by Faye Byrd
He nods. “Exactly. I don’t know about you, but I think taking away her livelihood is a big punishment, and then, she also has to serve time. It may not be as long as you’d like, but for someone who has never been in any other trouble at all, it’s a win in my opinion.” He reaches over and grasps my shoulder firmly, looking at me seriously. “Don’t let this get to you, Trystan. You have the fairy tale. Live it up to the fullest and let all the anger fall by the wayside. Trust me; you’ll be better for it.”
In my mind, I conjure Easton’s voice as she reminds me how this switch was the best thing to ever happen to any of us. I picture the family I can’t live without. I take a deep breath and let it go.
I let it all go.
Finally, I give Harold a nod. “You’re right. I won’t give that woman the satisfaction of one more thought.”
He releases my shoulder with a hard clap. “See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“If you say so. Any decision on Richard?” I ask.
“What? You mean charging him?” he asks, and at my nod, continues, “Son, he may be an idiot, but unfortunately, that’s not a crime.”
I notice Blake and Blaine are playing the video game, with Cam and Carson looking on, and give myself a little fist pump. I look back to Harold and sigh. “That’s for the best anyway. I think Easton almost blames herself and their break-up for the way he acted during that time.”
“That may be, but if I know my girl, she’ll put it all behind her and move on. She doesn't dwell on the bad, especially with so much good to look forward to,” he replies with a nod.
“And Kennedy?” I ask. “No changes?”
“Nope.” He shakes his head. “She’s still in a mental facility, awaiting trial. If that changes, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
Just as I'm about to respond, Mom and Dad call from the doorway. “Trystan,” Mom says, rushing forward to wrap me in her arms. “So good to see you, my boy.”
“You, too, Mom,” I reply, returning her hug. “Your tan looks great.”
Dad moves in as soon as Mom vacates and gives me a firm shake. “Good to see you, son. Your mother and I were just discussing buying a property here so we can visit more often.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” I say, nodding.
Coop appears from nowhere. “Yeah, I saw a few houses in Easy’s sub-division when I was last there.”
I give him the stink-eye. “Oh?” I ask, feigning ignorance. “Isn’t the house next door for sale?”
Mom starts gushing about checking it out while I reach over, remove a smiling Violet from my brother’s arms. “Hey there, sweet girl. You miss your Uncle T?”
“You just saw her an hour ago,” Coop says over my shoulder.
“So, Violet loves her Uncle T, don’t you, baby?” I tickle her belly, hoping for a smile.
She doesn’t disappoint. Her face lights up and she coos at my attention. I’m so lost in my own world with Violet that I almost miss the call to come and eat.
“Come on, bro. let’s eat,” Coop says, clapping my shoulder and guiding me from the room.
Weston and Melissa take the kids to wash up while I make my way to the kitchen to offer my assistance in bringing out the food. Between Kari, Easton, Ryder and me, we’re almost able to get everything in one trip. The only thing left to go to grab are the rolls, so I motion for everyone else to have a seat while I return to the kitchen.
When I return to the dining room, loud voices are emanating from the kid's table. Hurrying to set the rolls down, I work my way over to settle whatever has gotten into them this time. But before I can reach them, Blake and Blaine have both stood and are in each other’s face.
“Cam’s not your real brother,” Blaine yells, loudly enough to silence the room.
“Yeah, he is,” Blake returns, his hands balling into fists.
“No, he’s not!” Blaine screams, giving Blake’s shoulder a little push. “You don’t have any real brothers!”
Even I’m stunned in place by their antics, but I finally snap out of it and move forward. Just as I get close enough to grab Blake, he lunges, tackling Blaine to the ground, yelling, “Cam is so my brother! And we gonna have more brothers! Two of ‘em. They growin’ in Mama’s belly now!”
You know that moment when everything comes to a screeching halt? Well, this is it. Blake seems to realize what he’s said and is looking around frantically, his face full of shock. And everyone else? They’re all staring between Blake, Easton or me, waiting for confirmation or denial.
