Our story will never end. Thank you for loving me.

~

Stuck on You: Epilog

Four Years Later

Everything had changed for the better.

"I ain't even give them a chance to decide, that's something they know, they know, they know," I sang as I shook the pan that contained my sauteed shrimp, adding a sprinkle of red pepper and salt, watching the spices sink into the meat. I pulled my phone out and tapped the camera app, taking a picture and sending it to my best friends of all time.

Bottoms Up

hey hey asshats: hey losers. look at my sauteed shrimp and spaghetti with radicchio! looks good, right?
General!dickhead: I suppose it does make my mouth water.
property_of_rays: ngl, i am tempted to come over and taste that
cereal killer: ooooh! looks so good!
hey hey asshats: thx! I made it myself
milkshake: ok Gordon Ramsay, whatever you say. 
hey hey asshats: go fuck yourself.
milkshake: Nah, I got John to do it for me. 
hey hey asshats: i hate you bastard.
milkshake: i love you more

I chuckled as I placed my phone on the marble countertop, turning the stove off. The food was complete. I turned around, taking off my apron and I almost saw the clouds of heaven when I slipped on a toy truck that squealed. "Fuck!" I cursed, grabbing onto the island to regain my balance as I watched the truck drive itself into the wall, a small amount of fury creeping up my veins.

"ZACHARIAH!"

I screeched, knowing that he had to hear my voice even in this giant mansion. I breathed heavily as I narrowed my eyes into slits, hearing the click of footsteps as they ran down the hallway. The footsteps stopped and I stared at the culprit in the doorway. "Yes, daddy?" The sweet voice of the three-year-old boy with dark brown hair, brown skin and hazel eyes washed over me and I walked over to him. "Little man, what did I tell you about leaving your toys in the kitchen when daddy's cooking?" I bent down to his level, ruffling his hair. "You don't want daddy to get hurt, do you?" 

Zach shook his head, pouting just a bit as his small hands reached out to cup my cheeks. "Sorry, but daddy should be more careful," He said in a sad tone before he smiled cheekily. I stared at him, unimpressed by his need to be funny. Both of my children inherited the irritating gene from their father and despite all attempts to eradicate it, it was hellbent on staying in their DNA. "You little..." I trailed off, shaking my head as the boy leaned in to kiss my cheek before running over to pick up his truck. "Tell your sister to go and put her shoes on. You should do the same. We're going to leave in a bit." Zach, my son, nodded as he trotted off down one of the hallways. 

I never did understand why Santiago was hellbent on getting us this luxury and grand mansion, when he had like three already.

Ah, the powers of the rich.

"Ho ho, Anthony," I heard a voice and I heard, turning to the door of the kitchen. "You seem like you got your hands full with my grandbabies, I see," I rolled my eyes as Emilia strolled in, her man Jonathan not too far behind. "Shut it, Emilia," She walked over to me, giving me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "They act more and more like Santi every single day," I patted my head, placing the food in one big aluminum pan. "It makes me wonder if they have any single trait of mine." I complained, knowing that I loved my children. 

It was no secret that Emilia Karas disliked me at one point in her life. Hell, the feeling was extremely mutual. But because I was marrying Santi and I was going to have her second grandchild, we moved past everything. "Hmph," She folded her arms as she stood with a drink in her hand, watching me rub my very swollen belly. "It seems that you are here to stay," I waited for the disgust in her tone, but I found none. "Well, I can't say that I expected anything less. It is you who my son is in love with, after all," She sounded pleased with herself as she inched closer to me, handing the glass of water to my thirsty self.

"I can relax in peace knowing that he'll be safe with you. You always had my respect, Anthony, but knowing that you killed Riocard," She looked out of the window, a look of relief on her face as she recounted the moments with the demon that haunted both her and Santiago. "Whether it was for me or it was for my son, I can give my son to you. I know that you'll do whatever it is to keep him safe." She turned to me, looking at my stomach and I patted the ottoman next to me. 

"Of course, Emilia!" I grinned, taking her hand and placing it on my stomach so that she could feel the kicks of my baby boy. "He is the man that I love. He is my everything. You can rest assured that this family will be okay." I tilted my head at her, noticing that soft gaze in her eyes. 

"I don't think you need my blessing," She waved a hand at me.

"You've always had it."

