Epilogue - Dawson
Five Years Later
“Uncle Warren, can you read to us?” My four-year-old son, Jason, asks. His two-year-old twin sisters nod their heads in agreement.
Dean closed the bar for Easter Sunday. All our friends, family, and anyone else who doesn’t have a place to go gather to celebrate the day together. It’s become a tradition—so has Warren reading the children a story.
“That’s probably not a good idea.” I ruffle my son’s honey blonde hair.
“But why? I’m tired, and Uncle Warren’s voice makes me fall asleep.”
It’s been a long day, I’m sure all the kids are tired after the Easter egg hunt, but how do I explain to a room full of kids that even though Warren’s voice is soothing and puts them to sleep, it has a different effect on their mothers?
“How about if I read the story today?” Dean steps in, takes the book from Jason, sits down on the foam mats he brought in especially for naptime, and starts reading as the children fall asleep one by one.
“Why are you so worried about Warren reading the story?” Esme loops her arm through mine and whispers in my ear.
“I know how women get when they hear Warren’s voice reading a story, and the baby is only nine months old.”
“Are you afraid your super sperm is going to get me pregnant again so quickly?” Her warm breath caresses my ear.
I glance over at our sleeping children, then back to her, “It certainly does seem super.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about knocking me up, since I’m already pregnant again.”
“What?” I yell a little too loudly, making a few of the sleeping children stir. Lowering my voice, I whisper, “How far along are you?”
“Not far enough along that we can’t sneak off to Dean’s office while the kids are distracted.”
“I love you, Esme.” I pick her up in my arms and kiss her lips as I carry her to Dean’s office, praying that it’s not already occupied.
“I love you too, Dawson.” She wraps her arms around my neck, kissing me back.
Dean glances up from the book he’s reading as I walk by with Esme in my arms, “Lainey, have the bleach ready, they're headed for my office.”
-The End-
Mountain Man’s Secret Crush – Junie I can’t imagine dating anyone else. Still, I don’t want to hurt David’s feelings.
“I’m sorry, David. I already have a date.” It’s not exactly a lie. As soon as Brooks picks up his cookies, I’m going to ask him out.
“I figured. A woman as pretty as you probably has all the guys falling at your feet.” With a sad smile, he places his order.
Still in shock over his sweet comment, I go through the motions of collecting his payment and giving him his change before he steps aside, waiting for Brynnlee to finish boxing his order.
My heart races when I see Brooks and Molly step to the front of the line. I was so busy trying not to hurt David’s feelings I didn’t notice them come in. But before I can say anything, Cassi Martin, with her perfect hair and perfect body, steps in front of Brooks, stopping his movements.
“Brooks, hon, I was wondering if you'd like to go to the summer festival with me tomorrow.” Her perfect fake eyelashes flutter prettily as she waits for his answer.
I can’t take my eyes off Brooks, even holding my breath, waiting for his answer. Out of the corner of my eye, I think I see Molly shake her head and pull on his arm.
The silence stretches out, making my heart thump so loudly that I’m almost sure the entire room can hear it racing, until the one word I never thought could tear my world apart escapes from Brook’s mouth.
“Sure.”