As I scan their faces, most of the women are looking expectant, almost giddy, while the men are a mix of emotions. Coop, of course, is sporting a smirk. Harold’s mustache is twitching. David has a fond twinkle in his eye. Ryder is just studying us carefully. Weston’s about to vibrate out of his skin. Brandon doesn’t seem to care, and Dad seems genuinely shocked.
Finally, I get my wits about me and grab Blake from the floor, making sure to help Blaine up next. “You two go to the living room. Coop and I will be there shortly,” I command sternly before turning back to the rest of the adults.
“Well, that was unexpected,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck.
Easton smiles and comes to stand beside me. Taking my hand, she turns to everyone and clears her throat. “Obviously, Trystan and I have an announcement to make.”
Before she can say another word, the women are surrounding us. There are tears of joy and hugs of congratulations. The room is vibrating with excitement over the two new lives we’ve created.
“I was waiting for this, but twins?” Melissa says in awe, her hand settled on Easton’s stomach.
“How far along?” Weston questions.
“And they’re boys?” Kari asks, looking between Easton and me excitedly.
“We don’t know that, yet,” I say with a chuckle. “Apparently the boys hope they are, though.”
Coop comes to give me a huge brotherly hug. “Congrats, man.”
I hug him back extra hard, and when he pulls away, I lean over to Easton. “Baby, Coop and I are going to talk to the boys. Be right back.”
“Don’t be too hard on them,” she whispers.
“I would never,” I respond, acting affronted. She gives me a stern look, and I wink. “Come on, bro. Let's see if we can put an end to this fighting.” I link my arm around his neck and lead him to where two sheepish-looking boys await.
Life is a roller coaster with ups and downs and flips and turns.
It’s up to us whether we hold on tight or sway our hands in the air and enjoy the ride.
I’m still swaying my hands and enjoying this fucking ride.
Sharp turns and all.
15 Epilogue—Speed Limit 70
The Ashby family cordially invites you to a celebration of
Life
Please join us as we commemorate our accomplishments over the past year and look forward to a promising future.
Date: November 1
Time: 2 O’clock
Location: Switch It Up
Easy
Trystan stands at the kitchen entrance, yelling obscenities to his newly hired team as the time for our guests to arrive draws closer. With only a month until Switch It Up’s official opening, this is their first test, and it’s an important one. For us, this is the opportunity to share our absolute joy with everyone we care about.
Not only did we meet and agree to put our boys first, but we’ve managed to give them their true happily ever after. We’ve seen our sick son through his darkest days and come out the other side. We’ve faced down those who wished to hurt us and stood with our chins held high as they were punished. We persisted. We loved. We survived, and even found time somewhere to add to our crew.
Sebastian and Christian Ashby joined us on the thirteenth of August. It was a sweltering, humid day that went off without a hitch. Trystan actually made it to the hospital on time, and the boys were present until as close to the birth as possible. I was surrounded by family, and my husband
watched our twins like a hawk until they were properly labeled.
I wince as a particularly nasty string of curse words fly from my husband, and I’m ever thankful when Brandon approaches him and mumbles in his ear, no doubt to remind him that the children are close by.
Trystan ducks his head as his eyes leave his manager and search for me. They’re apologetic as he swipes his hand through his thick, dark hair and sighs. “I’m sorry,” he mouths, and I nod, motioning him over.
With one last glance toward the kitchen, he takes long strides to reach me. “I know I promised I’d let them handle it, but fuck if it doesn’t feel like it’s going to be a disaster,” he says as he pulls me beneath his arm. “If they can’t handle one fucking party, how are they going to handle a steady stream of customers?”
“Maybe they can handle it, and you breathing down their necks is the problem,” I respond, my eyes earnest as they look up into his. “Just give them a chance. Please.” I bat my lashes dramatically.
He pulls me around to face him and fingers a teal-colored curl. “Okay, baby, but if they screw up, I’m firing every single one of them and starting over.”
