Epilogue

Kiara

I take her tiny hand in mine and lead her inside the house. When she sees Trey, she runs to him. "Grandpa, I missed you!"

"VioletPie!" Trey responds with equal enthusiasm, scooping her up and swinging her up into his arms. I smile at the adorable interaction, my heart warming at the bond they share.

I thought Trey couldn't get sexier as a chef, but watching him be a father and grandfather is everything. He is so kind and patient with kids, you'd never think he used to be a menace in high school.

As I glance at the clock, I realize that TJ, his husband, and two daughters should arrive soon. Winston and his wife recently welcomed a baby, so we're giving them space to adjust to their new family dynamic.

Candice and Cassie will probably be late, but they always show up eventually. As for Jeremiah, who now lives in Texas with his wife, we won't be seeing him today, but he'll most likely come down for Christmas.

William peacefully passed away in his sleep five years ag