Epilogue

ROAN

A s the plane descended, the sprawling cityscape of Chicago came into view. My heart raced with excitement and anticipation. Three weeks away felt like an eternity. I'd been itching to get home since the moment my plane took off. I was going to send Jake on the next international trip. I didn't want to leave Alaina and Rafe again. I would take the summer trips when I could take my family with me, but no more of these long weeks away. I didn't like it, and considering I was the boss, I didn't think I had to do it. Jake was perfectly capable of handling these things.

The moment the wheels touched down, I unbuckled my seatbelt and gathered my things, eager to disembark. I stepped onto the tarmac and saw David waiting with the car. Alaina and Rafe were supposed to be picking me up.

"Where are Alaina and Rafe?" I asked with a frown.

The driver shrugged. "They were busy, sir."

Suspicion gnawed at me. Busy? They knew I was coming home today. "I see."

As we drove through the city, my mind raced with possibilities. Were they planning something? I couldn't help but feel a little left out. I couldn't imagine Alaina not meeting me at the airport. We had talked a few hours ago and she seemed excited to see me.

If I didn't know her so well, I would be hurt. I had to believe she was up to something. Rafe would have put her up to it. I was picturing a homemade cake and a few balloons. A nice little celebration with my family. It was the perfect way to spend an evening. And then I would take Alaina upstairs and we would have our own special reunion.

When we finally pulled into the driveway, I grabbed my bags and headed through the back door into the kitchen. The house was eerily quiet. I dropped my bags by the door and called out, "Hello? Anyone home?"

The only response was the sound of Beau's limping footsteps as he made his way to the kitchen. I bent down to pet him, ruffling his fur. "Hey there, buddy. Did they abandon us both?" I joked, scratching behind his ears.

Suddenly, a loud pop echoed through the house. I jumped in surprise. A party cannon had gone off somewhere deep in the house, followed by several hushed voices murmuring back and forth. I smiled, my suspicions were true.

"Hello?" I called out.

I strolled into the dark formal living room. I prepared myself before turning on the light. Rafe jumped in front of me with a party popper. I pretended to be caught off guard, throwing my hands up in mock surprise as the colorful bits of paper showered over me.

"Surprise!" Alaina called out, jumping out from behind the large potted plant in the corner.

Cate and Jake popped up from behind the couch, laughing. "Welcome home!" Cate said, grinning widely.

"I had no idea!" I exclaimed, glancing around the room, my heart swelling with joy. "You guys really got me."

Cate rolled her eyes playfully. "Only because Jake wouldn't stop pinching me, causing me to pull the popper thing," she said, rubbing her arm for emphasis.

Jake threw his hands up in defense. "I didn't do anything! She's exaggerating."

I watched the group, feeling a new kind of happiness. I pulled Alaina into my arms, kissing her deeply. It was the best feeling in the world, knowing she was here, that we were building a life together.

"I was wondering why I was abandoned at the airport." I laughed. "I thought maybe you guys forgot about me."

"Forget you?" Alaina scoffed playfully, her hand pressed against my chest. "Impossible."

Jake and Cate laughed before making their way to the kitchen, bickering about who would make the first round of drinks.

"I didn't think you would, but I did have some doubts," I said. "Big surprise. Me having doubts. And of course I was worried something happened and you weren't able to make it."

"I'm sorry you were worried," she said.

After the initial surprise, we all settled down for dinner. Alaina had ordered from my favorite Mexican restaurant.

"Man, I've missed this," I said. "It's good to be back."

Rafe was stuffing an enchilada into his face, grinning at me like a fool. "Did you have to do a lot of work?" he asked.

"Chew your food, kiddo," I said, grinning. "And yes, I was busy but we got it all done."

"Do you have to go again?" he asked.

"Nope," I answered. "I'm sending Jake next time. I don't want to be away from you guys again."

"Me?" Jake asked.

"It's your turn to go put out fires around the world," I said. "I'll do any trips that need to be made in the summer, but otherwise, I'll be handing the reins over to you."

Jake looked at Cate and grinned. "Hear that, baby? We get to go to London."

Cate rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't walk across the street with you, let alone go to London with you."

"These two have been like this the whole time you've been gone," Alaina said. "I feel like a referee."

Jake laughed but didn't deny it. Rafe took another bite of his food and winked at me. "It's been a real circus around here."

He sounded like an adult. I knew that phrase must have come from Alaina. I loved that he was picking up on her language rather than Jake's.

"Well, now that I'm back, there's one more clown for the circus," I joked. Laughter echoed around the room as we continued eating dinner, sharing stories and catching up on everything that had been happening since I had been gone.

As the evening wound down, I found myself more than ready to go upstairs with Alaina and do what I'd been thinking about for almost a month. The anticipation of being alone with her again was almost too much to bear.

"Thanks for coming," I said as I walked Jake to the door. "And for keeping an eye on things while I was gone."

"No problem," he said. "I know just about all there is to know about wedding dresses and flowers. That one, you're going to owe me for."

"You know you didn't have to actually hang out here," I said.

He flashed me a grin. "I figured if I kept hanging around Cate, she'd realize how adorable I am."

"Yeah, I see that worked out really well for you," I joked.