There was a snort as a chair drew out from under the table. "My son would be pleased if he heard that," No doubt about it, the asshole would be. Then my phone ruined the moment and started blasting some rap song and I hissed, knowing how it was.

"What do you want? Do ya'll not understand the concept of a day off?" I rolled my eyes playfully once I answered the phone, expecting to hear hysterics. "Captain! We need some advice on this case," I clicked my tongue at Gomez's loud voice, wondering why the station sounded like it was in shambles. One day, I was gone. Just one day.

There was another thing that had changed. There was a knock on my apartment door and I, being home alone, was a bit wary. "Oh?" I muttered when I slowly opened the door. "What are you doing here?" I frowned in confusion as my old boss Xenon Reeves stood before me. "Hello, Brad. I'm here to talk to you." I stepped aside to let him in, animosity still there. "I'm sure you know, I promoted Alex to Lieutenant," I nodded in reply as he turned to look at me. My old partner had called me to tell me about the news. "Yea, the station will be good in his hands." I stated and he sighed, running a hand through his hair. He looked troubled. Good.

"It should be. Listen," He said. "I want to apologize for everything that I said to you," There was regret and remorse in his tone. "I shouldn't have done that to my best man. I was wrong. Anyone could see that Mr. Luzardi was no threat to the department," I nodded, wondering where he was going with this. "Thank you." I replied, folding my arms. "You know, our department lost the biggest vitality it had. The brains, the brawn, and the reason. You have no idea how much backlash I got from the detectives," Xenon laughed as he started unclipping his badge. I had no clue where this conversation was going. "I'm retiring because I'm tired," He casually stated and I bit my lip, unsure of what to say. Sorry? Congrats?

"The station needs someone who has the ability to piece things together with their intellect, their ability to lead. It needs someone who is strong enough to be the pillar of the team and push them together in the times that get rough." Xenon looked at me with this calm look in his eyes as he stepped forward. "This station needs someone who sees the moral compass for what it really is," He stood in front of me now and I stared.

"That's why I'm making you the new captain of the NYPD." There was a heavy moment of silence as he held out his badge, handing it to me and I stood there, blinking stupidly.

"Homeboy, say what?" 

I, of course, accepted it. I sighed as I wiped my hands on the towel, making sure my outfit was pristine. I always made sure I looked good. "Shoot," I replied to Gomez and he began to relay me through his 10-43, explaining the details of the drive-by murder that took place in East Manhattan. "If the car was ditched at the port, try asking the owner if they have a camera. Also, run the tags and the model and make. You should get something. If it was stolen, then someone must've heard or seen something. I'm betting that the owner of the port has cameras to monitor their boats so start there, okay?" I heard him sigh in relief and I chuckled, hanging up.

"You ready, daddy?" I ran a hand through my chin, realizing that my jaw was so smooth. I turned to see my 13-year-old daughter standing before me, her curls in a ponytail as she sported a gold overall dress with a white long-sleeved shirt and sandals. Ivory Luzardi was growing up to be a beautiful woman and I was so happy that she was mine (yes, I did take his last name, for those of you wondering).

"Yes, baby girl, if you could grab that container over there," I held onto the pan with one hand, grabbing Zach's grabby one with my other. "We should be all set." My daughter smiled at me and nodded, following me out the door. "Emilia, we should be back shortly. Please don't set my house on fire." I deadpanned as we stepped into the garage, the sound of her heels clicking behind us as she came to see us out. "No need to worry, dear son-in-law. We'll be waiting for you," My Escalade chirped as I opened the door, buckling Zach inside, placing the food on the floor.

"Cool." I waved to her as I slid into the driver seat, my hand on the wheel as the silver glint on my ring finger caught my eye and I smiled.

I still remembered the day I became Anthony Bradley Luzardi.

"Anthony, you are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me," There was so much fondness in his eyes. "I remember the first time we met. You saved me from a mean little boy and you told me that we were going to be best friends forever." A finger trailed down my cheek. "If anyone had told me at the moment that this was going to be the person that I married, I'd believe it. I can't imagine anyone else but you for me. I can't imagine rolling over next to anyone else, nor kissing another person the way that I kiss you. I can't imagine loving someone as hard as I love you," Santiago's lips drew up in a grin as he saw the future in my eyes.

