Epilogue

Bryce descended the stairs after putting Leah to bed and joined Luke on the couch. He wrapped his arm around her and drew her close, planting a gentle kiss on her temple. He was always so romantic. She rested her head on his shoulder and let out a content sigh.

"What was that for?" he murmured.

"I'm just so grateful, Luke. My life has completely changed since giving birth. I met you, found a job I love, and made wonderful friends. I am in love with this town, but my love for you surpasses it all."

"I'm glad you chose my driveway, Bryce." He grinned.

"Me too. It was destiny," she said.

"I think so too." He winked at Bryce but frowned when they heard Leah crying.

"I'll go get her. I think she might be teething again."

"I can get her, and you can grab her teething ring."

Bryce nodded, stood up, and headed upstairs to the nursery. They had moved into Luke's house a few months ago, and he had surprised her by painting Leah's room a soft pink with all white furniture and accents.

She opened the door and laughed as she saw Leah standing in her crib holding onto the top of the rail.

"You're trying to trick me, aren't you Leah Grace?" She knew she was right when Leah giggled and clapped her hands before falling back onto her butt.

"Mama," Leah said and reached up for Bryce to pick her up, but as soon as she saw Luke enter the room carrying the teething ring, she squealed with excitement.

"I don't know if she's happy to see me or the teething ring." Luke chuckled and froze in place as Leah reached for him and said, "Dada."

"Did she just call me dada?" Luke asked with a choked voice. He slowly made his way to her.

"She did." Bryce looked at Luke and saw tears in his eyes.

Luke gazed at Leah. "I am your dada, baby girl."

"Mommy and Daddy love you so much," Bryce said with tears streaming down her face.

Leah smiled at her, then reached for Luke. He handed the teething ring to Bryce, lifted Leah from her crib, held her close to his chest, and kissed the top of her head.

"You are such a clever little girl. We may not understand most of what you say, but that's okay. You can say whatever you want, sweetheart."

Luke planted a kiss on Bryce's lips. "I love you both so much."

"We love you too." Bryce smiled. "Let's bring her downstairs with us. I'll bring her back up here when she falls asleep."

In the living room, Bryce placed Leah on the floor and watched as she crawled toward the couch before pulling herself up and beaming at them.

"I think she's proud of herself," Luke remarked.

"She certainly looks like it," Bryce agreed.

Luke cleared his throat. "I don't know what I did in my life to deserve both of you, but whatever it was, I'm glad I did it."

"I feel the same way." Bryce caressed his cheek. "Next year, I want to have another baby with you."

"That would make me very happy." He nuzzled her neck. "We'll practice a lot," he teased before grunting when she playfully elbowed him and laughed.

"I agree. We'll definitely practice. A lot ."

****

Luke's lips met hers in a tender kiss before he turned his gaze to Leah. His heart swelled with an indescribable love for both of them. He never thought he would settle down, but now he couldn't imagine life without them.

As Leah looked at him, he couldn't resist flashing her a grin and a wink, causing her to giggle. She plopped down on her butt and crawled toward him, using the legs of his jeans as leverage to pull herself up. Luke bent down and scooped her into his arms, pressing a kiss to her downy soft hair before enveloping her in a warm hug.

"I love you so much, baby girl," he whispered.

Leah responded by patting his cheeks with her tiny hands and babbling incoherently. Luke sat down on the sofa with her, joining in on the one-sided conversation. Every time she pointed and said something, he would look where she was pointing and nod in agreement. He glanced over at Bryce and shrugged.

"I have no idea what she's saying, but it sounds important."

Bryce chuckled and settled down beside them. "Just remember that when a woman talks."

"I'm not stupid. A friend of mine once told me that a woman is always right, even when she's not."

"Your friend sounds like a wise man."

"He is." Luke let out a contented sigh. "Life will never be dull with either of you. And just so we're clear, Leah is not allowed to date until she's thirty. And every time a boy comes to pick her up, I'll be wearing my holster."

Bryce laughed then grew serious. "We're going to have an amazing life together. It can only get better from here."

Luke leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. "I couldn't agree more. I love you, baby. Always."

"I love you too. Always."

He shook his head, earning a curious frown from Bryce. "Love makes us say some sappy shit, doesn't it?"

She laughed and nodded. "It sure does, but I don't mind being sappy with my man."

"And I love hearing it." He glanced at little Leah, who had fallen asleep in his arms. "I'll take her up to bed. Why don't you meet me in the tub? It's been a long day."

"I'll be waiting." Bryce stood up, giving him a teasing smile before heading upstairs.

As Luke carried Leah to her bedroom and gently placed her in her crib, he stared at her. "I promise to get you a brother or sister. Maybe one of each."

"Hey," Bryce's voice interrupted his thoughts as she appeared behind him, completely naked. He strode toward her, pulled her against him, and took her lips in a deep kiss, then slowly lifted his lips, making them cling together, then he picked her up.

"That bath will have to wait," he said with a grin as Bryce laughed.

He carried her to their bedroom and placed her on the bed before stripping off his own clothes and joining her. Yeah, that bath could definitely wait.

* * * The End * * *