Jake punched my shoulder lightly, laughing as he zipped up his coat. "Well, I had to try, didn't I?" he said, a cheeky smile on his face.

I shook my head, chuckling. There was something indomitably hopeful about Jake when it came to Cate. I admired that tenacity even if the odds were against him. "Goodnight, Jake," I said, clapping him on the back.

As the door clicked shut, I felt Alaina's arms wrap around me from behind. She nestled her head against my back, whispering, "He'll get there someday."

"I'm going to get Rafe to bed and then it's me and you and nothing else."

"I'll be waiting for you in bed." She smiled.

"I like the sound of that."

Rafe was just coming out of the bathroom when I walked in. Beau was already on his bed, curled up and sound asleep.

He crawled into bed. "I'm glad you're home, Dad."

"I'm glad to be home," I said. "I really missed you guys."

"Alaina was like a mom," he said.

I nodded. "Yes, I bet she was."

Rafe yawned and turned onto his side, pulling the covers up to his chin.

"Get some sleep," I said. "I'll see you in the morning."

I watched him for a few moments, overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude and love for my family, my life. After tucking him in securely, I slowly made my way back to the master bedroom. The soft glow from the bedside lamp was the only light.

I pushed open the door and found Alaina propped up in bed wearing a pretty red satin piece of lingerie.

"Wow." I smiled, closing the door and locking it.

She threw the blanket off, giving me a full view of the very tiny lingerie.

I quickly stripped and jumped in bed. "Damn, I've missed you," I said.

"I've missed you as well," she said.

I moved over her, kissing her and savoring the taste of her.

"I have some news," she whispered against my lips.

The way she said it made me think it was serious. I moved off her and lay beside her. My heart skipped a beat. "Is everything okay?" I asked.

She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Everything's fine. It's just we might need to move up the wedding."

"Okay." I nodded. "That works for me. I don't want to wait. Is there a reason why we have to move it up, though?"

She grinned and rested her hand on her stomach. At first, it didn't register. My eyes widened as realization dawned.

"You're pregnant?" I asked, my voice a mix of wonder and disbelief.

Alaina nodded, her smile widening. "Yes, Roan. We're going to have a baby. According to the doctor, we can expect him or her early summer."

Without thinking, I grabbed her, holding her tight. Emotions surged through me, almost overwhelming in their intensity. Why did I ever think a love like this didn't exist? And what had I done to be worthy of it?

I closed my eyes, savoring the moment, holding Alaina for a long, long time. This was everything I'd ever wanted, everything I never thought I'd have. And now it was real. It was happening.

"Alaina," I whispered, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Roan," she replied, tears glistening in her eyes.

My mind was racing with thoughts of the future. There was so much to plan, so much to prepare for. But more than anything, there was a deep sense of peace, of contentment. This was where I was meant to be, with Alaina, with Rafe, with our soon-to-be child.

"Roan, are you sure you're okay with this? I know it's a lot to take in. You look a little shell-shocked.

I cupped her face in my hands, kissing her gently. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life," I said. "This is everything I've ever wanted, Alaina. You, Rafe, our baby? It's perfect."

She smiled, resting her head against my chest. "I'm so happy, Roan. I can't wait to start this next chapter with you."

"Me too," I replied, holding her close. "Me too."

I knew that this was just the beginning. I whispered a silent promise to myself. I would cherish this family, protect them, and love them with everything I had. This was my chance, my opportunity to build something beautiful and lasting. And I wasn't going to let it slip away.

"Any chance it could be twins?" I teased.

"Uh, I don't think so." She laughed. "Is there something I should know?"

"No, but I thought maybe we could save some time," I teased. "I want lots of babies with you."

Alaina laughed aloud. "Oh, is that so?" she asked.

"Absolutely," I replied with a wink, offering her my most charming grin. "A whole soccer team if you're up for it."

She playfully swatted my chest. "One step at a time, Mr. Lockhart."

I released an exaggerated sigh, feigning disappointment, but couldn't hold the facade for long before I was laughing along with her.

I looked down at her and once again found myself thoroughly amazed that I had managed to find her in a sea of women.

I finally managed to find the right one for me and my son.

***

If you loved this book, don't miss out…

Check out book 1 in A Wedding Bells Alpha Novel called Say You Do .

My brother is an idiot—he's getting married.

And I'm in charge of getting things together since our folks are gone.

Lucky me. The guy who thinks love is for the birds and worn-out 80s songs.

I honestly don't have time for this drama. I run a billion-dollar company, have women to entertain, and am working on my plans to rule the world.

No, seriously.

And yet, when you least expect it, life kicks you in the balls.

The beautiful, snarky woman that runs the flower shop is perfect to help me pull off this wedding.

Just seeing her sends my head spinning with possibilities.

She's perfect. To play my fake wife for an event I have coming up as a side deal.

My ex-wife will be at the event, and I sure could use someone to show her how well I've done since she ripped out my soul.

So my curvy new friend gets my ring and a chunk of my wallet before agreeing to the deal.

Funny thing is, I'm not so interested in taking it back by the end of the adventure.

I'm willing to go all in on what might be the best decision of my life.

And I'm demanding the same of her. No maybes. No I-don't-knows.

No fear of what might be or might not be.

Open your pretty pink lips and utter the words.

Say you do.

I gotta have THIS