"No matter what, you can count on me to always be by your side. When you're sick, I'll heal you. When tragedy strikes, I'm your shoulder. When you want to laugh, I'll be your smile. Through every single that life brings us, you," His hand reached down to grasp mine tightly, explaining the deep meaning of his words. 

"You better know that I won't give up on us."

A tear fell out of my eye as my heart started to beat rapidly in my chest, hating him for making me cry like this with such a few words. The officiant turned to me, nodding for me to take my words as the crowd of people stared, awaiting my voice. "Santiago," I began. "You are the bane of my existence but I wouldn't give you up for anything. There are no words to express how thankful I am that God gave me you." Santiago bit his lip, looking down at me with his teary eyes, squeezing my hands tightly. Even in a tuxedo and dress shoes, he took my breath away.

He was the drug and I was the user.

"You are it for me. You're the man that I look to when I need advice, when I need comfort, when I need a laugh, when I need love. You are the person who pushes me to go above and beyond, even when I think I failed," I stated, going back to the time where I thought everything was going to end for me because I was no longer a lieutenant. He had stood by me and told me that everything would work itself out. "I see this cruel world brighter than ever because you have given me those eyes. You are my best friend and I promise to love you forever until the end of time, to respect and cherish you because that's what you deserve." I gazed fiercely into those cocoa eyes, making sure that he understood every single word that I was saying.

"Most of all, when the goings get tough, count on me to always be there." I finished, watching that teardrop leave its eye like it was nothing as he peered at his future husband, so many emotions going through his head.

I meant every single word that I said.

The officiant nodded, saying a few words, but I couldn't hear him because I was too busy staring at the man that I loved. "Please exchange rings," He murmured and I slipped my silver and gold ring onto Santi's finger, whispering a promise of commitment as he did the same, the three rings coming together to form one.

"By the power vested me by the State of New York, I pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss your groom," The crowd erupted with claps and cheers, our faces breaking out into goofy grins as Santi took one step towards me, wrapping his arm around me and dipping me low into a sweet, passionate and fiery kiss.

"Now you're mine."

It was truly one of the greatest days of my life. 

I didn't realize that I was driving, but I was. I had that odd habit of zoning out when I was driving and I needed to stop. It was dangerous. "Are you ready for this, are you hanging on the edge of your seat?" Zachariah and Ivory sang in unison to the song on the radio and I chuckled at their antics, wondering how I got blessed with such children like them. They were my lifeline, my babies. It was beautiful to see Santiago interacting with them, because he was so loving, so dear, so tender with them. He always exchanged high-fives with them whenever he returned from his base, pick them up and swing them around as their giggles filled the air. It was great. "Papa's work is always so nice and big," My baby boy beamed out of the window as we entered the gate to the Zonglovia.

I had known that it was entirely dangerous to bring two children onsite, but Santiago begged me because he wanted to see them. That, and the fact that today just so happened to be their off day. Whatever that meant. I swiveled my truck into my parking spot, turning off my car and getting out. Ivory had grabbed some things for me as I held onto the food and Zach's hand. He had a habit of wandering off without reason. "Hey, patin!" The men in black guarding the entrance saluted me as I waved to them, smiling gently. "Hello, Riley. Hello, Morgan." I stepped up the granite stairs, reminding myself of how short of a while it took for all of these men to see me as their lady lord. I didn't know, seeing as I had nothing to do with Santiago's dealings. I took no part in it because I was looking out for my safety as well as our children.

I knew first-hand how difficult it was to merge a child into this life, and I definitely wasn't going to. Santiago had planned to let the Zonglovia disintegrate when Ivory turned 18. By then, every member would be secured. When that day came, Santi was going to retire into his next profession: his dream job. "Take this," Once I stepped inside, I saw Kennocha standing there, conversing with Milo about their next deal. "That's for ya'll to eat," I said and she grinned, leaning forward to hug me. Milo clasped my hand, thanking me for the food as Ivory and Zach directed themselves into the secure playroom they had on the second floor. There were going to be people watching them, not that they ever knew who they were.

"Anthony," I stopped smiling once I heard a dark voice and I snapped my head to the dinging elevator, seeing Santiago there with his arms folded and a dead stare on his face. "That's my cue. Enjoy the food!" I waved Kennocha off as I skidded my way towards the elevator, ready to see my man after a long day. I missed him so much, being in his grasp and feeling his touch. He had no idea how stuck on him I was, and there was nothing that anyone could do about it. "How are you, babe?" I grinned as the doors shut, looking up at his tall and rigid figure. "Fine." He grunted out in an annoyed tone and I squinted, trying to understand the change in mood.

