EPILOGUE PARKER

EPILOGUE PARKER

Even though I only work part-time now, I’m still swamped. I could take on more clients if I wanted, but my drive for work isn’t as strong as it used to be. I enjoy spending time with my kids…and Ryan. He’s just incredible.

Things have become simpler since RJ started kindergarten, and Emily will begin preschool next year. My little ones are growing up, which is bittersweet for me.

I have a surprise for Ryan. For over a year, we’ve been hoping for another child. Lately, I’ve been feeling under the weather, brushing it off as a cold or flu, especially with the outbreak at the school. But a few days ago, I took a test after vomiting in the toilet again. The result was positive, and I can’t wait to tell Ryan; he’s been keen on expanding our family.

Mom moved to Denver while I was expecting RJ. She’d been living in New York following her divorce from Dad, but she moved to be nearer to me and her grandkids. She’s dating a wonderful man and seems genuinely happy, which she truly deserves. She’s changed a lot and is a different person now. As for my dad, we still don’t speak, but I’ve heard that he remarried someone close to my age. That marriage ended in divorce six months later. I guess you get what you deserve.

Rubbing my tummy, I head into our bedroom while Ryan tucks Emily in. I need to shower and clean up before he joins me. Just thinking about what will happen later sends a thrill through me. But I have my news to share, and if I don’t tell him now, he’ll figure it out because he knows my body better than I do.

I hear a noise and turn my head as Ryan walks into the shower naked. “Can’t wait, huh?” I tease.

He picks up the body wash, lathering his hands. He adores washing me, our mutual turn-on.

Tell him now, Parker, I mutter to myself.

“What did you say?” he asks, tilting his head to the side.

I try not to think about his soapy hands all over me. And that’s not easy.

“We’re pregnant,” I tell him.

He looks at me, puzzled.

“Pregnant?”

“Yes.”

He goes down on me then, and for the rest of the night, shows me how happy he is, over and over again. I’m pleasantly exhausted by the time he’s finished and I snuggle under the blankets beside him.

Closing my eyes, I smile, feeling the warmth of his presence and the steady rhythm of his breathing. In this peaceful moment, I realize that every step and challenge has led me to him, where I belong. And I wouldn’t change any of it for the world.

If you enjoyed the book you may want to check out: Second Chances: Finding Love In Manning Falls.

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