Epilogue

FLEUR

It's not often or really ever that I have to go in search of my husband, but he went missing twenty minutes ago from the party. I saw him slip inside through the back door. I'd been in the middle of talking to a few friends. I was busy making my rounds at the party trying to thank everyone for coming before they might leave. As much as I wanted to see what my husband was up to, I didn't want to be rude. I mean, all of the guests were here for me, after all. And I was truly grateful for their support.

I make my way up toward the house. We only got the build of it complete a year ago. It's more than I ever thought I would have in life. It's a dream come true. But that's the reality that Van has given me. It doesn't take me long to find him. He's in the study with our oldest daughter. It's where we keep all of his trophies and Super Bowl rings. I'm sure he'll be adding a few more to the collection in time. I couldn't be more proud of him.

"You think here is good?" he asks our daughter. "It should be in the center."

"You steal that from my office?" Both of them turn toward me at my question.

"It should be on display." Van steps to the side to give me a clear view of the award I won from Women's Media Foundation in honor of the many articles I've written over the years. I went freelance when I got out of college. That decision had been a little scary at first, but I was confident in my writing, and Van's unwavering support made it less intimidating.

I needed to be able to be free to move as I pleased because as much as I wanted to write, I always wanted a family. I wished for that more than anything, and Van had been trying to knock me up for forever. I knew it was only a matter of time before I'd become pregnant after college. Plus, with Van going in the first round of the NFL draft, I needed to be able to move around during the season. I've never missed a game. That can be said for our kids as well.

I walk over to my husband and kiss him. He's always been my number one supporter. The man would do anything for me, and I would do anything for him. He has shown me unconditional love.

"I'm right here," Molly huffs, making me break our kiss.

Van doesn't let me go, though. He keeps me tucked into him. One of his hands on the small baby bump that has already popped out. I know it's going to be a boy. My stomach always shows quickly when it's a boy. This will be our third boy but our fifth child. I think it will be our last, but I said that last time too.

"Molly!" I hear my niece call for her.

"Coming." She darts from the room, leaving us alone.

I'm surprised her dad got her away long enough to come with him to move my award. When the cousins are together, they are a wild bunch that stick together. It's why we had Dunc build our home down the street from him and Sadie. The parentals are only a street over.

"I can move some of my shit when you get more awards." Van waves dismissively at his trophies. I shake my head. I swear he looks more proud of my award than he did when he won his own. Honestly, it brings tears to my eyes.

"Thank you." I drop my head back to stare up at him. When the Women's Media Foundation said they'd be hosting an event for my award, Van bulldozed in and offered our backyard. You'd think a wedding was going on back there with the giant tents with chandeliers hanging from them.

It's actually much more extravagant than our wedding. Ours had been small and sweet. It's what both of us wanted. Van had been set on us getting married before we left for college together. I wasn't going to fight him on it. I was more than happy to marry him in our last-minute ceremony. Sadie and Mom put it together in record time. It was absolutely perfect.

"You can thank me by giving me a dance." He takes my hand, leading me back outside. It's getting late, and most people have left. Our family, however, is still holding strong, taking up a whole table. Some of the kids are running around it, playing chase. They all smile at us when Van pulls me close on the center of the dance floor.

I lay my head on his chest as he moves us. These are the moments that matter most. The ones where we are all together as a family. It is something I was lacking in my early years but I wouldn't change a second of it. I would go through all of it again if it meant I get to be here right now.

My eyes catch Fischl and both dads watching us. Dunc leads Sadie to the dance floor to join us. The rest of the party fades away, and it's all of us. My family. All here to support and celebrate me.

Van has given me more than I could ever return. He laid all my dreams at my feet.

"Red." Van runs his fingers through my hair. "I need you." He leans down and nuzzles my neck. All these years, and he still craves me as much as he did that first day.

"You have me."

I know I have more than I'll ever need.