I didn't think that I had done anything wrong, considering the last time he talked to me, he told me to bring him food. I did that and I brought his underlings some, just because it was the right thing to do. Not to mention, I owed them for taking their time to watch the kids in their playroom. It was the least that I could do. "Are you okay?" I muttered as the doors opened on the third floor. He said nothing but tightened his jaw as he stormed towards his office, his aura frightening and cold.

Just what the fuck was going on with him?

I rolled my eyes in vexation, reminding myself that his mood swings were apart of the man that I married, and I followed after him. I didn't know if he was pregnant now, because he sure acted like me when I was pregnant with Zachariah. "Santi," He busted through the office, the sound ricocheting off the walls as I entered in behind him, staring blankly at his back. "Talk to me man. I don't know who the fuck shit in your tea, but it wasn't me," I put my hands up in surrender and he was silent, contemplating thoughts. He had seemed fine, I would hope so, before he came down. 

I shook my head. Mr. Luzardi was an enigma that would take me years to put together. 

Then he whirled around on me, eyes flared and I was taken aback. "Are you leaving me for them now? Is that what that was?" The head of the German syndicate stood in front of me, decked in a black suit and a blue tie, donning a look of fierce anger and jealousy as he approached me. I blinked slowly because excuse me, what the fuck? "Why were you bringing them food? You were supposed to only bring me food! Does that mean you're—" He cut himself off with a sharp glance in my direction and I knew what he was going to say. That damn fucker. I knew he was a bit insecure because he felt like I would get tired of him after being with him for a long ass time. His jealousy was something else, something larger than the rest of us.

"Are you serious right now?" I put a hand on my hips, glad that the children went off into their playroom. "You gotta be fucking kidding me right now." I glared at the man in front of me, watching as he looked away from me, face contorted into anger. "You gotta be kidding me right now, Santiago Luzardi." I didn't have time for his foolishness. "We have been together for damn near twelve years and you have the audacity," I narrowed my eyes, feeling my nails itching to dig into the wall. "The god damn nerve to accuse me of such shit?! After everything that I have done for you!?" I could feel my blood pressure rising as I seethed. All of this nonsense was getting on my nerves because I wouldn't betray my vows or him, for that matter.

He could finally see where he went wrong.

"I'm sorry, babe. I know you never would," He placed gentle kisses all over my face, cupping it in his hands and I rolled my eyes, staying still. God, he pissed me off like no other but he was the man that I married. Despite being levelheaded and all, he had a weakness. Me. "You're a fucking idiot and I should slap you right here and right now." I growled lowly as he pushed my hair back, looking directly into my eyes. "How dare you think I would do such things to you?" I punched him on his chest and he groaned, stepping further into my space and I frowned, my rage slowly going away bit by bit. I could understand why he felt this way though. Anyone could.

"You can be mad at me for as long as you want, Anthony," A thick hand grasped my hand, the owner falling to a knee as his lips landed on my hand, the warmth spreading throughout my body and I blushed. "I promised you that I would stay right here," He stood back up, arm reaching around my waist to pull me forward. "So, sorry, but I'm not going to let you go." He whispered against my forehead and I smiled, despite all irritation, wrapping my arms around his neck, leaning back. This was it for me. I had him and my pride of joys. I had everything that I needed and nothing was going to change. It hadn't for eight years when he left, and it wouldn't now. 

"You're an asshole, you know that?" I whispered.

"I aim to please."

-

Yo, so this is the end of Stuck on You. The series is actually over. It began with The Ruthless Mafia, the story of Micah McKenna and Ramone Vega, then it continued to Married to the Mafia, the story of Derek Giordano and Raymundo Vega, then it led to Muscled Mafia Love, the story of Demetrios Kanzaki and John Cavanaugh, then to Finally With You, the story of David McKenna and Isaiah Carlton, continuing to Fighting Temptation, the story of Ramiro Vega Jr. and Antonio Esposito and now it ends with Stuck on You, the story of Brad Thorpe and Santiago Luzardi. I hope you guys enjoyed the Mafia series as much as I did. I'm going to miss these characters. But be on the lookout for more new stories that are coming out! Tell me which story in the series was your favorite and why.