Epilogue

*Nearly two years later*

Xavier looked around the room with pride in his eyes. He smiled as he watched his sister gliding over the floor in her husband’s arms. Evelyn had finally married Charles much to Marcus’ consternation, but that hadn’t deterred anyone at all.

Xavier had backed up his sister every step of the way, as had Nikki. So, with the firm approval of the King and Queen, no one was upset about the match. Just Marcus. But Xavier knew he’d get over it, just like he’d gotten over Xavier marrying Nikki.

Xavier’s eyes continued to travel around the room and found his father sulking in a corner. His mother, Devnet sat next to him, obviously berating him for raining on their daughter’s parade. Xavier was glad that his mother was able to keep Marcus from truly messing up Evelyn’s wedding day.

Xavier glanced at Amy and Jules who were also sitting at the same table as his parents. Jules had his arm around the back of Amy’s chair and was leaning over making faces at the little human girl sitting in Amy’s lap.

Alejandra Kristine Grieves had her mother’s eyes and her father’s smile. And at the tender age of seven months, she was already showing signs of being a spitfire like her mother.

Xavier watched the proud isen’graz interact with their nite’gra while the little girl’s parents took a turn around the dance floor. Granted, Jules and Amy had not taken that trip down the aisle yet, but even Kristine was certain it wasn’t far away. Especially since Kristine and Zachary were planning on moving into Zachary’s family home right after Alejandra turned a year old. Amy was already moving her things into Jules’ home since Kegan and Serena had moved out almost a year ago.

Xavier let his gaze wander away from the trio until he found Kegan and Serena. The two of them were sitting at another table, where Kegan was busy feeding a five month pregnant Serena some food. Everyone had breathed a sigh of relief over a year ago when Kegan and Serena had finally made it official. Still, it had taken the two of them several more months before they had gotten a home of their own. Now, they were happily settled and eager for their first child to arrive.

Xavier’s eyes continued to wander around the room until he saw his two and a half year old son running towards him as fast as his little legs could carry him. Xavier couldn’t help but smile as he watched his son zigzagging through the crowd with more grace than most kids his age. However, his smile turned into a frown when Jasen looked up at him with worried eyes.

Just as Xavier was about to ask Jasen what was wrong he heard his wife’s shout in his head. Xavier, Terra is getting very impatient!

Jasen came up to his father and puffed out his announcement between breaths, “Dad! My sister is trying to be born!”

Xavier was already scooping up his son, walking briskly towards the doors while he spoke to Zachary. Zach, inform everyone that our daughter is ready to make her entrance into the world, would you? I am going to help Nikki get ready.


Of course, came Zachary’s reply.

Xavier was aware of Zachary and Kristine already making their way off the dance floor as he made his way out of the room and quickly sped off towards his apartments.

As he entered, Nikki was just getting onto the bed.

Xavier frowned as he lowered Jasen to the ground. “Are you just getting here?”

Nikki rolled her eyes, “Of course I am. You know I was in the kitchens helping with the cake for the reception! And I can’t move as fast as you since I’m pregnant.”

Xavier simply nodded and moved to help her get ready. Seconds later Kristine and Zachary burst through the doors.

“Jasen li’ho, go with your uncle Zach and wait downstairs, okay?” asked Kristine as she moved to help Xavier with Nikki.

Jasen looked at his mother for a moment before he nodded and took Zach’s hand.

“Come on, we’ll keep the others from panicking okay little man?” said Zachary with a wink.

“Okay, cle’thi! I can help you!” exclaimed Jasen as he left the room with Zachary.

By the time the two of them had arrived down in the living area, so had Amy, Jules, Alejandra, and Devnet. The rest had stayed to keep Evelyn and Charles’ reception going strong.

Devnet was the only one besides Kristine who would be in the birthing room with Xavier and Nikki. When Devnet had made it upstairs, Nikki was already pushing with Xavier standing next to her whispering words of encouragement.

Less than thirty minutes later Princess Nicole Terra Raneri made her way into the world.

THE END

Translations
isen'graz - grandparents
nite'gra - granddaughter
li'ho - honey
cle'thi - uncle