EPILOGUE ONE
About six months later.
Hanna
The barn is full of people. We’ve got most of Cade’s teammates from the Axemen, and we even have a couple who came from the national team.
That’s something we weren’t expecting, but it's been a happy surprise. After Cade’s team lost in the second round of the playoff tournament, he was approached by the coach of the national team.
The Olympics are still years away, but in a couple of months, it’s the World Cup.
Cade was asked to join and help the American team.
When he looked like he wasn’t sure about accepting, Ethan advised him to go do it and that he’d always have a spot on the Axemen if he wanted it.
So he accepted, and we made the move to Colorado. We have a place with so much natural light, it’s amazing. Cade has agreed to stay with the national team until after the Cup. I have a feeling that after that he might decide to go back to the Axemen for several reasons.
I think he misses coaching at the high school and the small-town atmosphere at Axe Stadium during a match.
Another reason is that Cara and Mike shocked everyone by deciding to sell their home back east and move out here.
They found a place about twenty minutes away from town.
Turns out when both your kids made comments about settling down in the area permanently, they listened.
The last reason I’m almost certain that he’s not planning to play for the national team long-term just tried to kick me in the ribs.
That’s right, I’m pregnant. I’m about twenty-three weeks along, and I think Cade’s son is going to be as big as he is.
I pat my stomach and talk to my boy. “It’s almost time.
We’re meeting your daddy at the end of the aisle. ”
I hear the door open and turn to see who’s there.
Thankfully, my vision loss has seemed to, at least temporarily, slow down, so I can still see who’s standing in the doorway.
Dad walks in, smiling. “Cade’s anxiously waiting for you.
You’d think this was your first wedding the way he’s acting. ” He leans in and kisses my temple.
I look at the doorway and see Pops standing there, no cane in sight. “Where’s your cane?” He moves slowly toward me, with just a very slight limp.
“I’ve thought about this since the moment you were born, and not once did I imagine I’d have to use a cane, so I’m not going to.” I start to say something, but he holds up his hand to stop me. “The doctor said it was fine. Your mom made sure of it.”
He reaches me and takes my hand in his. “You look like a princess. I know you’ve been married for months now, but a part of me told myself it wasn’t really real until this moment, which I know is ridiculous, but it’s true.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls something out.
“I know in this family your mom’s the one who keeps us organized and keeps a box of keepsakes for each of you kids, and your dad here…
well, Jackson has always been the one who’s given you and your brothers the best words of advice.
I’d like to think that I gave you the skill and desire to always keep learning and that all of us showed you that family is who you choose it to be.
” I’m glad I chose not to wear mascara because the tears are falling down my face as Pops continues talking and he holds out what he took out of his pocket.
“I never understood when my dad used to tell me I would get things when I became a parent. Hell, I only partially got it when your brothers were born. But from the second you were placed in my arms, I got it.” He hands me what was in his hands.
I look at it, and it’s a hospital bracelet, a tiny one.
I look back up at him and see his eyes are glossy.
“I took that off you when we brought you home from the hospital. I’ve had it in my drawer every day since then.
My dad was right. You learn more from your kids than you do from almost anyone else in the world.
You taught me about love, patience, stubbornness, and strength that I think to this day I don’t quite comprehend.
Take that as your something old for today.
I know Cade is your husband, and you picked a great one at that.
Just know that your dad and I are still here for you anytime you need. ”
He reaches up and wipes the tears off my face. “Now let’s dry those tears and get you down that aisle. I don’t want your mom mad at me because I made us late.” I hug both Pops and Dad and know I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have the parents I do. The gods gave me something special.