Oliver chuckles as he closes the final breath between us.
“Happy New Year!”
Our lips meet across every challenge we’ve faced, joining where our future begins.
EPILOGUE
Six And A Half Years Later
Oliver
Champagne pops across the room as laughter fills the air. My wife’s graduation party is in full swing, the Aspen Point Lodge Grand Ballroom decked out to the nines and full of our closest friends and family, all of whom are ready to congratulate Callie on her latest amazing accomplishment.
My wife glows with every hug from her siblings and their respective spouses. She laughs with every embrace from each of our nieces and nephews.
We’ve spent plenty of time talking about it over the years—how our little stunt almost ruined everything Callie had worked so hard to build over the span of her life. But in the end, she was able to voice her own feelings and stand her ground.
Even if I wasn’t there to witness that part, it will always be one of my proudest moments for Calloway Rutherford-Rhodes.
“Daddy, can I have another cupcake?” A tiny hand tugs on mine.
Though, the birth of our daughter certainly outranks Callie standing up to her family. I don’t know that Ira and Lillian will ever be able to fully give my wife what she needs emotionally, but I’m thankful they’re finally on the right path.
I know their granddaughter has been a significant part of that. They want to be part of her life as much as we’d like them to be, as well.
Ivy beams up at me, the spitting image of her mother.
I’d be lying if I said that grin missing its two front teeth doesn’t have me wrapped around her little finger. “Only one more, honey,” I say, giving my daughter’s hand a squeeze. “We’re having dinner with the whole family once Mommy’s party is over.”
Ivy throws both arms around my middle before running off to sneak more treats with her many cousins.
At five years old, Ivy Jane Rhodes is bright, confident and compassionate. Nacho is her best friend in the entire world, always staying right by her side during our family hikes and every other moment of her life. Ivy’s been pretty bummed that her mom won’t be her kindergarten teacher this coming fall, but the newest doctorate holder in the Rhodes family has graciously accepted a new position.
When the Serenvale Springs school district heard Callie was graduating, they were quick to ask about her plans and aspirations. Callie was ready to say goodbye for the time being to leading a classroom, but she wasn’t ready to leave her hometown in search of a new title.
Especially as our family has grown closer over the past several years.
As luck would have it, the tenured assistant principal of Serenvale Springs Elementary School had just notified theschool board of her impending retirement last December. Two rounds of interviews later, and Callie graciously accepted the position pending her graduation this May—on our sixth wedding anniversary.
“Hey man,” Chris claps my shoulder, “congrats.”
Lifting a brow, I look at my brother-in-law. “It was all her. No question.”
Chris chuckles. “Oh, that I know. But you, uh—” he swallows “—you’ve supported her every step of the way. Well, you have since you met her, I guess.”
“I’m just glad you finally came around. You were definitely the hardest one to crack.”
Chris looks out across the ballroom, his gaze landing on his very pregnant wife. He smiles. “Sometimes, it just takes the right push.”
I snort. “Don’t I know it. I probably would’ve stayed alone forever if Callie hadn’t come along.”
Barking laughter comes from behind. “You mean if I hadn’t made that flyer?” John nudges me with his elbow, hands full of his toddling two-year-old son.
As if she knows exactly what we’re discussing, my wife’s eyes find mine on the opposite end of the room, a lovely blush tinting Callie’s cheeks. The sage crushed velvet floor-length dress she’s wearing highlights the added radiance.
Beside Callie, Blythe chatters away as my sister rocks her newborn, while their older son sits beside Ivy at the table.
Folding my arms, I watch as our kids sip their juice pouches with Grandma and Grandpa Rhodes, sneaking grapes off my mom’s plate.
