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“Just five more hours, buddy,” Trevor chuckled in my ear.
I ignored him and leaned into my bride.
“You’re the most beautiful vision I’ve ever seen,” I whispered so only she could hear me.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom wish to share vows they’ve written themselves today. We shall start with the groom,” the preacher announced to the attendants who settled quickly and quietly.
“Steph, my whole life, you’ve been my best friend, my playmate, my confidant, my biggest fan, and my greatest challenge. But more importantly, you are the love of my life, and you make me happier than I could have ever imagined. You make me feel more loved than I ever thought possible. Because of you, I’m a better person. I’m blessed to have you in my life and more so to have you willing to be a part of mine. If you grow weak, I’ll be there to fight the battle with you. Your problems will become my own as we work to overcome every obstacle together. When there is a burden you have to carry, I’ll be there standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you to ease the weight. You are my inspiration, my muse, and my love, and I promise to spend every moment of the rest of my life making sure you know how valuable you are to me.”
“Luca, I say these vows not as promises but as privileges. I get to laugh with you and cry with you, care for you and share with you. I get to build a life with you and live every day with you. I get to have you be the person I wake up to every morning for the rest of my life. The best part is that in eight months, we’ll have another person who will have those same privileges too. I love you so much, Luca. Thank you for coming into my life, for always being true to our love, for being steadfast even when I faltered. Thank you for letting me love you.”
“What’s happening in eight months?” I asked, not sure if I’d heard her correctly.
She smiled her sweet Stephanie smile at me. “You’re going to be a daddy,” she whispered.
It was the murmur that reverberated through the room that clued me in. My heart felt so full it was transcendent. The love of my life was going to make me a father. I grabbed Stephanie, pulled her toward me, and kissed her, needing right then and there the assurance of her soft lips against mine. Then I bent down and brought my face to her stomach and gently touched it.
Under the palm of my hand, the tiny swell in her belly held the most precious masterpiece, better than any song our love could inspire—a child born out of that love. A son or a daughter. I was speechless and overcome with emotion. Our friends and family cheered, and I pulled Stephanie to me, dipped her, and gave her the kiss of a lifetime’s worth of love.
Epilogue Two
Stephanie
Ten Years Later
“Allie, get ready. I can’t chase you. You see how big I am!” I yelled at my nine-year-old. I looked down at my belly and gently rubbed it. I couldn’t wait until our little man met the world. It had been a long nine months. This pregnancy was more difficult than the first three. My gut told me this little guy was going to keep us on our toes. I could barely pick up the scattered articles of clothing all over the upstairs hallway. I was ready to give up, when I felt large, strong hands caress my back. He pulled me into a kiss that was shockingly romantic for midmorning laundry and toddler baths.
“I have no idea how you can even think of sex when I’m as big as a house,” I said, kissing my husband back just as passionately. I took him in in his ripped jeans and simple Henley T-shit and couldn’t quite understand how he was more handsome today than he was on our wedding day.
“The doctor said sex helps induce labor,” he said in a husky voice. “Besides, there is nothing sexier than you carrying my child. Are you willing to try for number five?” Luca chuckled as he copped another feel, this time stroking his hand along my swollen chest, making my nipples perk up into hard points. Pregnant sex was the best—an offer I couldn’t refuse, even on the difficult days. Our six-year-old twins came barreling down the hallway, leaving destruction in their wake.
“This oven is closed for business. We’re already outnumbered,” I said.
I grabbed Conner and Kennedy by the shoulders and corralled them into the playroom. Luca laughed and kissed me on the cheek. He called the boys and took them downstairs.
“Let’s give your momma a little break before we go to Grandma’s.”
