Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Two Years later
M eredith walked across the prairie, each step sinking slightly into the freshly fallen snow. The sun would be setting soon, and she wanted to get to the fence before it did.
“Here,” she huffed and handed Jace the thermos of coffee. He jumped off the fence, took the thermos, and set it aside. He offered his hand to help her up.
“You sure this thing can hold me?” she asked, one foot resting on the rail and pressing down.
“Yeah, even with that fat baby in your belly, I still weigh more than you. Here, let me help.” Groaning, he pushed at her ass to pretend to lift her.
“You aren’t funny,” she said and situated herself on the top rail.
“I know, but you’re overly worried, and it’s my poor attempt to take your mind off it.” He picked up the thermos and sat next to her .
“Wouldn’t you be worried about squeezing this ginormous thing out? Especially after all that talk about how big a head you had and—”
“I promise, it’s going to be okay.” He draped an arm around her.
“You can’t promise that.” She relieved him of the thermos and poured them both coffee.
“Mer, we’ll have Thanksgiving with our family tomorrow, and on Friday head into the big city to wait for this bruiser. We can go to book stores or chocolate stores or whatever you want.”
Even though she was a week out from her due date, she was apprehensive and ready to get close to the hospital. Sure, she could have the baby in town at the clinic, but she wanted more than a family doc. She wanted a practiced baby doctor who was ready to give out meds.
To distract herself from her worry, she went through her list of dishes she needed to make tomorrow. It was their second Thanksgiving together.
“Listen, I know we sorta talked about names, but I’d really like to name him after my dad,” said Jace.
Meredith nodded. “If it’s a boy, I’m in full agreement with that. If it’s a girl, I’d like to go with my mom’s name, Rebecca.”
Jace nodded. “I like the sound of both of those.” He leaned across and brushed a kiss on her temple.
“I think my dad is lonely. He comes out here a lot, but even here he seems sad or maybe…I don’t know. I want to do something for him.”
“Besides giving him a grandchild?” Jace chuckled.
“Yeah, besides that. I have a crazy idea. How about we ask Sabrina to, you know, match him?” She cut her eyes to Jace, curious to see his reaction.
He sipped his coffee before answering. “Find your dad a wife? I’m not sure even Sabrina can manage that. ”
Meredith laughed. “True. Maybe we should build another cabin on the property and let my dad live there?”
Jace choked on his coffee. “I’ll call Sabrina in the morning.”
Meredith sat up straight and sucked in a breath.
Jace laughed and nudged her shoulder. “That desperate, are you? I’ll call her now if you want.”
Meredith shook her head.
“What’s the matter then?” He searched her face, before realization dawned. “Christ, now?” He jumped from the fence, tossing the thermos into the snow, spilling coffee everywhere.
“I think we have a little time. It’s just my water.” She let him lift her off the fence. “We can stay and watch the sunset.”
“You’re crazy woman,” Jace said, swinging her up in his arms and trotting off.
“I can walk,” she said between laughs. “Put me down. You’re going to shake this kid out of me.”
Jace stopped short and eased her to her feet. “Are you sure you’re okay to walk?”
“No, but it’s way more comfortable than having you jostle me home.” She grabbed her belly and grimaced.
“Stay here. I’ll get the truck and come get you.” He jogged off.
Meredith continued to walk. She was not about to be left in a field to birth her child like a cow. No matter how much a cowboy her husband was. She was a hundred yards from the house when he brought the truck to a screeching halt beside her. He ran around the truck and opened the passenger door, ushering her in.
“We’ll make it to town in no time,” he assured her and peeled out.
“Let’s hope so,” she said, and between contractions called the doctor then his mother.
The thirty-minute ride to town took fifteen, and three hours later Wesley Jace Shepard was born. Mother and baby were doing well. Wesley’s father passed out immediately after he cut the cord.
It was another tradition they would add to their family.
Enjoyed Jace and Meredith’s story? Well, come hang out with Cori and Fort. They used to be childhood enemies and now she’s been hired to pretend to be his fiancee. Sparks are guaranteed to fly.