Epilogue
LYNAE
OVER FIVE YEARS LATER
I look out at the lake, where Ryker is playing with our children as they dance around his legs, splashing water at him. Jared holds his sister’s hand since she’s only three and her vest makes it harder for her to move around in. Having been in swim lessons since he was six months old, he doesn’t need a vest at the lake’s edge. But we make him wear one when he goes to the dock as the water is deeper there.
Jared has no lasting effects from being born early. In fact, he’s bigger than most of the kids in his preschool class and will be starting kindergarten this fall. I’m not currently teaching, but I help as a substitute when they need it. I enjoy being home with my kiddos.
Ryker had insisted I see the same counselor Coral did after her ordeal. It’s helped me get over a lot of the trauma. I still don’t like to be away from Ryker for too long. During my pregnancy with Ester, I suffered from panic attacks and wouldn’t leave the house without him. I was terrified someone might try to take her from me too. Thankfully, those fears have eased, but a part of me still holds on to that anxiety.
My husband turns to look up at me and waves. I stand from the lounger I’ve been relaxing on and rub my hand across my blossoming belly, where our youngest is “still baking,” as Ryker calls it. This pregnancy has been less frightening than the last. I’m applying the tools my counselor taught me, focusing on the good. My family is healthy, and I’m loved like I’ve never been before. Ryker makes sure, every day, to tell me over and over that he loves me. He includes me in every decision and makes us his priority.
I think of everything my grammy and poppy tried to teach me and strive to live each day fully.
The End