23. EPILOGUE - HAZEL 4 weeks later

23

EPILOGUE - HAZEL 4 weeks later

Four Weeks Later

It's Christmas Eve and this year looks a little different.

We're covered in pink blankets, pink onesies and bottles galore. I'm overwhelmed and exhausted, but I could not have imagined this night any better than it is.

Isadora Grace Parker was born December third. We chose her name because it means gift, and everything about our years together came full circle once she was born.

Wes collapses on the couch next to me. The only light in the room is coming from the Christmas tree and the squeak from the little bassinet that is slowly rocking our baby girl to sleep, is the only sound.

"I'm so glad we spent tonight at home. I can't even imagine the chaos that will erupt tomorrow with our friends," I say with a yawn.

He snickers. "Tell me about it. It's been quite a wild few months in our little friend group."

"I think Maverick shocked me the most."

"That's Mav. You never know what he's going to do. He likes surprising everyone."

"And you?" I ask from my spot cuddled next to him, admiring my engagement ring. "You're not too shabby with the surprises either."

"I need you to know I asked you because I love you and want you to be my wife. Not because I knocked you up."

I smack his chest. "Gee, thanks for those sweet words. I'm glad you put it nicer than that in front of our friends that day."

He chuckles, pulling me closer. "I mean, I could have said you're the best sex I ever had and needed to lock you down–oomph!" He grabs my hand as I smack his chest harder this time.

"Watch yourself."

He holds my hand and lets it drift down his body. I shake my head as he places it on his cock. I squeeze him lightly and he groans.

"What if I had said I taught her everything she knows and?—"

"Don't even think about finishing that sentence." I grab hold of him, adding pressure and he laughs nervously. "I'm not cleared by the doctor yet so I'm not sure why you're trying to stir up trouble right now."

"I just need to feel your hands on me. We're going to have to learn how to have quickies now that she's here."

"You'll never change, will you?" I reply with a sigh.

"Never." He throws his arm around me, and I rest my legs over his.

"Tell me your best gift," I ask him.

"This year?"

"Any year," I reply.

"You," he answers without hesitation. "Always you.

I smile, leaning my head on his shoulder as I answer my own question even though he didn't ask. "And you're my best gift, too, Wes. Always you."

Have you been to Magnolia Point?

Check out Maverick and Ava in Making the Book Boyfriend

And catch up with Jay and Nina in Read Me, Baby