Bonus Epilogue

Bonus Epilogue

Nick

W hen Abby and I solidified our relationship and moved in together, I didn’t think life could get any better, but I hadn’t realized how I would feel when my daughter was born. It was the most incredible experience. We’d created life. I cried when the doctor pulled my daughter from my wife. Abby was so strong.

Gia had planned a beautiful wedding for us so that we could have the best of everything and be married before our little one arrived.

I didn’t say anything to Abby, but I couldn’t believe Seth could walk away after seeing his child born. Abby was weak from birth but had to wake up to nurse and soothe our baby. I helped as much as she let me, wanting her to rest as much as she could. Both needed me, and I was so in love.

We wanted a beautiful name for our daughter. After discussing it with the boys and amongst ourselves, we settled on Emmaline. The boys loved to hold her, so she was almost never left in a swing or the crib. Someone was always holding her, between our friends and family.

We didn’t have time for a shower since we got married and celebrated it with a reception. But I wanted to celebrate Emmaline’s arrival. Abby deserved a party.

At our wedding reception, I pulled Gia aside and asked her to plan a surprise shower for a few weeks after Emmaline’s birth. We set it up at the gardens where we’d had that special date after we were engaged. I’d told Abby we were visiting to see the flowers in the daytime, and she didn’t question it. The boys came along without complaining because they knew it was for her.

When we stepped outside, there was a tent set up on the patio with tables and chairs. Lily had done her magic with pink and white flower centerpieces and hanging arrangements. It was a true garden party with tea, sandwiches, and cakes.

“Oh. Someone’s having a party,” Abby said just as everyone jumped out from behind the bushes yelling, “Surprise.”

“What’s this?” Abby asked me, her eyes wide.

“It’s your and Emmaline’s baby shower,” I said proudly, pleased I’d managed to surprise her.

Abby tipped her head to the side. “But she’s already here, and everyone’s met her. We don’t need anything.”

“I wanted to throw you a shower. I didn’t want you to miss out on anything, and I love planning parties for you.” I never thought those words would come out of my mouth. But I saw how she lit up when I gave her flowers and when she was surrounded by family and friends. I wanted to keep giving her those experiences.

Abby smiled as her eyes shimmered with tears. “You’re too good to me.”

“You’re everything to me and deserve the best.” Before I could kiss her, Brooke took Emmaline from me, and Abby was caught up in hugs and congratulations.

The last few months had been full, with her pregnancy, the book, our wedding, and now, our daughter. The boys loved her fiercely. They doted on her, always needing to know how she was doing and if they could hold her and play with her.

We sat at the tables provided, ate lunch and cake. Then I moved Abby to the front of the tent to open her presents. The wrapping was a mix of pink, gold, and silver. We’d already bought most of the furniture and baby gear we needed, so I told everyone to bring clothes and diapers. Her friends had done one better, going in for a gift card to a spa and a meal service for us.

When Abby unwrapped the present from Brody and Hunter that I’d helped them pick out, she lifted a tiny pink baseball glove and several softballs. Then she pulled out a baseball onesie that said “Number One Sister.” “This is adorable.”

“You think she’ll like it?” Brody asked as he held Emmaline in his arms.

“She’ll love it,” Abby said. “She’ll love it because her big brothers picked it out for her.”

Everyone was teary eyed after that pronouncement.

I cleared my throat and grabbed the envelope that held a coupon for a weekend away at Juliana’s Bed & Breakfast in town.

I knew Abby wasn’t anywhere near ready for a night away from Emmaline, but I couldn’t wait to spend time alone with her, too. I had visions of us spending a weekend in December there when the inn was decorated with holiday decorations.

I got up with her at night when she nursed, offering to change diapers and rock Emmaline back to sleep. Abby went right back to sleep, and I got my bonding time with Emmaline in the rocking chair. I lived for those moments when she blinked up at me and curled her little fingers around my larger one.

Emmaline had wrapped herself around my heart, the same way her mother and brother did. Our family was complete. We had so much more to look forward to, and we’d experience it through Emmaline’s eyes. She softened each of us, making us slow down and enjoy each minute we had with each other.

After the presents were opened and more cake was passed around, I found myself alone with Abby. “I can’t believe you planned this without me knowing.”

“You weren’t expecting anything. That’s why I wanted to do it after.”

“I loved it.”

“I love you.” I finally kissed her how I wanted to at the beginning of the party.

“Are you happy?” she asked when I pulled back.

“I can’t even put it into words. It’s this feeling I get in my chest. I feel so expansive, like I could do anything and be anyone with you.”

“I feel it too. This is what happiness is then.” Her smile was contagious.

I moved closer, brushing a stand of hair behind her ear. “I think so.”

She smiled up at me. “Then you were worth waiting for. You were worth everything I went through to get here. Because I wouldn’t wish Hunter away or any of my experiences.”

“I agree.” I cupped her cheek, thinking I’d done a lot of things I’d regretted in my life, but all of it brought me to her.

She pressed her cheek into my palm. “I can’t imagine our lives getting any better, but you keep surprising me.”

I moved closer, hovering my lips over hers, as I whispered, “Expect life to get better and better. The sky’s the limit with us, sweetheart.”

I kissed her until I heard Brody and Hunter complaining about us kissing again. Our lives were full of stolen moments but also a lot of love, dreams, wishes, and hopes. And I knew everything was possible if we were together.