9. Epilogue - Mimi
Two Years Later
"Der-der!" Nora's little voice babbles to her Uncle Dean, who holds her tiny hand out in his loaded with reindeer feed.
Clint pulls me toward him, tucking me under his arm as we watch a baby reindeer lick at our fifteen-month-old daughter's hand.
Dean's wife and my new sister-in-law, Mary, takes a video, and our nieces and nephews all crowd around giving Nora instructions on the best way to do it.
Nora's little peals of laughter make us all crack up.
Everybody is smitten with our little angel.
I can't believe two years ago, I was waiting for my life to change, and it all happened in a split second when a big mountain man barreled into my campsite.
And boy has it changed. I apparently needed to pay closer attention in health class, because I was definitely ovulating that weekend.
Clint is convinced we conceived our first time together, but I stayed with him for an extra two days at The Palmer after he checked in with his bosses, and my V-card spontaneously combusted by the end.
We haven't been apart a single night since we met.
Clint moved into my apartment the weekend after we got home.
His lease was up first, and he had practically nothing but his clothes, so it was easier for him to move.
When he told me he pretty much lived at work, I thought he was exaggerating, but the only thing in his fridge was a bottle of water and an apple.
He had been sleeping on a blow-up mattress for two years.
Now, he spends as much time at home as possible.
We had already planned to get married at his parents’ farm the following year, but when we realized Nora was on the way, we got married at the courthouse, after promising his family they could still throw us a huge party to celebrate.
Pierce and Dante served as our witnesses, and then we went to dinner and cut a purple velvet cake that was the most delicious dessert I have ever eaten.
A few months later, Clint's family pulled out all the stops for us with a big tent, dance floor, and included every person from Grand Falls.
Clint's sister, Jenn, even decorated some sneakers with sparkles and lace so my swollen pregnant feet could last longer, and then they recreated the purple velvet cake with a beautiful topping of fresh blueberries and blackberries from their garden. It was perfect.
Barely five months later, we became parents.
If I thought I couldn't love Clint any more than I already did, Nora proved me dead wrong.
She didn't sleep more than two hours at a time for the first three months, and Clint's reserved calm was like baby catnip.
Billings Corp. offers free daycare as part of the company perks, so we have childcare available when I pick up freelance jobs, and I've been able to stay home with her part-time as well.
Clint is the best husband and father I could have imagined. I like to think he was heaven sent.
As if sensing my thoughts, he leans over and kisses my temple.
Getting up on my tiptoes, I kiss his neck and then snuggle into his warmth.
The smell of hay, sweet and earthy, permeates the barn.
We've visited at least once a month since we got married, and more often since Nora was born.
It feels like home away from home for all three of us now.
Clint's mom pulled me aside after the first few visits and thanked me for bringing her son home again.
We cried. She taught me to make biscuits. It was magical.
Clint hums against my cheek. "Seems she's pretty well occupied. What do you say we slip out and make her a little brother or sister?"
I bite my lip and pretend to contemplate his idea. "Yes, that would be fun. Now, I may have lapsed a bit in reproductive knowledge, but I do remember that you can't get pregnant if you're already pregnant."
Clint pulls back and looks at me in disbelief. I grin up at him as a slow smile brightens his handsome face.
"Yes!" He pumps his fist and then scoops me up in a huge bear hug. I laugh as he swings me around before carefully putting me back on my feet. Clint's large hand cups my face, and he kisses me hard, his tongue clashing with mine, and a rush of desire soaks my panties.
He pulls back and looks at me in concern. "How are you feeling? Are you sick at all? Do you need to go lie down?" My first pregnancy was pretty tame, but he loved spoiling me and making sure my feet were never sore.
"Hmm, I'm only about seven weeks, and no symptoms yet.
" I kiss his hand, and he grins at me, entirely too pleased with his fertile seed.
I roll my eyes, but can't help but grin back at him.
I will drop my panties for this man anytime.
I trace a finger up his shirt. "Maybe it wouldn't hurt to try one more time.
Just to make sure I'm super extra pregnant. "
I grab his hand and lead him out of the barn, and he swats at my butt as I race up the big steps to the main house. Clint catches me right outside the front door and dips me back, gazing lovingly into my eyes. "I love you, Mimi Mitchell."
I grin. He says my new full name as often as possible. I gaze up into his ridiculously handsome face and kiss him with all the love in my heart.
"I love you, my mystery mountain man."