Epilogue
ANGELICA
1 year later, Christmas Eve
“ H i Dad.” I put the phone on speaker and set it on a stack of paint in the workshop while I finish a Peter Rabbit design on a set of drawers for Lilly and Shane’s baby.
“I’m running a little late, muffin, but we’ll be there around teatime.”
I brush the matte varnish onto the face of the drawer. “No problem. Did you enjoy Scotland?”
Lorraine cuts in. “We did. It was lovely spending time with my son and his family.”
“Speaking of family,” Dad says. “Any news?”
“When I have news, Dad, you’ll be the first to know.” My stomach flutters. I know it’s just gas from the beans on toast I ate earlier. It’s too early to feel any movement. “I gotta go. I’m finishing a commission. See you later.”
“Love you, muffin.”
“Love you, sweetie,” Lorraine calls.
“Love you guys, drive safe.” I end the call and brush the last bit of varnish onto the corner, then stand back and admire my work.
I place my hand on my stomach, excited that I’ll finally get to make up a load of nursery furniture of my own in the New Year. Sawyer and I want to tell Dad and Lorraine in person, so wanted to wait until they’re back from Scotland.
After deciding not to take the morning-after pill this time last year, I was kinda disappointed when I came on my period a few weeks later, but Sawyer made me promise that if I wasn’t already pregnant, we’d wait until we were married before trying again.
My platinum wedding band catches the light as I step out of the workshop Sawyer built for me, and I inhale the pine from the trees. When my upcycling business grew, he said I should have my own space here at the cabin, as the garage wasn’t big enough.
Water on the lake gently breaks against the shore, the breeze whispers through the trees and whips my blonde and brunette hair from my face, wrapping around me as if Mum’s spirit is a part of the nature surrounding this place and is letting me know she’s here watching over me.
I couldn’t leave the cabin. Dad never liked it here after Mum’s accident and sold it to us so he and Lorraine could buy a place of their own and start a fresh.
It’s just as well, as I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else or raising a family anywhere but here.
Warmth hits me when I walk through the back door. The aroma of roast turkey filling the open-plan space. “Something smells good.”
Sawyer pushes off the mantel. “Are you all finished?”
I nod. “Were you just talking to the wooden deer?”
He shrugs a shoulder. “Me and Blitzen have bonded. You shouldn’t eavesdrop on other people’s conversations.”
“He’s a deer. A dead one.” I shake my head. “He was never alive. He’s made of wood.”
“Now you’re hurting his feelings.” He chuckles and takes a few steps towards me, wrapping me up in his arms.
“So what does Blitzen have to say for himself?” I gaze up at my husband, lost in his dark brown eyes.
“He suggested I get my wife to make me a cuppa after my shopping trip.”
I peer around his frame at the bags on the floor. “Did you get everything you needed?”
His hands slide to my bottom and he hikes me up and lifts me over his shoulder. “You’re not getting a peek at what’s in those bags until tomorrow morning.”
My jaw drops when I see a huge teddy bear poking out of a gift bag. “Oh my goodness, you got me a new teddy.”
He sets me down in the kitchen. “Don’t you go getting any ideas about defiling Captain Cuddles. He’s for the baby.” His hand moves to my belly and I place my palms over his. “How have you been today?”
“A little nauseous, but nothing a ginger biscuit didn’t sort out.” My stomach flutters again like it does every time Sawyer places his hand there.
He kneels on the kitchen floor and presses a kiss to my belly. “Your mama’s gonna turn into a ginger biscuit at this rate.” He lifts my shirt and pulls my leggings down under my belly, then peppers kisses all over me, showering me love.
I can’t help the giggle that bubbles. “Sawyer, that tickles.”
He looks up at me with dark eyes. “What time’s your dad getting here?”
My pulse quickens. I know that look he’s giving me. “In a few hours.”
“Does my wife want her Christmas present early?” He quirks a grin as he gazes up at me.
“Yes.”
He rises to his feet and brushes the blonde hair from my neck, kissing me there. “And what side of my wife is coming out to play today?”
Tingles travel to my centre. We like to role-play where I’m a virgin again and he breaks me in and other times we pretend that I’m his cum slut and he’s gonna fuck a baby into me.
He moves to the brunette side and nips my ear before whispering, “What’s it gonna be today, angel? Are you playing naughty or nice?”