“Deal.” I poke his abs, causing him to twitch away. “Are you ready to greet our guests? It’s almost time.”
Trystan scans the room, most likely getting a fix on the rest of our family. Amelia has the twins with their Pack 'n Play over in the far corner, while Tasha is allowing the boys to “help” her with last minute decorations.
The first to arrive are Weston and Ryder, followed closely by my parents and David and Charlotte.
“Trystan,” Weston says as if he hasn’t seen him in years. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.” He throws his arms around him in an overly dramatic Weston hug before pulling back with a surprised expression. “Look at this place! It’s fantastic. Who knew a straight man could have so much taste.”
Trystan chuckles and nods to Ryder. “You have your husband to thank for that. Well, and Easton for talking me into letting him do his thing.” Trystan scans the space, and he smiles as he does so. “It is pretty fucking fantastic, though. Thanks, Ryder.” He holds out his hand, and the two men share a firm shake.
“It was my pleasure,” Ryder says. “Can’t wait to get a first taste of the menu tonight, too.”
Trystan’s smile freezes and I nudge him in the side. “You promised,” I whisper.
My dad clears his throat and nudges Weston aside. “Son, step aside and quit hogging them.” He holds his hand out to Trystan. “The place does look nice. Now I’m going to find me some grandbabies to play with.” With a kiss to my cheek, both he and my mother vacate the entrance rather swiftly.
Next through the door is Cooper’s family. The boys race past without even a look, seeking their cousins, who I notice are now with my parents. Coop stops to give his brother a man-hug, but otherwise keeps moving. Kari, of course, has to linger long enough for Trystan to dote on Violet.
She moves on, however, when Frederick Thompson from The Atlanta Beacon arrives. He’s been our go-to source to give exclusive information since the day Trystan spoke with him as he left the hospital. He’s never pushy and has always allowed us to share only what we’re willing. We spoke with him after Kennedy’s arrest and again after her trial. For the first time, he’s here for a fluff piece only.
“Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Ashby,” he says as he steps into the room, looking around.
“It’s Trystan,” my husband corrects, holding out his hand.
Just before I have the chance to greet him, Tasha comes up and asks a question about the decorations in my ear. I take a minute to explain what I want, but I start to notice she’s no longer paying any attention to me at all. Her eyes keep slyly glancing toward Frederick.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Thompson. Forgive me,” I say, holding out my hand. He shakes it, but his eyes are not so slyly on Tasha.
I elbow her, and she starts to turn away until his voice stops her. “And you are?”
Tasha acts surprised and suddenly shy as she holds out her hand. “I’m Tasha Jackson. Easton’s assistant.”
Frederick takes her hand and flips it over, placing a kiss on her wrist while staring her directly in the eye. “So nice to meet you. Mrs. Jackson.”
Trystan rolls his eyes at Frederick’s obvious digging, and I pinch his side, giving him a “be nice” look.
“Oh, no. It’s Miss Jackson,” Tasha replies, giggling and batting her lashes. “You can call me Tasha.”
“Lovely,” Frederick responds, finally releasing her hand. “And if you’d call me Frederick, I'd be honored.”
“Well, Frederick, it’s so very nice to meet you.” Tasha’s usually a tiger when it comes to men so I’m at a loss as I watch her tinge red from Frederick’s attention.
“Yes, very,” he agrees. Neither one of them has looked away from the other for the whole entirety of this exchange.
Trystan clears his throat. “While watching this little love connection you have going on is entertaining, we have a line of people to greet.”
Frederick slowly drags his eyes from Tasha. “Oh, yes. I’m sorry, Mr. Ashby.”
“It’s not a problem, Frederick. Maybe you and Tasha can share a table at dinner? I’m sure you have plenty of things to discuss.” I smile as I look between them.
Tasha finally finds her flirtatious side and steps closer to Frederick, catching his attention once more. “I wouldn’t be opposed to furthering our conversation,” she purrs, running her finger up his chest.
