. Each little girl has a shock of jet-black hair, just like their dads.

It was grueling bringing them into the world, but now, I can finally relax and embrace my new role as “Mom.”

Suddenly, there’s a soft knock at the door and Rick and Ryder come in, carrying delicious smelling takeout and even more balloons.

“Did you guys buy every single balloon in the city?” I ask with a gentle giggle. Secretly, however, I love how they spoil me.

Rick nods as he plants a tender kiss on my forehead. “Just about. They had no more at Shop Rite, so we went to Walgreens.”

I giggle. “Oh you!” I laugh. “The last thing I need is more balloons. I can’t even see out the windows!”

Ryder merely leans forward to press a kiss to my brow as well.

“Nothing but the best for our girl. Plus, we brought you a treat,” he says while pulling a box from one of the takeout bags. “Ham and cheese on rye, with all the fixings. It’s from that deli on 72nd Street that you love. You know, the one with the red and white awning?”

I brighten as hunger suddenly crashes over my form.

“Oh my gosh, take these babies and give me that panini!” I laugh. “I need it! It’s been way too long since I’ve had deli meat.”

Rick laughs heartily as he takes the sleeping Cassidy from my arms. “We know, we know. You kept saying that as you delivered the girls. You’d get a contraction and scream, “Pastrami!” Then another one, and you’d shriek, “Corned beef!””

Meanwhile, Ryder leans down to scoop Collette from my arms. “Or you’d say something like “Smoked beef, sauerkraut and rye!”” he jokes.

I merely giggle and unwrap the sandwich, my mouth already watering with anticipation. “Wow,” I say blissfully, biting into one. “This really hits the spot.”

My men laugh, cuddling their daughters closer as I savor my me-time with my sandwich. But then, Ryder speaks with a smile.From NôvelDrama.Org.

“We called Fred,” he said. “He’s a proud gramps and excited to meet his new granddaughters.”

It warms my heart to hear that Fred is excited for his new role as grandparent because after his heart attack, I feared for his health. Ryder and Rick told me there was no long term damage, but with someone who’s in their 70’s, you can never be too sure. Fortunately, the twins were right, and after the scare, Fred made a vow to take better care of his health. He’s got a physical therapist and a personal trainer now, and he looks as happy, healthy, and fit as can be.

Of course, it helps that we visit a lot from New York City. After ascertaining their dad was going to be okay, Ryder and Rick decided to return to their hometown.

“What does that mean?” I asked tentatively. “You know I’m pregnant.”

Immediately, the twins shot hard looks my way.

“You’re coming with us,” Ryder growled. “There’s room for you at the penthouse, sweetheart. There’s room for you and a dozen babies, if you want.”

“Besides, we’re not going to take no for an answer,” added Rick. “You belong to us now. You and the babies both.”

As a result, we live full-time in NYC now, and it’s wonderful. Ryder and Rick own an enormous apartment in the sky with five bedrooms, and they have a full staff as well, including a driver, housekeeper, chef, and now, a nanny too. But even better, they manage Ayema as co-CEO’s and have also installed me as Vice President of Creative. I haven’t gotten into my role much yet, since I’ve been out on maternity leave, but in the next few years, I’m really looking forward to guiding Ayema by Chrissy into the stratosphere. Our launch was a huge success, and orders are pouring in for my saucy lingerie from all over the globe.

But then, Ryder’s voice goes neutral.

“Did you want us to text Angela?” he asks. “It’s your choice, honey. Just let me know what you want us to do.”

I think for a moment. My mom disappeared after Fred had his heart attack. She literally strolled out of the restaurant and never came back, probably because she was afraid she caused his heart attack with her incendiary actions. Nor were there any follow up calls to find out his condition, nor any cards or well-wishes. You can’t expect more of Angela though, because that’s just how she is.

And as far as I know, my mom still lives in her ramshackle little house on the outskirts of Sheridan, although I can’t be sure, since I haven’t spoken to her since our confrontation. No, I think ruefully. My life is far too wonderful for that woman.

I reach for Ryder’s hand and give his large palm a squeeze. “She’s not a part of our lives anymore,” I remind him without an ounce of regret. “Let’s just let sleeping dogs lie, shall we? It’s better this way because all Angela wants is money. My mother wouldn’t be interested in her granddaughters, as sad as that is.”

My boyfriends nod with understanding, accepting my decision.

“You okay?” Rick asks, his voice tender. “You can always change your mind if you want. The door is never entirely shut to family.”

I nod, taking a deep breath.

“Yes, absolutely. But let’s talk about happier things, shall we? I was just thinking how I’m so lucky to have it all.”

“Have it all?” The twins tilt their heads, smiles lurking on their lips.

“I have two wonderful little daughters, I have a kickass career, and I’ve found the loves of my life.” I look from one pair of luminous blue eyes to the other. “Yes, I’d say I have it all. Don’t you think?”

The brothers exchange a quick look but I can’t make out its meaning.

“What? What is it?” I ask.

“You don’t exactly have it all,” Rick counters mysteriously.

“Come on guys, my life is incredible,” I laugh. “What could be better?”

But instead of answering, Rick and Ryder both take a knee next to my hospital bed, still holding their tiny daughters. My heart starts beating rapidly as my eyes go wide.

Then, Ryder pulls a blue velvet box from his pocket, and inside is the most stunning ring I have ever seen a delicate platinum band with a large, perfectly round diamond nestled in the center prongs. I gasp aloud.

“Marry us?” the brothers ask in unison. “You make us so happy, Chrissy.”

With tears in my eyes, I nod.

“Yes, absolutely,” I whisper. Then I lean forward and kiss each of them in turn, savoring their individual tastes in my mouth. After all, I was never supposed to fall in love with twins, much less twins who are also my former stepbrothers. But Rick and Ryder have me under their spell, and with our daughters, we’re the perfect family of five. Pure joy washes over me, and I smile again, this time through tears at my two men and two children. Yes, I definitely have it all.

THE END

next book blurb:

There are 3 growly, possessive men at the card table, but only one saucy cocktail waitress to serve them.

I work as a hostess at the Corinthian Hotel. In the high rollers room, to be exact, and I meet a lot of handsome clients.

One day, three men stroll in…

… but they’re not just any guys off the street!

Dane is a hotel magnate with blue eyes that see everything.

Chris has the body of a Greek god and enough charm to make a girl melt.

And Jamison? Well, let’s just say that he resembles a Marvel action hero with that sculpted chest and irresistible smile.

But I’m a nobody, whereas Dane, Chris and Jamison have everything at their fingertips: looks, money, power, and influence.

Why would they want me?

Even worse, I have a terrible past that I’ve never revealed. Let’s just say my family situation is (and was) extremely sketchy …

So will the three men still be interested when they find out?

Or will they leave me and their baby out in the cold?