Page 10 of Steamy Mountain Daddy

EPILOGUE

Taylor

My heart pounded in my chest as we neared Laz and Charlotte’s home, feeling like my nerves were on fire. It has been about two weeks since Rhydian had found me, and we talked everything out. Rhydian has been trying to convince me to come and speak to Laz and Charlotte since then, and only recently did he manage to convince me to do so.

I still felt really nervous though, wondering just what exactly was going to happen. My hopes were high, praying that Charlotte and Laz could just forgive me for acting like a douche, and doing what I did, and saying what I said as well, but I knew those chances were slim. I especially didn’t make a good impression on Laz, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he didn’t trust me and wanted nothing to do with me as well. I know he wouldn’t have much of a choice since I am Charlotte’s sister, but that didn’t mean he had to like me.

“Taylor.” Rhydian murmured softly, reaching out and squeezing my hand, “are you okay? It’s going to be okay.”

I shakily released my breath, feeling quite nervous and a little afraid, “what if they do not forgive me, Rhydian? I really do not think that I deserve it. I wouldn’t blame them.”

Rhydian sighed, shaking his head, “I don’t think you need to worry about that. Charlotte has been quite concerned for you the past few weeks and has been asking for updates about you and how you are doing. I haven’t informed them about the pregnancy yet so you can tell her yourself. I figured you would want to be the one who told her, not me.”

My heart hammered in my chest, and I leaned forward, kissing him softly, “thank you, Rhydian, that means a lot to me. I’m sure they are both going to be pretty surprised once I announce it.”

“If I am being honest, I think that Laz has a pretty good idea about what we’re going to announce,” Rhydian told me, gently pressing his lips against my temple, “but he said he was going to keep it a surprise from Charlotte that you are coming back here. I know she will be happy to see you.”

Rhydian had pulled up into the driveway, and I could see Laz and Charlotte standing there, a confused look on her face as she stared at the car. No doubt she saw Rhydian who had gotten out of the car, but I must’ve been a mystery to her as it didn’t seem like she had figured out who was in the passenger seat.

I saw Rhydian waiting for me, a patient smile on his handsome face as he waited at the front of the car. I drew in a deep breath, telling myself I needed to put on my big girl panties and face my sister no matter how nervous I was. I opened the door and stepped out, rising so I could face Charlotte.

So she could see who I was.

“You bitch!” Charlotte yelled as she took off across the yard, Laz quickly behind her.

I half-expected Charlotte to hit me, to yell at me for doing what I did, but as she got closer, I saw the tears streaming down her cheeks as she made it close enough to wrap her arms around me in a big hug, sobbing. I didn’t even realize I was crying until I tasted the bitter tears on my tongue, and I immediately hugged her back, crying as well. I wanted to blame it on the hormones, but I knew it was because I missed her, and I didn’t want there to be a rift between us.

“Why didn’t you ever pick up the phone?” Charlotte demanded, squeezing me as much as her giant belly would allow her to, “do you know how worried I was, Taylor?”

I sighed, ruffling her hair in the way I know she hates, “I’m sorry, Charlotte, I’ll make it up to you by letting our kids grow up together.”

Charlotte froze in my arms, hearing the double meaning behind my words. Charlotte took a step back, her eyes on my flat belly as I could see the clear question she had on her face as she reached out and poked my belly.

“Don’t tell me…” Charlotte whispered, sounding like she was in awe, “are you…?”

“Eight weeks.” I announced, seeing her glance over at Rhydian with suspicion, “and yes, Rhydian is the father. We weren’t expecting this to happen, but we have decided to keep it and see where things go between us.”

Charlotte smiled brightly, like her world had just been lifted up, “good. I’ve always wanted you to be happy, Taylor, and I know that Rhydian can do that for you.”

I hugged her once more before I turned my attention to Laz, feeling my nerves coming back once more, “Laz, I just wanted to tell you that I am s-“

I couldn’t get the words out as Laz reached out and hugged me, shocking me, “you’re forgiven, Taylor.”

Laz let me go, and I was at a loss for words. Laz took Charlotte’s hand and started leading her to the house, a loving look in his eyes when he gazed at her. How come I never realized just what Charlotte meant to him? Why am I only seeing this now?

Why did I think Laz was a bad guy?

Rhydian wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pressing me against his side in comfort, “come along, baby girl, I am sure you are hungry.”

I couldn’t help but smile at him, feeling like I was the luckiest girl in the world. I never thought any of this could happen to me, but I can’t say that I regret it. Meeting Rhydian, although as messed up as it was, became the best thing that had happened to me, and I could understand why Charlotte loved Laz the way that she did.

They were great men, I couldn’t deny it no more.

“Okay, daddy.” I teased him softly, “later, we should go have some fun where our baby bug was conceived.”

Rhydian’s eyes darkened and he leaned down to kiss me fiercely, “your wish is my command, baby girl.”

I allowed Rhydian to lead me towards the cottage, a warm feeling inside of me. Who knew what this little cottage would bring us? It was like fate.