“I couldn’t sleep so I checked my email. I just got the first test run results back for our game. There isn’t any voice acting yet, but Jess’s dialogue looks awesome and the character models look sharp.”
I can’t help but grin widely at the passion in her voice. She tilts her head. “What?”
“It’s you. The way you balance college, your game, and being a mother… You’re so damn impressive, Maddie, more impressive than any video game princess could ever be.”
She reaches up, takes my hand, and squeezes. “Thank you, Max. I couldn’t do anything without your support, your love.”
“You’ll never be without me,” I growl, wrapping my arm around her and hugging her close.
Together we watch the demo for her game. It’s a smaller independent project, but my woman is smart. She’s made an innovative and interesting system, with amazing art provided by one of Jess’s creative buddies. They’re starting at the bottom, working their butts off. Genny has so much to be proud of. She’s got one hell of a mother.
“Do you remember the time our engines failed and we had to stay online until they reset?”
I grin at the memory. “That was when we’d only been playing for a month. Before that, it was all banter. But that night…”
“I told you about my parents’ divorce. You know, Max, the way you listened… the way you let me get it all out of my system, the way you supported me… I think that was the night I really fell in love with you.”
“I’ll always love you,” I whisper, kissing the top of her head.
“Promise?”
“Hey. You don’t need to ask that. But I promise. To the stars.”
“And back.” She cuddles me closer.
Extended Epilogue
Ten Years Later
Madelyn
“Yes, Mommy, I got you.”
I laugh as Genny throws her hands in the air, waving the controller around like a trophy. She’s grown into a little miniature version of me, with her wavy brown hair and my eyes. She grins over at me, beaming like Maxton says I do, with her flushed cheeks.
“I knew I’d get you in the end.”
I smile as I place the controller down. “You aced it, Genny. Like you always do.”
“Mom. You’re going to make me barf.”
She laughs as I aim a mock pout at her, but then she shuffles forward and throws her arms around me. I hug her in return, stroking my hand down her back. “What was that for?”
“Just to say thank you for always being so great. And for helping me with my math test. And for just generally being the best mom ever.”
I smile, savoring the moment. Genny is so wonderfully emotional, loving in the best possible way. She’s always been like that, ever since she was a little girl.
“Do you want to come down and help with dinner? I’m making mushroom risotto.”
She grins up at me. She seems to be growing up so fast, and yet she often seems like a baby to me still.
“Um, no.”
I ruffle her hair playfully as I stand. “Then I’ll see you soon, princess Genny.”
She beams and I leave the room, walking down the hallway. There are photos from Time magazine on the wall, Maxton and I shaking hands as we sealed the deal to merge our video game companies. The world didn’t know that the little studio releasing hit indie games had any connection to Maxton, and that was how I liked it.
Jess, Halley – Jess’s artist friend, who has since become my second bestie – and I worked to earn everything we have. And then, only when we’d established ourselves on our own did we join with Maxton.
Now we’re set to work on the next Star Search expansion, with a brand-new storyline, and I think I have an idea of what I want to include.
The story of Smolder and Genevieve, making them quest givers and telling the tale of how we fell in love through adventure.
Jess has said she’s already got loads of creative ideas for the plot, and I’ve sketched up a bunch of gameplay ideas.
I laugh when Russ and Alex come barging into the hallway, their arms wrapped around each other.
My seven and five year olds are always full of energy. Russ is the oldest, but he’s small for his age, lean, while Alex is like a miniature Maxton with his stocky build and thick arms. Despite their age difference, they make good wrestling partners, and it’s easily their favorite pastime.
Luckily they love each other so much, they’re so protective, and things never get out of hand. Well, rarely. They’re little boys after all.
“Having fun there?” I grin down at them.
Russ looks up from under Alex’s arm, a big smile on his face. “Oh, hey, Mommy. Didn’t see you there.”
I laugh and lean down, hauling them into my arms.
“You two are getting heavy,” I tease.
They beam up at me as I stroke my hands through their hair. “Come on. Before you end up wrecking the house. You’re both so wonderfully energetic, you know that?”