Epilogue
“I can’t see my feet anymore,” Sam said with a laugh, “never mind reach anything.”
Hannah grinned and held up a pink package tied with yellow ribbon. “Who needs to see their feet with three best friends and four hot SEALS to do their bidding?”
Brynn, Hannah, and Addison sat on the floor of her and Julian’s new home, taking turns passing her gifts from the baby shower her friends had coordinated. Once Addy learned of the baby, she’d drastically cut back on travel, and the four women had become inseparable. Her friends had gone overboard throwing her and Julian such a beautiful baby shower. They’d kicked them out this morning, sending them out for breakfast, and when they returned home the living room was transformed with bundles and sprays of soft, peachy roses on every available surface. Gauzy bunting swooped over the mantel in their living room right below the hand-crafted wooden sign that read, You are the reason . Brynn and Ransom had it made as a housewarming gift from the same artist who’d created the wooden art hanging over their fireplace. Sparkly round displays sat on rented tables positioned around the room, packed with tea sandwiches and pretty petit fours. Her heart swelled at all the love surrounding them.
Everyone she cared for was present. Her former neighbor Fred was there with his girlfriend of several months—Cora’s grandmother from the Halloween party. A few close coworkers from the hospital, along with Iron, the former SEAL who’d been so kind when her car broke down. The May sunlight streamed into the living room and reflected off the engagement ring glinting on her finger, casting rainbows around the room. The cushion-cut center diamond was surrounded by a halo of smaller stones of alternating sizes, creating a starburst pattern. The ring was beautiful, but it was the words engraved that stole her breath and melted her heart. My Starburst, My Reason.
She carefully untied the ribbon hugging the package and slid her fingers beneath the tape. She was taking a long time opening the generous gifts her friends had bought for their little girl, who would be making her appearance in July, but she was savoring the moment, one she was sure never to forget. She opened the box and drew out a trio of onesies. Ruffles and roses graced the material. Branch, Ransom, and Silver were loudly oohing and ahhing over every gift, while Julian sat at her side smiling, tracing slow circles over her lower back. Angel and Oscar were both looking on with mild interest in the flurry of activity.
“More pink. Pink like cotton candy for the baby girl.” Collin shook his hands in the air and laughed with delight, turning from his seat on the floor to look at his friends. The men had gotten Jacob and Cora out of their wheelchairs, helping them get comfortable on one of the huge beanbag chairs situated in their living room.
Julian placed his hand on her stomach, and she felt a stretching sensation, then a tumble and jab in her belly. “She’s doing martial arts in there again.” Julian’s eyes lit with wonder.
“She doesn’t want to be left out of the fun.” Sam leaned closer and kissed her fiancé’s forehead.
“Love you, Sam,” Julian whispered before leaning closer to her rounded belly. “And I love you, too, baby girl.”
Sam’s eyes welled. Family, friends, and love were all hers, and she’d never, ever take those blessings for granted. These people surrounding them, sharing in their happiness and joy, the family they’d created from those who gave their steadfast strength and support were all the reason. Her reasons.
The End