EPILOGUE

Three years later

– COSIMA –

My throat clogs up and I place the pregnancy test on the counter. I stare at my reflection and see myself smile while my eyes are filled with unshed tears. Happiness. It's all due to happiness because I'm pregnant for the second time in my life.

I take a deep breath and wipe away the tears that spilled down my cheeks. The test on the counter, along with the box, ends up in the trash can. It's late in the afternoon and I have dinner almost ready in the oven.

Parker is outside with our son, Tomlin, who is a year and two months old. I have a bounce in my step when I head outside. Today is our three-year wedding anniversary. My sister and I got married on the same day.

Collins, a member of the Iron Hot Blood ranch, is ordained and was very willing to come to our ranch and make it happen. The whole getting married on the same day, sisters, getting married to the president and the vice president of the Iron Hot Blood motorcycle club made it even more special.

The first anniversary we had a special get-together with a barbeque, the second year we did the same, but today we all decided to spend the day together. Why? Because my sister is pregnant and is due any day now.

She just went to bed and Rourke is with her since he doesn't leave her out of his sight. Normally they live at the Iron Hot Blood ranch, but Eastlynne is grumpier than ever these days and likes the quiet of her own ranch. Well, she technically signed ownership over to me and Parker two years ago, but my house is hers, so whatever.

I come to a stop on the porch at the sight of Parker who is riding a Longhorn. In front of him is Tomlin who is waving his tiny hands in the air, his face filled with joy. Again, my throat clogs from a truckload of emotions. To see the man I love sharing his passion with our son is amazing.

He keeps telling me how I already complete his life, but being able to create new life together, expanding our love and lives by creating a family of our own is a dream come true. Parker is my dream come true. However, his goal of adding a herd of kids isn't a dream of mine if it involves me popping them out.

Besides, it's not up to us but whatever we're graced with. Tomlin is fourteen months old and we've been trying to get pregnant for almost a year and it took a long time to get pregnant with Tomlin as well. Life isn't as easy as saying yes and moving toward a goal.

It's why the sight before me causes a tear of happiness to slide down my cheek. Yes, I'm overemotional, I can't help it. Even after three years, the love between us has only grown stronger, our relationship keeps evolving, and our goals and dreams expanding.

"Hey," Parker quips and narrows his eyes.

The man hardly misses anything so I tell him, "I'm fine. Really."

"You've been crying and you're crying now. Clearly, you're not fine," the man rumbles.

"I'm pregnant," I blurt both as excuse and the fact that I'm excited to tell him.

His face fills with pure joy. "Yeah?"

I hum and hold out my hands to take Tomlin, who in return leans over to let me pull him off the Longhorn. The first time I saw my husband ride a bull was a sight to behold, and it still is. I have to admit, the thought of riding a bull with such long horns is a bit terrifying.

Parker showed and explained how these amazing animals are intelligent, easy to train, and pleasant to work with. I might not favor riding one but watching my husband ride and train them sure has its perks.

Our son is completely obsessed with all livestock, it's clear he's going to follow in our footsteps as well. I place Tomlin on my hip while Parker takes care of the Longhorn so he can graze in the pasture.

Parker turns to me and frowns. "Should you be carrying him?"

He holds out his hands and Tomlin instantly switches to his daddy.

I roll my eyes. "Don't you start. You didn't want me lifting a finger when I was pregnant with Tomlin, and the second you know we're pregnant again you fire back up the overprotectiveness."

"Totally rational," Parker murmurs and brushes a kiss against my lips. "Dinner ready?"

"Yeah," I sigh dreamily.

Man, I love him. One kiss is never enough and even after years he manages to swoop me off my feet.

Parker chuckles. "Come on, let's eat some food, get this little man to bed, and then spend some time between the sheets ourselves."

Another reason why I love him; head in the gutter, right next to mine.

I shoot him a grin as we stroll toward the house. Inside I take Tomlin and grab the high chair to help wash his hands. I put him in the high chair while Parker is now washing his hands.

