15. Epilogue
Spencer
My bottom lip begins to wobble as I look at my mother holding Amery and Chucky. Chucky recently turned one and it still boggles my mind that it’s already been a year since he was born! It feels like it only just happened yesterday.
The only time I’ve been away from the kids is to go to work. Cade has cut back his hours at the grocery store. As much as he adored his job as a manager there, he’s enjoying being a dad even more. He’s at home with the kids while I’m at work at the school and then we swap so he can work weekends at the grocery store. We’ve found a really perfect balance.
I never imagined life would be like this but somehow in the span of two years I’ve gotten myself a mate and a family. I feel blessed beyond words.
Which brings us to today. As an anniversary present, my parents have gifted Cade and I a weekend away. Well, away as in booking us a hotel room on the other side of town. Can I handle being away from the kids for an entire weekend? What if something happens? What if I miss something while I'm gone? Will they be okay without me?
“I can see the look on your face,” my mom says with a knowing smile. “They’ll be fine, Spencer. You have to make time for you and Cade. You’re more than just a dad.”
“I know that. But still, I’ll miss them,” I admit softly. I’ll only be gone for two days but I’m going to miss having them attached to my hip so much!
My mother puts the kids down and they immediately run away towards the room my parents have just for them filled with toys. They know exactly where my parents keep all the best play things. They’ve already got my parents wrapped around their tiny fingers. When did they get so old? When people used to tell me kids grew faster than you realize, I didn’t think they meant it quite like this!
“I was the same way,” she says, leaning forward and kissing my forehead. Her scent washes over me, that familial bond helping soothe some of my anxiety. “If anything happens, you’re a phone call away. And you’re only staying in a hotel in town. You’ll be here in like ten minutes if there’s an emergency. Go. Enjoy yourself and that wonderful mate of yours.”
I look across the living room where Cade is talking to my dad. I can’t help but smile. “He is pretty wonderful, isn’t he?”
My mom squeezes my shoulder, hiding her giggle behind her hand. “If you keep looking at him like that, you’ll be coming back from vacation with more grandbabies for us.”
“Mom!”
She giggles so hard tears start to fill her eyes. I cross my arms over my chest, huffing with fake annoyance. I hate to admit it but she’s not far off. I wouldn’t mind having a couple more kittens or calves if Cade is up for it.
I take my time saying bye to the kids who are not paying attention even a little bit, too caught up in the toys that their grandparents have for them. I’ve been so worried they’d be upset by us leaving but apparently we’re chopped liver compared to the race car track my dad recently bought for them. With one more hug to my mom and dad, we’re on our way out the door. Cade waves at my parents before we’re getting into the car.
For a moment, we both just sit there, like we’re both doing our best to process the fact that our car is child free.
“Why is this so hard?” I whisper, turning my giant sad eyes towards my mate.
Cade turns towards me, giving me a soft smile. He cups my cheek and I lean into the touch. “Your heart is so soft. It’s one of the many things I love about you, Spencer.” I turn my head and bite his palm gently, making both of us chuckle. “This is supposed to be a fun little staycation,” Cade says softly. “It’s our anniversary so the decision is completely up to us how we spend it. If you really hate this, we don’t have to go. We can grab the kids and head back home for the weekend instead.”
I think about it for a long moment. I grip Cade’s wrist, giving it a squeeze. “No. I want to go. I want to order room service and experience the soft robe and have hot hotel sex.”
“Excellent choice,” he says with a laugh. “Especially that last thing. I’m a big fan.”
“Of course you are,” I say with a shake of my head. “Maybe this vacation, we’ll leave without all the life changing news that we had during our last vacation.”
“I don’t think we’ll ever top meeting our mate and both finding ourselves pregnant but we can certainly try. Kinda sounds like a challenge.”
I snort with amusement. “Don’t push your luck.” I pat his thigh. “Let’s go, Cade. Whisker me away.”
The End