29. Epilogue

Epilogue

Anna

Carson unlocks the door, and I enter our new home. We moved in four months ago, wanting to be settled before the baby arrived. So far, we're loving the additional space, and Connor loves having a backyard. Carson set up a basketball hoop, and he's been helping Connor with his free-throw shot.

As we step into the foyer, my appreciative gaze takes in the spacious open living space. It feels perfect for our growing family.

Bonnie stands on the upstairs landing, greeting us. "Welcome home." She explains, "The children are fine. Connor is watching over Gracie in her crib."

Carson and I both walk to the stairs and make our way to the nursery.

Bonnie asks, "You're home early. How was date night?" with a twinkle in her eye.

As a smile blooms over my face. "It was wonderful," I admit with a glance toward Carson.

"Yes, it was. Thanks, Mom." Then, with a rueful shake of his head, he says, "We only texted you twice to check in on the baby."

Entering the room, Bonnie proudly states, "Connor has been watching over her since you left. He's quite the protective big brother."

The nursery has pale pink walls and is decorated with prints of fluffy lambs and bunnies on the walls. It's filled with dark wood furniture. In the corner stands the crib. I spot Connor hovering over our baby girl. Our voices must have woken her because her eyes flutter open.

Carson reaches down and gently picks her up. "Hey, Princess. Did you miss us?" She gives him a toothless grin. Connor asks with an eager look in his eyes, "Dad, can I hold her?" Carson answers, "Sure, Son. See if you can rock her back to sleep."Connor goes to the rocking chair, and Carson places the baby in his arms.

Bonnie and I stand watching. I feel her arm go around me. I get a lump in my throat as I watch Carson place Gracie Rose into Connor's eager arms. After Connor carefully supports her head, Carson steps back.

Gracie's eyes blink open wide, and her chubby little arms wave with delight when Connor whispers, "Gracie, it's me. Your big brother." He cradles her safely in his arms.

As I observe the love and devotion that shines out of Connor's eyes, I have to blink the moisture from mine. Gracie, with her dark fuzz hair and cloudy blue eyes, is enthralled with Connor, and he's fascinated with her.

When Bonnie approaches the rocking chair, Carson turns and walks toward me. He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me against his side as we watch Connor, who continues to coo at Gracie. She loves the attention and gives a big smile, a dimple showing in her cheek.

"Look, she has dimples!" Connor says, excitement and awe in his voice. Carson gives me a squeeze, and I turn my eyes to his. "Anna, I can't imagine my life without you and our children." He turns me toward him and gives me a loving kiss.

We hear Connor say, "She's already going back to sleep." Bonnie smiles as she takes the baby out of Connor's arms and places her back in the crib.

We all quietly walk out of the nursery and down the stairs. Connor disappears into the kitchen while Carson walks his mother to the door. "Mom, thanks for watching the kids tonight."

Our wedding picture catches my eye. It is a snapshot of pure happiness: me, glowing in my gown, and Carson, his gaze radiating love and pride. One arm embraces me close, and his other hand rests protectively on Connor's shoulder, standing proudly by his father's side.

I smile as I remember that day… Connor walked me down the aisle, looking like a miniature of his father in a matching tuxedo, his hair slicked back. The wedding march music filled the air.

That's when I looked up and saw Carson standing tall at the altar. His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, it was just us two. The rest of the world melted away.

His intense blue eyes shimmered with a love so profound it took my breath away.

Finally, I reached him, and he took my hand in his. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through me. In that moment, I saw not just the handsome man I fell in love with years ago but the man he'd become—a man tempered by time, his eyes now filled with trust and devotion.

We repeated the wedding vows softly but with a purpose. Each word a sacred pledge. The raw emotion in Carson's eyes spoke volumes. Those vows were more than words; they were a testament to the journey we'd shared. Our love had endured and flourished even in the harshest of conditions…

"Anna, Honey, you okay?" Carson's voice brings me back to the present. To the now.

I nod, glancing again at the photo. "Carson, that moment in the church was so perfect. My happily ever after come true."

I feel cherished as he wraps me in his arms, laughs, and dips me back to kiss me like he did during our wedding.

He promises, "Anna, every moment we spend together is our happily ever after."

The End.