Without looking I ask Parker, "Can you take the parmesan chicken out of the oven and put it on the table? I'll grab some plates."

We work side by side to get the table ready and when we're sitting across from one another we simply eat in silence while sending each other heated looks. Sometimes there are no words needed.

Apparently, my sister thinks differently and bellows, "Get him out of me now!"

Parker and I widen our eyes.

Rourke barges into the kitchen with a bewildered look on his face. "It's happening. Right now."

He spins around and leaves just as quickly.

Parker grabs his phone and jabs the screen before placing it against his ear. "Hey, Ma. Can you watch Tomlin for us? I think we're heading to the hospital."

Eastlynne screams and I jump up from the table.

"We might need an escort to the hospital, is Kathleen on duty?" Parker questions.

A sigh rips from him. "I know I asked for her, but anyone will do. Yeah, sure undersheriff, whatever, just get here fast."

"Kathleen at work?" I ask and grab the suitcase Eastlynne packed to take with her to the hospital and place it by the front door.

When I walk back into the kitchen I see Parker taking Tomlin out of the high chair to put him on his hip. "Yeah, we're stuck with the undersheriff."

"Marvin," I reply with a grin.

My sister calls my name and I rush in her direction. Rourke is guiding her out of the hallway and I open the door just in time to see my mother-in-law step out of Marvin's patrol car. She rushes inside to take Tomlin from Parker.

"Keep me updated," she says and I lean in to place a quick kiss on my son's chubby cheek.

"We will. He's ready for his bath and then off to bed," I tell her.

Cassidy ushers me out the door. "Go, go, I got this."

I give her a quick kiss on the cheek as well and jump into the front seat of Parker's truck. Rourke and Eastlynne are in the back. Parker follows the patrol car as we head for the hospital.

"Everything okay?" I quip without looking back.

My sister shoves her head between the two front seats and snarls, "No, happy worm, I'm not. There's a person inside me that wants out and it feels as if he's swimming in circles deciding which way is out and I'm sure my pussy will never be the fucking same ever again."

Rourke chokes on his own saliva and Eastlynne whirls her head his way. "It's all your fault. You and your sperm hitting jackpot with an orgasm that lasted a fragment while I'm gonna be in pain for hours. This was a bad idea. Really, really baaaaaaaaadddddd ouch, motherfucker."

"Cosima is pregnant," Parker suddenly states.

My sister's attention slides to him, the pain still edged on her face as her eyes now slide to mine. "How the fuck do you want to do this all over again when you experienced it once before?"

The corner of my mouth twitches. "Let's finish that discussion once you're holding your little one."

She falls into Rourke's arms and he gently rubs her back while everyone falls silent until we reach the hospital. They usher her away while Parker and I wait in the waiting room. Hours later, when it's early morning, we finally get the news that Rourke and Eastlynne's son is born.

Both are healthy and are resting. When we're allowed to visit, I can see for myself how my sister looks bone tired, but the smile on her face as she stares down at her son is priceless.

"That's how I can do it again," I tell her.

My sister's gaze collides with mine.

She nods. "I get it, but I also get waiting till the time is right. I'm happy you're pregnant, and I'm even more happy I'm not anymore. This little bundle here was a weight to carry around and one hell of a pain to put on this earth. Right now, though? The weight of him has shifted and it feels like it's now pressing on my shoulders in the way of responsibility. Scary as fuck."

Rourke leans in and brushes a kiss against her temple. "That's why we have a huge brotherhood filled with family, blood or no blood. We all carry that burden to lighten the load. Jensen here already has a load of brothers, and many more to come."

"Damn right," Parker rumbles and places a protective hand over my belly.

I lean back and cover his hand with mine. My heart is overflowing with love and gratitude for the life we're all graced with. Through havoc and smiles, heavy burdens, and painful events, we're there for one another no matter what.

That prospect opens doors for new adventures, and I personally can't wait to see what the future might hold. Besides giving birth in about seven months from now.