Epilogue

Maddie

One year later…

The Colorado sun fills the large family room with so much natural light, the shape of the pine trees in enough contrast that I can make out their edges.

This is our…vacation house? Getaway?

I’m not totally certain but I have to be honest, I love it here. I can’t wait to be here when it snows.

We’ve just finished the construction of the rehab center on the outskirts of Vegas. And I took a few classes last semester.

It was amazing to be back in the classroom, to think of finishing my degree. But with construction done and school out, it seemed like the perfect time to get away.

The planners are coming in less than an hour and since Roman has stepped back from the company, he’s thrown himself into every detail of the build of the new center—and our wedding.

Honestly, he’s a man who likes to work hard and keep track of infinite number of details.

I know all the reasons he’s furious with Mason, but I hope they make up. Roman should be working for Kincaid and I worry he’ll grow bored with our life.

Which is why it concerns me when he leaves right before the planners. It’s not like him and it makes me wonder.

Has he changed his mind?

I know I’m prone to insecurity, but this time…

I hear the front door open and close, the sound of Roman’s footfalls joined by some soft tapping.

Fiddling with the ring on my finger, I rise to see what Roman has brought with him today.

“Roman?”

“Coming,” he answers. I wasn’t surprised when he said he wanted to go to Colorado. It’s hot as Hades in Vegas, and Colorado is so much more beautiful in the early summer.

But I was a bit suspicious when he said he had an errand to run this morning.

We’ve got wedding planners coming in less than an hour.

We’re finally getting married and we’ve decided to have the ceremony here. It’s so beautiful, the smell of the forest alone fills my senses.

It will be just intimate family and friends, which I thought meant very simple but, Roman is Roman.

He’s planning every detail right down to the weather, I’m fairly certain. Which is why him leaving before the planners are set to arrive is odd at best.

That’s when I hear the panting.

Thomasina hears it too, and she gives a howl and then a hiss.

Her feet scamper away and I’m sure she’s hiding.

From what?

I turn the corner to the entry, the morning sun streaming into the room.

Roman is there, I know the cut of his shoulders anywhere.

And next to him…

“Is that a dog?” I stop as my hands cover my mouth.

“Meet Birdie.”

“Birdie?”

“I hope you don’t mind that I named her.”

My hands crop to my sides as I lower myself to the floor. “You named her?”

“Birdie is a nine-month-old Seeing Eye dog in training. She’s passed her initial tests.”

“Roman…” I look at my husband even as a wet nose presses to my face. “What have you done?”

Roman squats down too, linking his hand with mine. “I know you want some more independence. Birdie can help with that.”

“But I’ve been on the list for years, I…”

“It was easier in Colorado,” he whispers back. “And there are some perks to dating a guy like me.”

I know he pulled strings to get Birdie. The dog snuggles her face right into my chest and I run both my hands down her ridiculously soft fur. “What happens if she doesn’t do well with the training?”

“Our choice. We can keep her or wait for the next available pup.”

I scoff. I love her already. “She stays.”

Roman laughs. “Actually, she has to attend training. But I thought you’d want to meet her first. And she’s my wedding present to you so…”

I laugh. “You cad.”

“I’m a cad? For getting you a dog?” My eyes are misting over. Birdie is so perfect. Even her name…

“It’s not fair how good you are at giving presents.” But honestly, I’ve got a really good one for him too.

We’ve never been great with birth control.

Rising up from the floor, Birdie follows me into the kitchen where I grab my purse from the counter.

Opening it up, I pull out the tiniest little reem of glossy paper.

Roman has followed too. “You know, you ought to warn me before you give me large gifts.”

“Sorry, sweetheart,” he rumbles. “Next time. Promise.”

I shake my head. “Lucky for you, I came prepared.” And then I hand him the little slip.

“My gift to you. It isn’t a dog but…”

I hear him unroll the sheet, his breath stuttering. I hold mine, waiting for his response.

“Maddie,” he rumbles, the sound so low and deep, I cock my head. I hope he’s happy. I can’t tell by his tone. We haven’t really talked about kids. It’s been all rehab center and wedding.

Neither of us had the best childhood, but I kind of assumed… “Are you upset?”

“Upset?” he asks, but I still can’t read his voice.

“I know we didn’t plan it, it just kind of happened but…”

His arms come around me and suddenly I’m spinning in the air. Birdie barks excitedly, and from somewhere in the house, I hear Thomasina howl.

“Sweetheart, I’m thrilled.” And then he kisses me, long and slow and sweet. My hands come to his hair as I lose myself in his kiss.

Our family is growing, everyday a new amazing adventure.

I couldn’t be more thrilled…