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Epilogue
Veronica stared at the double lines that spanned the length of the tiny window on the plastic stick.
Double lines.
Pregnant.
Excitement danced in her stomach. Legitimate excitement at the thought of having a baby. Finn’s baby. Their baby.
She had denied her dream for so long, thinking that a family of her own was taking on too much. But she could finally admit, the idea of life growing inside of her was something she had always wanted. A journey she couldn’t wait to experience.
But would Finn feel the same way?
He had always been adamant about his life’s path. He had a well-ordered plan.
Fall in love.
Get married.
Have children.
In that order. And this miraculous accident was messing with that order.
She walked out of the powder room on the first floor of Finn’s home and made her way to the kitchen, sidestepping boxes and garbage bags full of clothing. They had only been a legitimate couple for a few weeks, but in that time Veronica had packed up her house and moved into Finn’s—with Cal in tow.
He’d been just as excited. Probably because Finn’s house was bigger, had a better kitchen, and was closer to Carmel. Cal and Finn had become thick as thieves over the last few weeks.
Finn’s kitchen was nothing short of spectacular—not surprising considering his occupation. One wall was lined with dark wood pantry shelving, and a granite-topped island sat in the middle of the room—one side equipped with a gas stovetop and on the opposite side an under-mount stainless steel sink. The rest of the island was reserved for prep space or seating for six. Which was perfect for when both kids would be home over the summer—and there’d still be room for a high chair. A long mahogany table sat to the right, under a bay window overlooking the front lawn, and more counter and cupboard space lined the wall closest to the entrance.
Veronica approached the window and gazed outside. Five inches of snow had fallen over the last couple of days and now completely covered the grass. Moonlight sparkled against the untouched white powder, so beautiful and full of promise. Just like the two lines on the pregnancy stick.
Five more were expected to fall the next day, which made her rethink their trip to visit Ali at school. Or at least rethink their travel itinerary. But she couldn’t wait to see her sister. Even though she’d seen her just two weeks ago, it felt like a lifetime.
A car door slammed and she tensed. Finn was back from picking up the last of her things. She wasn’t ready to tell him the news. Not like this. Not on any random night of the week. She wanted it to be special. Something to remember.
She froze, then turned from side to side, finally choosing to shove the stick into the junk drawer at the end of the counter. She slammed it shut and raced to the kitchen table and sat down, pretending to read through a contract.
The front door banged open and she heard the rustle of cardboard.
“I’m back with the final load,” Finn yelled from the foyer.
She tidied up the table and shoved a few papers into an accordion folder, nervous as a cat. Though, she had no idea why. Surely, he’d be thrilled with the news.
Wouldn’t he?
“That’s the last of the boxes.” His voice was closer this time. His cold body dropped the temperature of the room as he strode closer and planted a kiss on her head. “You guys are going to be really happy here.”
She had no doubt they’d be happy here.
“Do you think we should get going tonight? I’m worried about the storm tomorrow.” She jumped out of her seat and out of his embrace, retreating to the island. “I can always call Ali and tell her we’ll be leaving tonight.”
“The snow will be fine.” He shrugged. “I was hoping to spend some time with you tonight.” He came closer to where she was leaning against the island counter.
If they spent the evening alone, she’d end up blurting out the news. She needed to get them out of the house. Needed to lose herself in the silence of a road trip to figure out how she was going to tell him.
He sidled up to her and grasped her by the hips. “I think you’re just excited to see Ali. This has nothing to do with the weather.”
