Epilogue

FOREST

" I want to help!" Hannah, our six-year-old says as she tugs on my shirt. "We're making Mommy a surprise?"

"Yes," I confirm, putting down the mixing bowl and spoon before kneeling down in front of my daughter. "It's mommy and daddy's anniversary," I explain. "We got married ten years ago today."

Her eyes grow wide with understanding. I love that they're green, just like her mother's. "But then why isn't there a surprise for you?" My girl has such a big heart.

"Because it's much easier for me to be married to your mother than it is for her to be married to me," I answer with a grin. Hannah tilts her head to the side and chews on her thumb. "You'll understand one day when you're older. Men are… a bit ornery and difficult at times."

"On-er-y?"

"Ornery," I correct. "It means we can be stubborn."

"Like Jake?"

I chuckle when she mentions her older brother. Jake is eight, and he's certainly stubborn.

"Something like that," I say before lifting her up into my arms. "Let's wash your hands and then you can help me mix up the pancake batter."

"Pancakes!" Hannah squeals.

"Where are pancakes?" Jake asks as he wanders into the kitchen. He rubs the sleep from his eyes and then sits on a stool next to the counter.

"I still have to make them, buddy. You want to help? It's a surprise for Mom."

He wasn't interested until I said who it was for. The kid loves his mom and would do anything for her. "Yes! Let's do it. She's gonna love this." Jake hops off the stool and goes to the sink to wash his hands.

Twenty minutes later, the kids and I are carefully making our way down the hall toward the master bedroom, where Fiona is still sleeping. Jake is holding a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice while Hannah is in charge of the napkins. I carry the tray loaded with freshly cut fruit, pancakes with peanut butter and maple syrup, and three strips of bacon, cooked extra crispy, just the way my wife likes it.

I nudge the door open with my foot, surprised to see Fiona sitting up in bed. Hannah runs toward her and leaps onto the bed, immediately dropping the napkins. There's a reason I didn't give her any food to carry.

"Happy wedding day!" she announces. Fiona grins and gives her daughter a side hug.

"Thank you, love," she says.

"I got juice for you. I made it myself. Mostly. With some help from Dad." Jake walks over to the side of the bed and hands her the drink.

"Wow, I bet this is the best-tasting orange juice ever." Fiona smiles at Jake then lightly grips his chin and turns his head to the side so she can kiss his cheek.

"I made the pancakes!" Hannah says excitedly. "Dad helped, too."

"Thanks for giving me some credit, guys," I say with a laugh as I set the tray down on the bedside table. "Give your mom one last hug and then you two should get dressed."

Both kids pout, but Fiona appeases them. "How about you get ready for the day and then you can come back and cuddle with me for a little bit?"

They nod and race out of the room, leaving me with my gorgeous bride. "Happy anniversary, sweetheart," I say, leaning over and taking her lips in a slow, meaningful kiss.

"You, too," she whispers when we break apart.

"How did you know we were coming?" I ask as I settle down next to her and hand her the plate of food.

"You guys weren't exactly stealthy," she teases. "Oh my god though, these pancakes…" She mimics the chef's kiss motion, making me smile.

"Are they to your liking?"

"Very much so," she says with a nod. "In fact, I like everything I see." Fiona's gaze roams up and down my body, and I groan as I lean in for a kiss. She opens up for me and I slide my tongue between her lips, tickling the roof of her mouth and swallowing down her whimper.

"Eww!" Jake yells, making us turn toward the open door. Kids. The greatest cock-blocks of all time.

"We're done," Fiona says, patting the spot next to her. "For now," she adds quietly so only I can hear. Jake joins us in bed, shortly followed by Hannah.

My daughter crawls onto my lap and steals one of the strawberries from her mother's plate. Jake poaches a slice of bacon and a sip of orange juice before snuggling up with his mom. I shake my head at my kids, though it's all in good fun.

As I lean back against the headboard, I take stock of my family. My gorgeous, witty, kind-hearted wife, my adorable daughter, and my sometimes obstinate but always loving son surround me, filling my heart with joy.

I can't imagine life without my Fiona. Luckily, I'll never have to.

THE END