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Epilogue
EMERY
2 Years Later
Therapy has helped healmy wounds.
Relief and acceptance wash over me as the cemetery on the hill fades in my rearview mirror. I don’t visit my parents as often as Ian and Sophie visit his, but the coaster sits on my father’s stone, where I left it last year, along with the flowers I change out monthly for my mother. Today, my visit proved how far I’ve come as I shared my exciting news. Glancing at the clock, my heart races, knowing Ian is off work and might beat me home. My phone rings through the car, startling me as I answer.
“Hey, Hallie.”
“Hi.” She sounds exhausted, and her second baby is due any day. “Do you think you and Ian, or even Sophie, could watch Hunter for a bit tomorrow?”
“We sure can. He is such a sweetheart. Ian will be excited when I tell him.” My heart melts every time I see Ian and Hunter together. Their faces light up as they run around the property, chasing each other. He’s amazing with him and Sophie. This man’s patience with a teenager is phenomenal to watch.
“You guys are the best.” Hallie sighs, relieved. “I’ll text you later with the time.”
“Sounds good, mama!” I end the call and pull up to the cabin as Ian gets out of his truck. I will never get over the sight of how hot he looks after a long day's work in construction.
Ian walks over, grinning as he catches my ogling. “I missed you today, Daisy Girl. What did I miss?”
“I stopped by my parents’ grave.” I place my hand on his shoulder, reaching up to kiss him.
“How was that? Everything okay?” I don’t usually go out of my way to visit, but Ian was right that talking out loud as if they can hear is soothing in a way.
“Yep. I promise. You’ve gone to enough therapy sessions with me now to know that I will come to you if something is wrong.”
“You’ve grown so much. My heart is so happy for you.” He kisses me again before we walk up the front porch steps.
“We are also watching Hunter tomorrow for a bit.”
“Perfect. I bought him a superhero cape today and figured he’d like to pretend to fly while I run with him over my head.” This man loves children so much, and I can’t wait to see him with a child of his own in the future. “You are incredibly sexy and sweet, Ian Wells.”
“And you are looking incredibly delicious in this sundress.” Ian’s hands grip my waist, pulling me against him, and my arms take their rightful place draped around his neck. “Does Sophie have theatre practice after school today?”
“She does.” I let the seductive tone of my voice slip through. Our time alone is sacred and doesn’t happen too often. Sophie has her own wing of the house now, but we are still reserved most nights for fear of traumatizing her. “She'll be gone for the next three hours.”
“Well, that should be enough time to spoil you on your day off work.” Ian’s hands reach down and grip my ass, pulling me tighter against him. Life with him couldn’t be any more perfect.
“Easy now.” I laugh. “You’re the one with a birthday this weekend.”
“And I want you as my present.” Ian’s eyes light up, and I wonder why I’ve let my nerves take over today. “Maybe you can wear a bow for me?” He kisses my lips gently. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Daddy.” My stomach flips as his neck pulls back.
“Trying out a new kink?” There’s a slight furrow in his brows, and I take it he’s not on board with the name.
“No.” A small shake of my head has him pulling back and scanning my face. I swallow as a smile tugs on my lips.
“Emery, are you pregnant?” he whispers, and I can only nod. He has been so supportive and patient with me as I’ve slowly confronted my demons. “I’m going to be a dad. A dad to a baby we created.” He corrects himself, as if scared to offend Sophie.
“I found out this morning.” My smile grows to match his. “But you were already running late for work, and I knew you needed to focus on your important meeting with Rhett before his paternal leave for the twins.” Our friend group has been busy making babies lately. “I planned to tell you on your birthday, but it’s been on my mind all day, and I couldn’t wait.” He brushes a strand of hair out of my face and pulls my bottom lip from the grip of my teeth.
“I know we’ve talked about this in therapy together, and have ditched the condoms,but now it’s a reality.” I pick up on the uncertainty in his voice, though he smiles. “How do you feel?” After watching Hallie firsthand become a mother and Ian and I helping out, I knew there was a missing piece in my life. I want to have a family of four.
“I’m ready to have the family I’ve always longed for.” My hands slide over his shoulders with a small squeeze. “I can take on anything with you by my side.” I pause as past trauma resurfaces. “And if you aren’t there, I have other support and my therapist to get me through.” I have to acknowledge the possibility of him not being around, but I’m able to confidently believe I’d get through it. This part of healing is taking its sweet time, and I honestly don’t know if the fear will ever go away.
“This is the best birthday week ever. This time next year, I’ll be blowing out candles with our baby in my arms.” His eyes glass over as he cups my face.
