46. Epilogue

Val

I hear the rumble of a motorcycle and watch as Gabriella, our two-year-old toddler, hears it too. Her eyes widen and a lopsided smile appears on her face.

I watch fondly as she tries to stand. She pushes her padded bottom up first, and then she wiggles into position as she puts more weight on her feet. When she finally stands, she wobbles once; then, she’s steady. She propels herself toward the door as fast as her chubby little legs will carry her.

The door opens and she squeals in delight as her daddy immediately swoops her up in his arms.

“How’s my baby girl?” I watch as Chase lovingly hugs her and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

Gabriella reaches out and pats his face, a dimple shows in her cheek, “Da-da.”

He grins down at her, “Da-da, play.”

He laughs, “In a minute, Baby,” he promises her. He walks over to me and still with Gabriella in his arms, he leans in and gives me a kiss.

When he lifts his head, I stand back and grin as I point out, “Our daughter is a total daddy’s girl.”

“Yeah, she is,” he states proudly, then looks down at her, “Gabby knows I adore her. Don’t you, Baby?” He tickles her belly, “Don’t you, baby girl?”

Gabriella giggles and waves her arms in response. Her short black curls bounce with her movements. She then looks up at her daddy with her big blue eyes that are so much like his, “Da-da, Toy,” she demands and points to her blanket.

Chase smiles down at her and then takes her over to the living room, puts her down so she can play on the blanket, and hands her a toy. He plays with her for a few minutes, and then he kisses the top of her head. He stands and then comes into the kitchen.

I get him a glass of iced tea, “We’ve both been waiting for you to get home,” I admit.

Chase looks at me, “You have? I’m home now; what’s up?”

“I’m pregnant,” I bite my lip as I wait for his reaction.

He smiles, “I thought you might be, Val.”

“You did? Why didn’t you say anything? Are you disappointed?”

“Never. I can’t believe how much joy this little one has brought into our lives,” he looks lovingly at our daughter, then back at me as he teases, “Besides, what’s one more little rug rat running around?”

He comes closer and cradles me in his arms, “Seriously, Val, I’m fine with another child. I can’t believe I could have missed out on all of this.” He motions to Gabriella playing on the floor with her pile of toys.

“Even remembering the sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and teething?”

He looks loving down at me, “I love you and Gabby, and I’ll love this baby.”

He frowns as I still look hesitant, “Hey, I mean it. I could have missed out on being Gabby’s father, and I love being her dad. I love her. She’s adorable and a total joy, even when she’s cranky and crying at the top of her lungs. You know that.”

He looks at me in earnest, “I can’t imagine not having her in my life. Or you,” he leans in and kisses my nose, then he puts his hand over my still flat stomach, “I’m truly happy about the baby.”

He whispers, “I thought you might be pregnant because your breasts feel fuller and they’re more sensitive,” he reaches down and lightly brushes his fingers lightly over the tips of my breasts. They instantly harden, and he grins.

“I also remember how insatiable you are when you’re expecting.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t deny that he’s right. I feel myself blushing.

He laughs and then says seriously, “I wouldn’t mind another little girl or a boy. You just can”t name him Matteo.”

I start to laugh, “That’s a name I would never consider. We don’t have to pick Italian names, you know.”

“I know,” then he gives me his lopsided grin as he states firmly, “You’re stuck with me, Val. Forever.”

I give him a loving smile, “Forever works for me.”

The End.