Epilogue
“ Happy Anniversary,” Reilly murmured, pressing a kiss to Lynne’s lips before placing a neatly wrapped gift in her hands.
She arched a brow. “I thought we agreed—no gifts.”
He grinned. “I never agreed to that.”
Curious, she unwrapped the package, and her breath caught. “Oh!” Her fingers traced over the sleek Eko CORE 500? Digital Stethoscope . “It’s purple! And it has Dr. McKeegan engraved on it!” She looked up, eyes shining. “Do you know how much this cost?”
“Of course I do. I bought it.” He smirked. “I had fun picking the color. Silver was too boring. But purple? That’s all you.”
She threw her arms around him. “I love it. Thank you.”
Reilly pulled her onto the couch, tucking her against him. “I was terrified that day, driving to your house to tell you I loved you.”
She smiled softly. “It was the best risk you ever took.”
“I’d do it a hundred times over if it meant having you.”
She hesitated, biting her lip.
He frowned. “What is it?”
“I have a present for you too.” She patted the cushion beside her, her expression suddenly nervous.
“Lynne?”
She took a deep breath. “I—we—are going to have a baby.”
For a moment, time stopped.
Then his arms were around her, holding her so tight she could barely breathe. “Are you sure?” His voice was thick with emotion.
“Yes.”
Reilly exhaled shakily. “We are so blessed. Is the timing right for you?”
She nodded. “I’ve hired two more vet techs, and Robert just became a full-fledged veterinarian. I think we’ll go into practice together. Our house is perfect—plenty of space for a family. And one of my biggest regrets used to be that I’d never have your child.” Her voice trembled. “Because no one else would have ever been enough. Only you.”
Emotion clogged his throat. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and whispered, Lord, thank You for this blessing. Keep her safe. Keep them both safe. Amen.
“We’re going to be the best parents,” he promised.
She leaned into him, her hand resting over his heart. “I don’t want to tell anyone just yet. Not until we have to. I don’t want your mother swooping in, claiming her ‘first grandchild.’” She sighed. “I’ve thought about it a lot, and I think she actually believes the lies she tells. Not at first, but eventually, she convinces herself she’s right.”
Reilly tightened his hold on her. “I’ll never let anyone hurt you again. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “How about we go to Potter’s Best to celebrate? Dance while I’m still thin enough?”
Reilly chuckled. “Sounds perfect.”
And as they walked hand in hand toward their future, Reilly knew—without a doubt—that he had everything he’d ever wanted.
Everything he’d ever needed.
And he wasn’t letting go.