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He captured her mouth in his then felt a little thump from her stomach. He broke away and chuckled then smoothed a palm over her belly, waiting for another kick. “I think the little one likes our plan.”
She grinned and rested a hand over his, giggling when another kick came. “Good, because nothing’s changing my mind about marrying you. You’re stuck with us.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead and held her close. “Nothing has ever sounded sweeter.”
EPILOGUE
Laura struggled to unhook the straps of the car seat as her squealing bundle of joy kicked and squirmed, straining to be free. She couldn’t help but laugh. “Isla, you’re not helping Mommy as much as you think you are.”
Isla clapped her hands and cooed. Her blue eyes were wide, and at four months old, already filled with mischief.
Cade rounded the hood of his truck and edged himself between her and their daughter. “She’s excited to take on the world, just like her mother. Let me grab her.” He deftly lifted the baby from her seat and held her close, the diaper bag attached to his back. “Daddy’s got you now, sweetheart.”
Warmth chased away the biting chill from the December air. Her heart threatened to burst with joy. How she’d gotten so lucky, she’d never know, but she’d be eternally grateful.
“Ready?” Cade asked, grinning.
She drew in a shaky breath. “I think so.”
The last four months had flown by in a sleep deprived haze. Between marrying the love of her life, adjusting to motherhood, and helping Mrs. Collins get the women’s shelter ready, she was amazed she was still standing. If Cade hadn’t helped with everysingle step, Laura had no doubt she’d have suffered from a mental breakdown at some point.
But she’d made it, and now she stared up at the beautiful Victorian house that had stolen her heart months ago. A house that was so much more to her, and hopefully, to so many other women in the area who needed a place to call home. Even if only for a short stay.
Mrs. Collins swung open the screen door and waved her hand over her head. “Come on, you three. Time’s a ticking.”
Shaking her head, she grinned, grateful Mrs. Collins had healed quickly from her head wound. Not many people her age would be so lucky. Now that the house was ready, she had wanted an official opening for the shelter. A gathering of people who had helped make their dream a reality, as well as investors who were eager to see what their resources had helped create. Hopefully, everyone in attendance would spread the word. Let anyone who needed to hear about Safe Haven Women’s Shelter know it was here and ready to help.
She was ready to help.
“Takes us a little longer these days,” Laura teased and rubbed the soft, silky blond hair on top of her daughter’s head.
Mrs. Collins playfully rolled her eyes then scooped the baby away from Cade. “Sure. Use this little princess as an excuse. Now come on in.”
Laura chuckled and glanced at her watch. “What’s the rush? We’re thirty minutes early.”
Cade placed a hand on the small of her back and his touch sent chills coursing down her spine. He kissed just above her ear then whispered, “You’ll see.”
Her senses were on high alert, but she fought through the sudden jolt of anxiousness and stepped into the foyer.
“Surprise!”
A banner stretched across the ceiling that readCongratulationsand colorful balloons bobbed along the crowded entryway. Laura covered a gasp with her hand and took in the faces of all the people she loved most in this world. “I…I don’t understand. What’s going on?”
Mrs. Collins beamed and kissed Isla’s chubby cheek. “We’re here to celebrate you. This is your dream. You’ve poured your soul into this old house and created something magical. This town—this community—owes you so much.”
Her mom leaned on her cane and slowly walked toward her. Tears shone bright in her eyes. “You’re an inspiration to all of us. We’re so proud of you, honey.”
She squeezed her mom’s hand. “I’m proud of you too, Mom.”
A light blush stained Nicole’s cheeks, and she dropped her gaze to the floor. She didn’t like any attention on her and would take no accolades regarding all the work she’d put in to help get the shelter ready, but Laura wanted her to know she saw her. Really saw her. And she understood that each and every step was hard.
Cade hooked an arm around Laura’s waist and pulled her close.
She stared into the faces of Matthew and Brandon, Jude and Wade, and all the other amazing citizens of Pine Valley that had banded together to help make Safe Haven Women’s Shelter a reality. “None of this would have been possible without all of you. I’m overwhelmed by your support and dedication. You have no idea what this means to me. What this will mean to so many women and children.” Emotion clogged her throat, stealing the rest of her words.
Cade pressed a kiss to her temple. “You mean the world tous. Your strength and resilience are an inspiration, and I think I speak for everyone when I say we just wanted a chance to play a role in your story.”
A smattering of applause and boisterous cheers erupted.
