Epilogue
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Ten months later
ANNISTYN’S PREGNANCY WENT a lot better than we could have hoped for.
After the first two and a half months, she no longer had morning sickness and her appetite grew rapidly.
Most days she had to force herself to eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day.
She also started carrying a large tumbler of water with her because she always wanted something to drink.
Dr. Reidell didn’t see any issues with the baby during any of the ultrasounds and Annistyn carried him to term.
One of the things we had to be careful of was preterm labor.
Thankfully, nothing the doctor talked about with us happened.
By the time she was three months pregnant, we decided to tell the club.
The guys were all excited for us and became extremely protective of Annistyn.
Especially Viper. Maysen and him started spending a lot of time at our house.
Especially if I wasn’t home with my woman.
She was hardly ever alone and got annoyed several times, but didn’t say anything to anyone but me.
We found out what we were having and kept it a secret.
Cali was the only one who knew so she could throw us a gender reveal party.
That’s when everyone learned we were having a boy.
All the clubs showed up and we made the weekend all about us.
Annistyn took the time she needed away from everyone, but joined in and talked to everyone in ways she never did before that weekend.
She truly put herself out there and didn’t avoid the party.
It really worked out because we got married that same weekend and everyone helped us celebrate that at the same time so she wouldn’t have to endure a second party.
It’s nothing against the men and women in the clubs, Annistyn really enjoys spending time with everyone, she just doesn’t understand the social aspects still and has slowly been working on overcoming that part of her life.
Roger started going to every event Annistyn booked.
When she needed a break, he would take over as the photographer for her.
When the people hosting the event tried to pay him, he handed the money directly to his cousin.
The first few times she wouldn’t accept it, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
He was there to help her and keep an eye on things in case something happened with the baby or her.
His other role was to make sure she had enough food for the baby and her.
Roger carried around a cooler and made sure the hosts didn’t mind if he used their microwave to heat up any food he brought her.
Everyone made it work so Annistyn could continue working.
She really didn’t have any crazy cravings.
Though, I did make a few midnight runs for burgers and fries with a chocolate shake.
I did not mind at all because she was eating and enjoying food for the first time.
She tried a few things her doctor suggested that would give her extra nutrients.
Some of the food she liked and we added to her diet while others made her sick or she didn’t like the taste.
I was there to rub her back when it was sore, make sure she put her feet up when the swelling started, and didn’t miss a single appointment she had.
I got her one of those stupid pregnancy pillows that took up half of our bed.
It made her happy and she could finally get comfortable as the pregnancy progressed.
Anything to make her happy and comfortable.
Two days before Annistyn was due, she went into labor.
It was the middle of the day and I was home with her.
Reckless and I talked about taking time off to be there in case something happened and he made it happen.
Viper took over my position at work temporarily so they didn’t fall behind and I could be at home where I was needed.
Her labor was intense and happened very quickly.
My mom barely had time to get to the hospital before our son was born.
Ridge Alexander came screaming into the world about five hours after her water broke.
My girl was a champ and got through labor and delivery without pain medicine.
Roger and the entire club showed up while Tank and a few others from the Wild Kings and Phantom Bastards headed our way to be there for us as we embraced becoming brand-new parents.
Today I’m sitting in the living room with Ridge in my arms. Annistyn has just nursed him and I’ve changed his diaper and clothes because he spit up.
My wife is taking a nap because she’s exhausted from getting up every two or three hours to feed our son.
She pumps so I can feed him in the middle of the night when she’s had a really long day or is really tired and I want to let her sleep.
“Little Man, you have the best mom in the world. She’s smart, strong, beautiful, and loves you with every beat of her heart.
Even when she’s exhausted from takin’ care of you, she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
I think the day I found her to be exceptionally stunnin’ was the day I made her my wife.
Cali, GiGi, Auntie Maddie, and Auntie Sam helped her get ready for the day even though we were only goin’ to the courthouse.
Mama hates bein’ at the center of everyone’s focus so she chose somethin’ simple with very few in attendance.
I’d give her the world to see her smile and go along with her wishes.
“The day we got married, your mom wore a simple white dress with tulips and sunflowers at the very bottom. She carried a simple bouquet of tulips and baby’s breath.
Cali did her hair in loose curls that hung down her back with the sides fastened back away from her face.
She didn’t stop smilin’ the entire time.
Her make-up only emphasized her beautiful eyes as they shimmered with unshed tears.
Your mama didn’t let a single tear escape the entire day.
She’s so strong. You’ll be proud of her, Ridge.
“We said our vows in front of a judge after your cousin Roger walked her down the short aisle to me. Your GiGi, Cali, Reckless, and Roger were the only ones who watched us get married. Everyone else waited at the clubhouse for us and we celebrated with the entire family here on the compound. There was a ton of great food, a beautiful cake Skylar made, and drinks for everyone. We did all of the traditional weddin’ things because even though the ceremony wasn’t large, I still wanted to give your mom her dream day. She deserves nothin’ less.
“I danced with her in my arms to Give You My Heart by BASHAM. I’d never heard the song before, but we now listen to it all the time.
Holdin’ your mama in my arms as I danced with her is one of the best feelings in the world.
You’ll understand when you get old enough to have your own girl.
She laid her head on my chest and closed her eyes as she whispered the words of the song to me.
I thought I loved her before then, but it was nothin’.
Listenin’ to her sing only for me as I held her in my arms with her head on my chest is the best feelin’ I’ve ever experienced in my entire life.
“Ridge, your mom watches you every single day no matter what she’s tryin’ to do.
She’s gonna be your biggest supporter, celebrate every milestone you blow through, and be there when you need a shoulder to cry on.
She’ll go to every game of whatever sport you play and will make sure no one messes with her baby boy.
You’ve filled an empty hole in her heart I could never reach.
It’s a spot reserved solely for you. Son, you’ve helped her heal in ways none of us could.
Every single day is still a struggle for her, but it’s one she gets through with a renewed strength.
She wants to live a long life to watch you grow and become the best version of yourself.
Your mom wants to see you fall in love, get married, and enjoy you embracin’ the role of fatherhood.
Everythin’ else is just added bonuses for her.
You’re her first child and the one she’ll love the hardest because you’re teachin’ her how to be the best version of herself and a mom.
We both love you so very much, Ridge,” I tell my son as he snuggles into my chest and I simply savor feeling his body weight against me.
I don’t make a move to place him in the bassinet we have in the living room for him or carry him up to his crib in the nursery.
I’m perfectly content with him in my arms in the silent house with Oreo at my feet.
She’s decided Ridge is her human now and never lets him out of her sight.
She sleeps under his crib when he’s in the nursery and follows whichever one of us has him in our arms. If he cries for too long, she starts to growl and doesn’t ever let just anyone near him.