Epilogue - Cole
“Mama, we’re back!” Liam yells.
I adjust the hat on his head. “The baby might be asleep.”
“I gotta tell Lilah I’m home too,” he argues. “And tell Mama what books to get.”
I chuckle as he runs through the house, not changing out of his Little League uniform as he hunts down Sofia.
Our life together the last two years has made me question everything I thought I was gaining by keeping her away from me.
I’ve never been this happy. I’m proud of my wife for opening her bookstore – now one of the most popular places in town since she chose a location right next to a café.
Liam’s acted like her moving in was expected, like us getting married was a plan, and that the baby is the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
He’s a devoted big brother and couldn’t talk to his little sister enough, even before Lilah was born.
I follow my son and find Sofia rocking our baby in the chair on the back porch.
Liam’s voice is soft and he keeps Lilah’s hand – always curled around one of his fingers in a fist – while telling them both about how they won the game.
“You’re the best pitcher I’ve heard of,” Sofia says with the proud smile that makes me want to tell her I love her and take her back to bed at the same time.
“That’s because Dad is a good coach,” Liam says, looking at me, then he looks at Lilah. “When you can throw, you’re gonna be a pitcher too.”
“I know you’ll teach her really well,” Sofia says before gently kissing his forehead. “Wash up for dinner, okay?”
He nods, tells her he loves her, then heads upstairs. Sofia keeps rocking our little one, then looks over at me expectantly. “I thought you weren’t going to be quiet anymore.”
“She’s sleeping,” I comment.
On cue, Lilah starts fussing. My wife says it’s because our daughter is a daddy’s girl, but I think it’s just because I disturb her comfort. Sofia sighs and bounces our little one before setting her in my arms. She stands up and kisses me slowly.
“Ronnie asked where you were,” I comment. “I told him to stop thinking about you constantly.”
She laughs gently and rubs my lower back – her way of telling me that she’s mine. “He doesn’t want me. He just knows I keep you from running home when I’m out with you.”
“Because when I’m with you I’m home,” I answer as if it’s that easy.
In my mind it is.
She smiles as Lilah calms in my arm, sucking her pacifier while staring at me with her big hazel eyes.
I adjust Lilah into one arm, making sure I have the best possible grip on her while also pulling my wife closer.
She’s given me everything I thought I wouldn’t have.
A family I’m proud of, one I’ll protect endlessly, even if she’s plenty capable herself.
I’ll protect their happiness, their excitement, and them in every way possible.
“You’re sweet,” she hums.
“And if anyone thinks that they can make a pass at you,” I say darkly.
She laughs and kisses me again, this time with a teasing edge. “They’ll learn that I’m very happy and very devoted.”
I press my forehead against hers until Lilah whimpers in my arms. Sofia says she’s hungry and heads inside while I watch from the doorway.
I have an amazing wife, two perfect kids, and even her dad (who constantly questions our relationship) isn’t enough to make me question the choice to propose to her or start our life together.
My wife has given me her entire self, has brought me back to life and made me want to be the best version of myself so I can surprise her, keep our love alive, and keep our children happy.
Giving her a place she loves to come home to, being a dutiful father and husband, lavishing her with affection, flirting, and protection feels like nothing in comparison.
“Are you coming in, Cole?” she asks in that breathy voice that gets me to do anything.
“Whatever you want, sweetheart.”
“The story of our relationship,” she teases.
I grin and settle into another cozy night with the three people I can’t live without and the woman that made me realize how much more there is to life – how many reasons there are to live it to the fullest.