Epilogue
epilogue
Olivia
T he Christmas catalog was a success and brought in more orders than the sales team anticipated. We had to hire additional people for sewing and distribution. One of the biggest sellers? The bridal and wedding night collection Gabe designed.
I haven’t found my place yet at Angel Night. As much as I’ve come to enjoy modeling, I don’t want that to be the only thing I can do. So I’m learning from the ground up, just like Gabe did when he was a boy. I’m currently working with housekeeping.
I love the stories some of the long-time employees tell about the younger Gabe, even though he claims many of them stretch the truth. This company really is just a big family who have accepted me with open arms and loving hearts.
I can’t wait to share our special day with all of them next spring. I’m half tempted to invite Abbot. It was because of her that Gabe and I met. But I won’t. No bitches allowed on my happy day.
Gabe’s been doing more designing as the company plans to expand our offerings to include casual and exercise clothing. And some creative accessories styled for plus sized women and girls.
Tonight is Christmas Eve and Gabe and I are creating new traditions. One of my favorites is honoring his mother’s memory by having a decorated tree in every room. There’s even one up on the rooftop. And of course there’s mistletoe hanging in every doorway.
His family always opened gifts on the eve then had Santa presents on Christmas morning. My family had our meager celebration all on Christmas Day. I’m happily adopting his tradition and had so much fun finding small items to overfill his stocking.
The weather’s been mild this late winter so after we open our presents to each other we head up to the roof for s’mores and cuddling in front of the fireplace.
Once we’re sticky from the chocolate and melty marshmallows, he pulls me onto his lap as we sit in front of the fire with a thick quilt wrapped around our shoulders. Even in the winter I love it up here and we spend as much time on the roof as possible.
“Gabriel,” I start.
“Did you realize that about the only time you call me Gabriel is during sex? We’re not having sex now, so what’s up?”
“Maybe I’m thinking about sex. Like the kind we have when we forget to use condoms.”
“I could get into that, baby girl.” He slides his hand under my sweater to brush his thumb over my nipple. “Ah, there’s my responsive girl.”
I cover his hand with mine. “I need to ask you something first.”
His palm moves in soft circles. “Okay.”
“For the next catalog, do you think we could design some lingerie for pregnant women? They deserve to feel sexy, too.”
“That’s a good idea. Let’s bring it up at the next design meeting.”
“And when it comes time for the catalog…” The movement of his hand is driving me crazy and I press my tender nipple harder into his palm. “For the spring catalog, I’ll be more than willing to model the new line.”
“I thought you didn’t want to mod—.” His eyes go wide. “Livi? What are you saying?”
I grin. “Oh, only that by the time we need to start photographing for the next catalog, I’ll be the perfect model for the mother-to-be lingerie.”
“You’re—?” Hope blossoms in his eyes.
“Yes, we are.”
His kiss is hard and gentle at the same time and he moves his hand from my breast to just below my navel. Lifting his head, he shouts, disturbing the pigeons huddled on the neighboring roof.
“We’re having a baby!”