Epilogue - Gage

I park the truck, grab the treats for my girls and the bag of groceries Darla insisted she had to have. I still can’t fathom why on earth she would need anything from the grocery store. We’ve made six trips this week. Six!

I tried to talk her into having Thanksgiving catered. But she wouldn’t hear of it. My wife is stubborn.

Wife .

I smile as I look at the gold band sitting on my left ring finger. The night after I slipped the diamond on her hand, we were standing in front of a Justice of the Peace. “I’ve waited a lifetime for you, Gage Harlow,” she said. “I’m not waiting one more day.”

“But you’ve only had the diamond for one night. That’s the shortest engagement in history.”

“One night with your diamond on my hand is all I need. I want to add a wedding band as soon as possible.”

How could I say no?

What my wife wants, she gets. Which is why I’m walking up the front steps of our new six bedroom, four bath oversized Garrison complete with a Farmer’s porch sitting on ten acres of land. My next purchase is going to be a John Deere riding mower. Because there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell I’m pushing a mower around this yard.

I kick of my shoes, hang up my jacket and head for the kitchen. When I hit the doorjamb, I stop dead in my tracks. The granite countertops are littered with mixing bowls. There are also crumpled wads of paper towels, tipped over spice jars, unwrapped sticks of butter and a hundred kitchen tools I’ve never seen before in my life.

It’s a mess.

Lilah’s standing on a kitchen chair, her hands kneading feverishly into a wad of dough as puffs of flour rise into the air. Darla’s at the kitchen sink peeling potatoes singing at the top of her lungs.

My throat closes and my eyes sting.

“How much longer do I do this, mummy?” Lilah is so in the zone she doesn’t even see me. She bites down on her bottom lip, using her shoulders for leverage.

“Another minute, peanut.”

“Do you think daddy will like our fresh-baked rolls?”

“Sweetheart, your daddy is going to love them.”

“What if they don’t rise right?”

“Your father won’t care. He’ll eat them because they’re made with love.”

My chest tightens as I realize this must be what heaven looks like.

“Hey, daddy!”

I snap to and wipe the mist from my eye. “Hey, you.” I kiss Lilah’s cheek. “Whatcha making?”

“Homemade bread rolls for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving dinner.” Her blue eyes twinkle. “Did you bring us a prize?”

“Don’t I always?”

“I love surprises.”

“I love you.” I kiss her again.

“Hey, what about us?” Darla turns to the side, sticking her small baby bump out. “We’d like some lovin’.”

“Coming up.” I set the bags down, wrap one arm around her and rest a hand on her belly, giving her a kiss. “How’s that?”

“More.” She sighs. “Give me more.”

I kiss her again. “You look beautiful.”

“I’m covered in flour, sweaty and in desperate need of a shower.” She rolls her eyes.

“All I see is your beauty, baby.” I nuzzle her neck. “But if you want to shower, I’ll wash your back.”

“Hmmm...that sounds perfect.”

I start to pull away when I feel a small thump under my palm. I hold my breath and look down at her belly. “Is that…”

She rests her hand across mine and pushes in gently. “I think your son might be a kicker.” She smiles up at me. “Are you going to be okay if he’s a football player?”

I can’t speak as I feel my child move again.

“Baby…” Darla drags a thumb across my cheek. “You’re crying.”

“I am?” I swipe my fingers across wetness rolling down my face. “I am, aren’t I?”

“Daddy!” Lila jumps off he chair and runs to me. “Don’t cry.”

“These are happy tears, baby.” I kiss the top of her head. “Very happy tears.”

“Like the tears I cry at the end of Cinderella when she marries the prince?”

“It’s exactly like that.” I stare into Darla’s eyes. “I have my princesses and all the love in the world.”

I hold my family close thankful for my good fortune.

I have a witty, intelligent, incorrigible daughter.

A beautiful, smart, sometimes sassy wife.

A baby on the way.

I have it all.

The best happily ever after ever written.

Thank you for reading this novella. There is nothing we love more than creating a story with the perfect happily ever after!

Our next novella will be Worth The Price. Meet Brooke Jenkins and the billionaire, Cal Hauser, who steals her heart. We look forward to sharing it with you!