Both Sides Now (Seasoned Hearts Club)

Epilogue

CALLISTA

FIFTEEN MONTHS LATER …

T here’s a bite to the air. Winter is showing her face early this year, even by Hudson Valley standards.

But despite the chill, it’s good to be back.

Keegan parks the Jeep and clasps my hand, bringing it to his lips. “Are you okay?”

I lean across the interior, drawing him into a deep kiss. “As long as you’re by my side, I’m fabulous.”

Understatement of the century. With Keegan Russo, my life is perfect.

He grins, locking me in the moment before gesturing out the window. “Go ahead. I’ll be right there.”

Popping out of the Jeep, I grab the enormous mixed bouquet from the backseat and begin my journey up the gentle incline. It’s a trip I’ve taken countless times over the past few years, but it’s been several months since my last visit.

I’m reasonably sure Charlie understands.

As per custom, I kneel by his stone, brushing away the late-season pollen and fallen leaves .

“Winter has arrived early this year, my darling Charlie. But I know you’re warm where you are.”

I replace the wilted bouquet with the newly purchased one, grateful for Shawn and Suzanne’s religious pilgrimage to his grave every month. Per my request, they leave a bouquet so that the world will know this man was loved. They’ve never missed a visit.

“Sorry I haven’t been around. It’s been a busy year. Keegan’s practice has taken off, I opened a new wellness center, and we’re settling into our new home. There have been so many exciting events these past months.”

“Can’t forget what has been taking up most of our time,” Keegan states behind me, and I turn, a smile stretching across my face as I take our son into my arms.

I rest him on my knee and place his tiny hand against the cool marble. “You know how you told me that you hoped I had a houseful of kids to keep me up all night? We didn’t need a houseful. One is doing the job brilliantly. This is our son. His name is Oliver Charles Russo. A part of you lives on through him, and I hope you’ll bless his life just as you blessed mine.”

Keegan helps me to a standing position, pulling both Oliver and me close to his chest.

There’s such a comfort in this man’s arms. No wonder I spend so much time here.

“You already know Keegan. He’s the most amazing man, and I did as you said. I held on and refused to let him go. Now,” I flash my rings at the stone, “he’s stuck with me. And considering I’m pregnant again?—”

“You’re what?” Keegan’s mouth drops open, his face awash with shock.

I giggle at my husband’s expression. Although the man knows me inside and out, I managed to keep this bit of news a secret. “I thought I’d surprise you. Looks like it worked. We’re having another baby. ”

He chuckles and shakes his head, tipping my chin up to kiss me hard. “What can I say? When I’m tasked with something, I give it my all.”

“You certainly do. I guess you really are the Baby Maker. I know it’s soon, but are you okay with the news?”

We weren’t planning on another child so soon, but then again, we didn’t plan on getting pregnant with Oliver so soon, either.

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you never expect.

Let’s hope my husband agrees.

“Calli, I’m thrilled. Ollie needs a brother or sister to pick on. Besides, sleep is highly overrated.”

Despite his former belief that fatherhood wasn’t meant for him, the man took to it like a duck to water. He’s a devoted dad and the greatest husband this side of heaven.

A breeze rustles through the trees, and Ollie grumbles in his father’s arms. The wind is too much for his liking. Besides, he’s overdue for his nap. Hopefully he’ll catch up on some sleep when we get to Shawn and Suzanne’s house, or it will be an interesting evening.

Teething and tiredness are not a good combination.

“I’m taking him back to the Jeep. Take your time.”

I watch him settle Oliver in the Jeep before turning my attention back to Charlie’s stone. Losing my first husband will always be painful, but I’m now able to celebrate all the ways he lived life to the fullest. All the ways he brought me to life, even from beyond the grave.

Part of me believes that he ensured Keegan and I found our way to one other, and for that gift, I’m forever grateful. “I’ll love you forever, my darling Charlie. You’ll never be forgotten, so long as I breathe. My children will know all about the first man who held my heart, and I’ll see you again one day.” I wipe the tears from my eyes, smiling at the colorful flowers highlighting the stonework. “I hope you’re okay with the fact that I’ve found a new love. A new life. Keegan is such a good man, and I adore him. I plan on adoring him for the rest of my life. I just hope you aren’t angry.”

With a last kiss in his grave’s direction, I turn toward the Jeep, snuggling deep into my coat.

I pray he’s happy for me. Charlie never wanted anyone unhappy, least of all the woman he loved. Still, a sign would be most welcome—his blessing on my new life.

The clouds part, as a sunbeam shines down where I’m standing, and the tears start anew. I have my answer.

Thanks, darling.

THE END