Epilogue
Biannca
Life has a funny way of working out. There are times when you work with someone and can’t bring yourself to talk to them, until the boss you can’t stand requires you to bring a plus one to a work event and you match on an app.
I bought Jemma a bottle of wine as a thank you.
Everyone took the news well and not a single person we work with was surprised. Apparently they all saw the writing on the wall way before we did.
I don’t know that I would have believed that a year and a half later I’d be sitting at a table next to Ethan at one of his mother’s luncheons. She welcomed me into the fold with very open arms, and now her events aren’t set ups, but networking events.
A smile spans my face as I take in my surroundings. The gala we did helped immensely, and Ethan’s mom took it upon herself to host something this year. Which is where we are now.
Just like last year, Ethan can’t keep his hands off me. Though it’s a bit different. His hand rests on the slight swell of my stomach while he leans across the table, animatedly talking with a friend of the library.
He’s had his hand in this exact spot as frequently as possible lately. Ever since I felt the baby kick a few days ago, his hand has been on my stomach. Even though I told him it might still be a few days or weeks until he can feel from the outside, he refuses to not touch me.
“I don’t want to miss it,” is what he tells me every time I mention it.
Life moved fast after the gala. We spent that weekend tangled in each other and sheets. Even though we were together, going to work on Monday was awful, mostly because we had to pop our privacy bubble and face other people.
Within two months, I’d moved into his apartment. Six months ago, we got married. And our baby boy is due in five months.
Turning his attention to me, Ethan puts his other hand on the far side of my chair, caging me in as he leans into me.
“You doing okay? Need anything?”
I reach my hand up to rest against his cheek. Always taking care of me, this man. “I’m good. Just enjoying the atmosphere.”
“It’s much more enjoyable when you’re not the supposed eligible bachelor being set up.” Despite how things have turned out, he still holds some animosity toward his mom about her past events.
“It all worked out how it’s supposed to.”
He presses his lips to my temple. “It did. We were bound to be. It was only a matter of time.”
My heart flutters. And then so does my stomach.
A sharp intake of air has me turning my head. Ethan’s eyes are wide and locked on my stomach. “I felt that.” He practically whispers the words coated in wonder.
His forehead drops to my temple. “I love you. Thank you for giving me everything.”
I loop my arm around his neck, my nails scraping along the base of his scalp like he likes.
Two weeks ago Ruby and Logan asked what theme I want for the baby shower, even though it’s still a few months away. There was only one possible answer. Books.
After all. They’re what brought me my happily ever after.