Epilogue
Parker
My life couldn’t get much better. With Caroline, I found the past pains could be dulled. I couldn’t erase the hurt and I could never forgive my father, but I didn’t have to let it rule my happiness.
Over the summer, he came to visit my sister while I was there, and I knew the bastard had did it on purpose. He tried to speak to me, but none of his excuses could ever bring back my mother, so they meant nothing to me.
“You have nothing to say that could make up for the past. Nothing.”
“You think you’re a good man, but one day things will get boring and you’ll have a change of heart.”
“No, I’m not you. I understand the value of honesty, trust, and loyalty.
Boring? I’ve worked nonstop for the past twelve years without a girlfriend because you fucked up my outlook on love and happiness, so don’t tell me what boring is.
You just don’t have morals. By the way, does she know that you’re banging the new neighbor yet? ”
“What? That’s a lie.”
“Then why are you suddenly pale? That color leached out of your face so damn fast. I might have never wanted to see you ever again, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to let you play my sister.
I’ve had you under surveillance. You are just a horny, unfaithful prick.
I’ll never have anything to do with you.
You’ve already wasted too much of my time.
See you Chloe, I have to go see my wife.
” I walked out that door and never saw my father again.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I believe it’s going to be my sister, annoying me with her pleading to come back and talk, but it’s just Maxim.
“What’s going on?”
“I dug deeper into that bastard Tom and Anne. Do you know that they’re cousins? He’s got some drug and mental problems, and it seems she’s always trying to pawn him off on someone. Your woman was the latest woman in the long line of girls she’s been trying to hook him up with.”
“She’s cruel. I almost feel bad.”
“Don’t. He’s not that kind of mentally unwell. He’s a predator who is looking for someone to rob and abuse.”
“I said almost,” I grumble.
“Don’t worry about him. I’ve got two possible cases that can send him away for twenty years. I’ve already called in a favor to a DA friend and they’re drafting charges now. He’ll be out of your hair before we celebrate the Fourth of July.
“Any issues with her?”
“Well after she was fired from veterinary office she went to live with her parents in another state. So she’s not a problem. I’m betting the second he’s locked up, she’ll be on her best behavior.”
“So am I. Thanks, Maxim.”
“No problem. It’s been a long time since I had some fun.
I’ll see you tomorrow.” I end the call and step into the house where I wait for my pretty wife to get home from the office.
It’s Saturday and I only work at home, so my assistant doesn’t quit and I give more time to my wife.
Unfortunately, she switches every other Saturday with another tech, and they have to work until twelve.
****
It’s that time of year again and I can’t be happier with my life.
My existence has never been better with Caroline in it.
I just can’t wait until we start a family.
I get home from a long day and there she is standing in front of the tree, beaming brightly at me as if she’s been waiting for me all day.
“God, you’re perfection.”
“Thank you, darling. I’m glad you’re home. How does it look?” she asks, standing in front of the large living room white tree. The lights are dimmed in the room so I can see the magnificent glow of the twinkling white lights from the Christmas beauty.
“It’s fantastic, sweetheart.” Truly, all I see is her happiness, shining brightly. She’s in her cute camel-colored leggings and a long cashmere sweater with a pink snowflake in the middle, and cute fluffy white socks. She’s the poster child for holiday spirit, and my mother would have loved her.
“Are you sure it’s not too much?” She bites her lip nervously.
“If it wasn’t too much last year, it’s definitely not too much this year.”
“Are you sure?” She pivots from one foot to the other.
“Honey, haven’t we been over this already? I’m good, I promise you.”
A mischievous grin comes over that angelic face. “Well, I just added one more ornament to the tree.”
“Oh really?” She has my attention now, or at least the tree does for a moment.
I look at it and wonder. It takes me a moment, and then I see it.
I think my eyes are playing tricks on me.
I rub my eyes and then reach out and take it in my hand, gently touching the rose-gold-plated piece.
It’s the news I’ve been waiting for and hoping for without any pressure on her.
It’s a stocking that reads Daddy on the cuff.
“Oh my God.” I swallow hard, unable to say a word for a few moments. “Are you serious?” I ask with joy in my voice.
“Yes, I am,” she giggles and nods. I stare down at her cute cashmere sweater, grab the hem, and quickly lift it over her head. I drop to my knees and press a kiss on her belly. “I take it you’re happy.”
“Damn right, I am.” I look at her barely-there bump and whisper, “I can’t wait to meet you, little one.” Then I stand and slide my hands along her jaw and gaze into my beautiful wife’s eyes with so many wonderful emotions. “I’m grateful, so damn grateful. Thank you.”
“I didn’t do anything. In fact, I think this part was your doing. Thank me for the next couple of months when I’m going through hell.”
I shake my head and kiss her forehead. “Woman, thank you for giving me a chance to prove to you that I could be the man that you love.”
She squeezes me as tightly as she can and breathes out. “Thanks for not giving up on me.”
“How could I? I fell for an angel.”
THE END
Thank you for reading this sweet short story!