AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Janine, Freya’s owner, waves at us as she approaches.
“I made the mistake of saying park,” she says, laughing. “And then I said Bones. And then… Well, here we are. Are you ready, girl? Are you?”
Janine comes inside and lets Freya off her leash.
Soon, the two of them are running around the luscious green grass, the sun shining brightly, as I wrap my arm around my future wife.
How could life get any better?
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER
Piper
I cradle Charlotte to my chest, named after Pearce’s mother who died when he was only eight, sending him into the system. I’m constantly amazed by the very fact of her, by her little breaths and the sounds she makes as she sleeps.
She’s got her hand wrapped around my finger, her whole tiny hand curling around it, squeezing on as though she wants to make sure I’m still here. Bones sleeps on the floor next to me, breathing softly, the little protector wanting to keep Charlotte close.
Rain patters against the window gently. It hadn’t started raining when I sat down…
When was that? An hour ago, maybe more?
Just like with Pearce, times does funny things when I’m with our daughter.
A few days with Pearce became weeks of love and commitment.
A few weeks became months.
And now months have become…
The start of forever.
I used to find it difficult to comprehend what that word meant. We were going to be together forever, but what did it mean, exactly?
Now I know.
It’s these moments, these precious beautiful snapshots of life, stolen amidst the chaotic beautifully busy mess of our day-to-day existence. It’s sitting down to feed my daughter and, when she falls asleep, not being able to move because she’s too darn cute when she holds onto my finger like that.
I don’t turn at the footsteps behind me.
Even if I know it’s my mother – and even if I know Pearce is at work – a part of me shivers in anticipation, telling me it’s going to be my husband.
I thought the pregnancy would make him want me less, but lately, his hands have been all over me, sliding over my stretch marks like he doesn’t find them ugly at all, his lips on my neck, his hands seeking out all his favorite places.
“I’m stinky. I haven’t showered. Aren’t you grossed out?” I said to him last night.
He spanked me lightly, smirking instead of smiling. He’s got two versions now, the near-boyish smile of pure joy which sometimes takes hold of his face.
And the smirk, intense, carnal, possessive, sensual.
“Every time you even suggest I could find you anything other than mouth-wateringly perfect, you get a spank.”
“Really?”
We were standing in the kitchen, Charlotte finally asleep, so I arched my back, aiming my ass at him. “Then I think I’m really stinky.”
He spanked me again, not hard, but enough to let me feel wanted, owned.
Mom sits down quietly, lowering herself into her chair in slow motion, almost. I smile softly and her eyes meet mine, returning the smile.
Mom thought I was going to hold a grudge because she didn’t tell me about my dad, but I meant what I said.
I don’t care about dwelling on the past. I care about the now and the future.
Both are great.
My uncle will be in jail for a long time. He’s never going to bother us, or my mom, again. Bones is doing fantastically. Pearce has even started practicing some obstacle courses with him, the two of them clambering around the yard as Charlotte and I watch from the patio.
I took some time off from school to focus on Charlotte, but I’m going back part-time soon, to a physical college, with professors and everything.
My cheeks glow with joy every time I reflect on that. Not too long ago I couldn’t have dreamed I’d attend a real college, paid for by my handsome, kind, and perfect husband.
Mom stares at her granddaughter, so much love brimming from her I’m sure I can feel it.
After some persuading, my mom agreed to let Pearce buy her a new place. Mom is proud. She didn’t want to take the money at first. But when I said she’d be closer to her granddaughter, that cinched it. She’s a wonderful grandmama.
I raise my eyebrow, gesturing down at Charlotte. Mom knows what I’m asking.
Does she want to hold her?
Mom shakes her head but I can see the love in her eyes, the need for close proximity. I grin and slowly, carefully begin the process of handing her over.
Mom leans forward, taking her just as gently. I wince a little once she has Charlotte in her arms, wondering if she’s going to start crying. But she loves her grandmother. Just about audible above the tapping of the rain, Charlotte lets out a sleepy sigh.
I nod to Bones, and then nod to the yard, telling my mom I’m going to let him out for a bit.
