Epilogue
One month later
Hudson nuzzled against Layton as the team gathered in Wyatt and Callie’s backyard for a BBQ. She looked pretty as hell tonight, her face glowing, her bump showing in the clingy dress she wore. His woman looked good. Too good. He’d told her as much that morning before he’d made love to her slow and sweet in bed. Their bed. Hudson had told her to ride him, and he’d slowly thrust upwards, making her beg and moan for more. He’d taken her in the shower afterward, pressing her against the tiles as they’d made love before spreading her legs and feasting on her swollen folds, driving her absolutely out of her mind. She was sensitive everywhere now, and he loved discovering new ways to drive her wild.
“You kids look good together!” Sawyer joked as he sauntered over, a beer in hand. “And your soon-to-be wifey looks pretty happy,” he told Hudson.
“We’re both happy as hell,” Hudson said.
Wyatt waved hello from the grill he was manning, and Callie moved around the yard greeting everyone. The scent of grilled food wafted through the air, and Hudson’s stomach rumbled.
“How’s the wedding planning going?” Callie asked as she walked over.
“Good. We want to get married before the baby arrives, so it’ll be a small ceremony on the beach.”
“That sounds absolutely perfect,” Callie said.
“Look at you!” Alexa gushed as she rushed over, dragging Austin along with her. He was still carrying the food they’d brought but smiled as Alexa held onto his hand. “You look beautiful, Layton! We have to set up a photoshoot soon. It’ll be a combo of engagement and maternity photos. Eeek! I can’t wait. You seriously look amazing.”
“Thank you. I’m really starting to show now.”
“No doubt she’s pregnant,” Hudson joked, affectionately resting his hand on her belly. He’d felt the baby move for the first time the other day, and he was in complete awe of the life growing inside her. The life they’d made. It had only taken one night of passion, but it had changed both of their lives forever.
“That was some secret you kept from us,” Sawyer quipped, nodding at Hudson and Layton. “You knocked her up, and then Layton showed up a month later pregnant. What a story you’ll have to tell your kid,” he joked.
“Or not,” Layton said. “That part might be our little secret.”
The group walked over to the patio table, currently overflowing with food. Chips, fruit salad, desserts, and snacks took up nearly the entire space. “Leave some room for the burgers!” Wyatt called out. Callie grabbed an empty platter to save a spot and attempted to rearrange a few things.
More greetings were called out as the others arrived, coming into the backyard with even more food and drinks. Layton looked around, realizing how happy she was. She had a new fiancé. A baby on the way. Friends who were becoming more like family. There wasn’t much more she could ask for. Hearing Caroline’s excited shriek, she looked further into the yard to see her daughter running around. The bubble machine that Wyatt and Callie had purchased was filling the lawn with translucent bubbles, and her daughter seemed to be having the time of her life. It was hard to believe that Layton had fled her old life thousands of miles away to find a perfect new life here. She was exactly where she belonged.
Hudson squeezed her hand, ducking down for a quick kiss. “I love you,” he said huskily, nothing but warmth and affection in his eyes.
“I love you, too,” she said, beaming back at him.
Aaron frowned as he walked over with Emersyn a moment later, scanning the backyard. His sister Avery had just flown in a week ago for a vacation, and they knew he was hoping to visit with her some more. Layton, Hudson, and Caroline had joined them for dinner the other night. Avery was a nurse but volunteered with Doctors Without Borders, something Aaron was unhappy about due to the inherent danger.
“I thought Avery was coming tonight,” Aaron said. “She wanted to see us again before she had to fly back home. I wonder where she is.”
Ryan cleared his throat, looking slightly tense. “Sorry, man, but she’s gone. She took the job. Avery flew to South America this morning.”
Thank you so much for reading Hudson and Layton’s story!