Epilogue

epilogue

Audrey

Two weekends later I find myself in the living room of my childhood home, sitting side-by-side with Jared across from my parents.

He wanted to tell them immediately, but I wanted some time for just the two of us to settle in to being a real couple.

It's been amazing. The sex is unreal. According to one of the main pregnancy books that Jared bought us, it is very common for a woman to have increased arousal while pregnant because of the extra blood flow to her nether regions.

I don't know if it's that or if it's just because Jared is sexy and insatiable. Yesterday before we opened the shop, he bent me over that couch in the back room and pounded into me until I was a quivering mess.

Oh damn, I probably shouldn't be thinking about that in my parent's living room. I tune back into the conversation in time to hear Jared say:

"With all due respect, sir, I don't want to be her narwhal. I'd much rather be her penguin or wolf or gibbon."

My mother hides a smirk behind her coffee cup.

"You wanna explain that?" my dad asks.

He's feigning irritation, my dad, to put Jared on the spot. Trying to be the stereotypical father to make his daughter's boyfriend nervous. But my Jared, he doesn't miss a beat.

"Narwhals don't mate for life and scientists don't believe they're monogamous."

My dad nods as if they are two men legitimately discussing the merits of monogamous animals. What is happening right now? My mother catches my gaze and winks.

"Son, you do know that is not the reason we use that term. It was intended only to let our kids know that there's nothing wrong with having high standards." He reaches over and grabs my mom's hand. "Jennifer and I very much believe in soulmates, but we also recognize the practicality of relationships."

"Sir?"

"They take work."

Jared nods. "I've never been afraid of hard work. Obviously, you have more experience with this, but love has never been an issue. Loving Audrey is the easiest, most natural thing I've ever done. It's like breathing."

"She can be a handful," my dad counters.

Jared huffs. "Don't I know it. She's worked for me—with me—for three years, and that sassy mouth always has something to say." Then my big, bearded giant turns and looks at me and smiles. "I never stood a chance. And I've loved every minute of it."

My dad chuckles then. "What would you like her to call you then, if not her narwhal?"

"Her husband."

Jared and I part ways at the parking lot behind the hardware store. He says I should go get me a milkshake at Sprinkles, then go home and rest. He evidently has to pick up something and he'll be home soon.

I will never say no to a nap—or a milkshake—so I do as he suggests. My chocolate peppermint shake is making me and the baby happy. I'm thinking about all the decorating I want to do before Christmas when I turn down the gravel road.

Twinkle lights greet me. Hundreds, thousands of them encircle the trunks of the large oaks sitting in the front yard. There's light up garland wrapped around the porch banisters and rails. A big wreath hangs on the front door and through the big picture window I see lights on a Christmas tree.

That man. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I'm so thankful.

But the time I park and step outside of my car, Santa Claus is standing on my front porch.

I laugh through my tears.

He comes down into the yard and his costume is nearly perfect: hat, suit, and big black boots. But instead of Santa's white fluffy beard, my man is going without the fake and using what he's grown himself.

"When did you do all of this?" I ask.

"Garrett and some of the guys from the firehouse came by while we were out and did it. You like it?"

I look around us, standing in our twinkle lit yard in front of our perfect house. "I love it. I love you."

"I love you, kn?del."

He pulls me to him, and I look up at his handsome face. "I gotta say, this suit is really kind of working for me."

He laughs. "Good to know."

"Maybe we should go inside and see if the guys left any mistletoe around."

"First, I need you to answer a question."

"Okay," I say.

He holds up a ring. "Will you be my wife?"

"Yes!" I throw my arms around his neck. "Would it be weird if I ask you to keep the suit on while you fuck me?"

" Kn?del , I will fuck you any way you want me to."

I hope you loved Jared and Audrey's story. Want a little more of them? Click here for a BONUS CONTENT .