His stunned expression causes Trystan to cough in order to cover his laugh, so I jab him in the ribs. The tigress has arrived, and Frederick is in a trance, stunned by her appearance.
When he finally responds, it’s with a stutter. “S-sure.”
The smile Tasha bestows upon him can only be described as predatory. “I'll be holding you to that, Frederick.” Her voice is low and husky.
As Frederick moves off, still in a trance-like state, Tasha and I both burst into a fit of giggles. “Goodness,” I say, waving at my watery eyes. “Go easy on him, Tasha.”
Trystan chuckles. “Cool it, Tiger. At least until after the party.”
Tasha flips her long, ringlet curls over her shoulder as she turns to sashay away. “Only until after the party.” She tilts her head and points to Trystan before strutting away, her confidence boosted by her new prospect.
“Jesus,” Trystan says, pulling me closer to his side. “I’m glad I walked away from that. She may be too much for even me to handle.”
I giggle and notice Katherine and her husband, William, a nurse at another major hospital in Atlanta, move closer. “Katherine, so good to see you,” I say, giving her a hug.
With Kennedy’s arrest, most of our regular contact with Katherine came to an end, as the issues that connected us seemed to be resolving themselves. Until it came to light that a nurse from her hospital was fingered for the switch. She was devastated that she was able to be duped during her own internal investigation.
I never blamed Katherine, ever, but she took it hard, going so far as to take a leave of absence from her position. At first, I thought she’d be okay in a couple of weeks. But when that turned into two months, I was heartbroken that Brandy Brady was destroying another life.
Trystan listened to me whine about it for only a week before he acted. Looking up her address was the simple part, getting her to open the door took persistence. But when she finally did, he was able to convince her she was good at her job, and most importantly, it wasn’t her fault.
After our quick hug, she moves to my husband. “Trystan,” she says with a terse nod of her head. “I’m looking forward to tasting your recipes.”
“Yeah, don’t get too excited,” he replies with a shrug. “Wouldn’t want you to be disappointed.”
Some things never change.
The final guests arrive in the form of Trystan’s parents, and after a forceful hello from Reed and a kiss on the cheek from Bunnie, we close the doors and T
rystan puts his fingers to his mouth, letting out a loud whistle. The wait staff comes hurrying in with trays of champagne for the adults and grape juice for the kids.
As Trystan collects Bash and Chris from my mother, I gather Cam and Blake from the small arcade off the main dining room. I also usher Blaine and Carson to the table where their parents are settled.
I join my husband and position our two eldest sons in front of us. A waitress timidly comes forward, and I smile as I take two flutes of champagne from her tray. She quickly scurries away as I turn to do a weird, clunky exchange with Trystan. He passes over Chris while also taking his glass of champagne in his newly freed hand.
His eyes sparkle as he turns to clear his throat, holding his glass in the air with Bash secured against his chest under his forearm. “I hope everyone has found a table. I have a few things I’d like to say.”
Cooper cups his hand around his mouth and calls, “She’s not pregnant again, is she?”
That earns chuckles from most in the room, aside from my father. He’s giving my husband the stink-eye. No father wants to think those thoughts when it concerns his daughter.
Trystan winks at me. “Not just yet, but we’re definitely not done.” He pauses and gathers himself before speaking again, this time with earnest, heartfelt emotion. “Today, we asked you here to celebrate life. All our lives, as we’re grateful for each and every one of you.”
Bash waves his hands excitedly, and Trystan pauses to make silly faces with our third son before refocusing on our family and friends. “There was a time when I thought my life was perfect. I had my son, and my dream restaurant was taking shape. Life was humming along, and I was perfectly happy with it. Little did I know, but the train was about to derail. It was tough at first …” He pauses and shakes his head, his watery gaze catching mine. “I didn’t help matters any, but how was I to know our family was missing its other half?”
Silence falls over the room as the profoundness of his words filter through the quiet space. My own eyes burn from emotion, but it’s the good kind. The kind you feel deep inside your heart. The kind that grows and blossoms inside you.
