They walked out together. Unity had no idea what was going to happen next but... Okay, she knew what was going to happen next, but the after that part was less clear. Regardless, she knew that she and Thaddeus would be together and for her, that was all that mattered.

As they waited for the elevator, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Ellen.

It went well. See you on Monday. Then she put her cell back in her bag and stepped into the next chapter of what had turned out to be a very happy life.

epilogue

Six years later...

“Forty looks good on us,” Unity said, her arm linked with Ellen’s as they studied their reflections in the sliding glass door.

Ellen laughed. “It does and that makes me happy.”

The April weather was perfect in Maui—warm and clear with a light breeze. The rental property where they were spending their vacation had cost the earth, but it had been worth it. Not only so she and Unity could celebrate their birthdays together, but so both families could spend a wonderful week hanging out.

Unity and Thaddeus were in the main house with all the kids and Dagmar. Ellen and Keith were in the smaller bungalow, and enjoying every moment of what felt like a second honeymoon.

Cooper had gotten time off from work—he’d graduated with a degree in chemical engineering the previous year and was working with a biofuel company down in Houston. Lissa was wrapping up the final year of college and would be graduating with her nursing degree. After community college, she’d transferred to the University of Washington, so had moved to Seattle, but she came home at least a couple of times a month.

“Mommy, Mommy, I want to go in the pool.” Four-year-old Alana ran toward Unity and held out her arms to be picked up. “Daddy said to ask you if that was okay.”

Alana, already a beauty, dimpled as she spoke. “I knew you’d say yes.”

Unity swept up her daughter and held her close. “Did you?”

“Uh-huh. I’ll wear my water wings and everything.”

Unity laughed. “Then it must be all right.”

Thaddeus walked toward them, two-year-old Jason resting on one hip. “This one wants to go swimming, as well. You up for a little water sport?”

“My children are turning into fish,” Unity said with a smile. She looked at Ellen. “Sorry. Our girl time is going to have to wait.”

“I’m thinking we should let the girl time go until we’re back home,” she teased.

“Do you mind?”

“Of course not.” Ellen touched Alana’s cheek. “How about if I join you in the pool?”

“That would be the best!”

“I think so, too.”

They walked toward the large backyard with the huge pool and hot tub and a view of the ocean.

Dagmar lay in the shade, Lissa in the chaise next to her. Coop and Keith were playing water basketball, but put the ball away when they saw the younger kids. Coop scooped Alana up in his arms.