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Sarah sneaks up behind me, running her hand up and down my back, trying to soothe the savage beast. I smile when she presses her cute belly bump against my back—the one that’s carrying our second daughter. She runs her arms around my waist, and when I feel a kick, I’m so full of emotion it nearly brings me to my knees.
My life has changed for the better, and even though I’m no longer a rock star cardiologist in Los Angeles, I have everything I could ever want or need. I’m doing some consulting work for the hospital in Houston, and they even offered me a position, but I haven’t decided if I want to take it yet. I’m having too much fun with my girls. Sarah even lets me help out at the coffee shop occasionally, since business has been booming.
We just closed on a new house, only seven blocks away from this one, and we’ll be moving in right after Christmas. Ashley will still be close to her friends and school, Sarah to her shop, and our new place will have plenty of room for our growing family. Maybe I’ll be a stay-at-home dad. I think it will suit me just fine.
Sarah’s phone rings in her pocket, making the three of us startle. “Hello!” Sarah puts the phone to her ear with shaky hands.
I move back to the table when I see the worry on Ashley’s face. “It’s okay, Angel. It’s going to be good news.” I take her tiny hand in mine as we wait.
“Yes, I understand…Uh huh, okay, thank you.” Sarah places the phone back in her pocket and turns to look at us with a huge grin on her face. “No bad cells found. The scan was clean, and everything looks great.”
Loud shrieks erupt. Sarah marches over to Ashley with tears in her eyes and wraps her in a great big bear hug. I rise and take them both into my arms, a few tears threatening my own eyes.
“Can I go to Jessie’s house early to tell her the good news?” Ashley asks excitedly, breaking the hug. Yes, Jessie is a girl and Ashley’s best friend. No boys allowed until she’s thirty-five.
“I thought you were going over there later for the sleepover?” Sarah questions.
“I am, but I want to tell her the good news. So can I go early?”
“Sure, honey. Luke can drive you in a few minutes.”
I clear my throat. “Um, before you go I want to give you both an early Christmas present.”
“Luke, Christmas is weeks away.” Sarah scowls, with her hands on her hips.So damn sexy.
“I want to do this early, hold on a minute.” I dash to the bedroom and sprint back with excitement. The girls are sitting at the table, studying me with curious eyes. “I was going to wait to give you guys these but, in light of the good news…” I slide the envelope over to Sarah, and she carefully opens it, glaring at me in the process.
“Luke, what did you do?” Sarah's eyes grow wide when she slides the airline tickets from the envelope before sliding them over so Ashley can get a gander.
“We’re celebrating Christmas in Bora Bora, ladies,” I say proudly, waiting for their reactions.
“Oh my God! Is that the place with the huts on the water? Please tell me we are staying in one of those huts,” Ashley says, practically vibrating in her seat.
“We are so staying in one of those huts.” I wink at Ashley, who looks like she’s about to burst.
“Luke, we can’t go to Bora Bora. What about the Bean?”
“We can close the Bean for one week to take a vacation. Besides we have to close because Harper, Matty, and her mom will be coming with us.” I turn to Ashley. “Jessie is coming too, Angel.” Ashley squeals with excitement.
“Really, Luke? This is too much,” Sarah frowns, until I slide the velvet jewelry box in front of her.
“Open it, Sunshine.” She takes her time opening the box, still looking shocked.
“Wedding bands?”
“We’re getting married on the island. I figured you’d want Harper there.” Sarah’s jaw is still hanging on the table.
“Luke, this is all too…,” Sarah whispers, a little choked up.
“I’m not taking no for an answer. Go and get ready. Harper’s coming to take you guys shopping in a little bit,” I say, handing my credit card to her.
“Luke, you’re insane.”
“Oh and, Angel, I thought you’d like something special too.” I slide the other jewelry box from my pocket. Ashley’s eyes grow wide when she opens the sparkling silver Pandora bracelet with one charm attached. A diamond studded heart because I want her to know she will always have mine. I figure I can fill it with new charms, every new milestone we encounter in the future.
“Oh my god, Dad, this is beautiful.” Ashley jumps up, giving me a great big bear hug. I help put the bracelet on her wrist and kiss her on the top of her head. “Jessie’s really coming with us?” I give her a wink.
“You need some company since Mom and I will be on our honeymoon.” I wrap my arms around Sarah and kiss her on the neck.
