Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
I never should’ve doubted. He cheers and pulls me into his arms again, spinning me around so fast I feel I could take off.
“I love you,” he says, putting me down, “and I love our perfect baby.”
I giggle, happy tears sliding down my cheeks. “Already?”
“Already,” he says confidently, touching my belly. “I’m just happy you’re so irresistible that I forgot to use protection.”
We laugh in the most carefree way together as he leans in for a kiss.
EPILOGUE
LANDON
Eight Years Later
Istand at the back of the bookstore with Evie, the newest addition to our family, sleeping uncharacteristically peacefully in my arms. Jax sits next to me, eagerly watching his mother finish her speech, explaining the experiences that led to her writing her first nonfiction book about social work.
“She’s so cool,” Jax whispers.
I grin down at our son. He grins right back. He’s got his mother’s eyes, with a mop of jet-black hair that reminds me of when I was a kid. Soon, it’s time for signings. Lily told us we didn’t have to hang around for this bit, but it fills me with so much warmth watching as people line up for her signature.
My mind drifts back over our lives so far. Ethan understood when I told him I wanted to leave the firm and start doing more rewarding, selfless work. A couple of years back, we got news that Lily’s dad had passed peacefully in his sleep. Vivian is still as fierce and mother-bear-like as ever.
Further back, my mind goes to the wedding. I broke down like a little kid when I saw her walking down the aisle in a dress made for her curvy figure. Angel, I’ve taken to calling her, and it was never more true than that day.
After around an hour, the crowd thins out. A young lady with a red braid over her shoulder approaches the desk. I lean forward, watching Lily’s reaction. She still has that gorgeous flush that sometimes lights her up, like all her vivaciousness is bursting out of her.
After a brief conversation, Lily stands up, walks around the desk, and hugs the woman.
“Guess who that was?” she says after joining us at the rear of the store.
“Who?”
“Grace,” she says. “From The Row. She wanted to tell me she’s going into social work, too. I inspired her like you inspired me.”
Some people become jaded doing Lily’s work, but not my wife. I lean over and kiss the tears from her cheek. “I’m not surprised you inspired her.”
“You inspire me, Mommy,” Jax sings.
She smiles, reaching down and gently touching his cheek. “I love you so much. All of you. I know it’s been crazy in the lead-up to the book, but—”
“No buts,” I cut in. “Crazy or not, I’ve savored every single second. Every moment with you, Lily. Always.”
“Always,” she repeats, moving in for a kiss, then leaning down to Evie in the baby carrier and gently kissing her on the head.
THE END