Epilogue
Elle
“Let me see him! Let me see him!” Sarah exclaimed as she came into my hospital room.
She carried the biggest bouquet of balloons I had ever seen; they were being held down by an almost life-size bear. Her hair was falling into her face. It looked like she had a stain on her shirt. I had never seen her such a mess and it only showed me how excited she was.
“He’s right over there,” I said and pointed to the chair that Gabe was sitting in.
Sarah put the bear down on my bed, practically ignoring me as she walked up to Gabe and the bundle he was holding. I didn’t mind her reaction. I could understand the sentiment. I was just as smitten. I rolled so I could see her reaction when she saw my son for the first time.
“Oh, my goodness. He’s so cute,” Sarah cooed.
“Why, thank you,” Gabe said and smiled up at his daughter.
She playfully hit his shoulder. “You know I wasn’t talking about you. Can I hold him?” She asked and looked over at me.
“Yes. Most definitely. Big sister Sarah is going to be Brody’s favorite person,” I said.
“I can’t believe it. I’m a sister. I always wanted a sibling,” Sarah said excitedly.
Sarah reached down and gingerly brought Brody into her arms. He was sleeping and didn’t move as she protected his head and brought him to her chest. She stared at him with love and wonder. I could see by how she was looking and holding him she was going to be a wonderful sister.
“He’s so tiny,” Sarah sighed.
“Seven pounds, six ounces and twenty inches long,” Gabe said proudly from his chair.
“And how are you doing? Are you okay?” Sarah asked me.
“I’m good. Tired. A little sore but to be expected. I’m just glad that he’s healthy and happy,” I said.
“He’s perfect,” Sarah said.
“I couldn’t agree more,” Gabe said. He stood behind Sarah. He looked down at Brody, with such love and happiness it took my breath away. He slowly looked up at me. “The only thing more perfect is his mother,” he added.
“Stop,” I said and blushed.
“No. I’m not going to stop, ever. Not when I can tell the world or anyone who wants to hear that I think you’re the most amazing, incredible, beautiful woman that has ever walked this earth. And I’m the luckiest man in the world to have you as my wife,” Gabe said and kissed my hand.
“Still, after five years of marriage you’re acting like you just got married,” Sarah said with a laugh.
“Are you complaining?” Gabe teased.
“Not in the least. I couldn’t be happier that you and Elle are married. I’m even more impressed how you two can work together. I would kill Steve if I had to spend more than eight hours a day with him,” Sarah teased.
“Each marriage has to find out what works and being around each other all the time works for us,” Gabe said and squeezed my hand.
“And now with Brody in the picture it’ll be easier for us to share responsibilities of the company and childcare,” I said and smiled at Gabe.
“Another excellent perk of running a company with my lovely and amazing wife,” Gabe said.
“You were just smart enough to see the opportunity when it presented itself,” I teased.
“I learned a long time ago, never to question my wife or my daughter when they suggest I do something. I’ve never regretted it and I don’t see doing it anytime soon,” Gabe said.
“Smart man,” Sarah said and smiled down at Brody.
I looked over at Gabe and the smile he gave me told me everything I needed to know.
It had been a crazy couple of years. But through it all we had stood by the other.
Sarah’s approval of us had slowly grown to the point she was our biggest champion.
She was the one who suggested that Gabe and I start our own company.
It had been an excellent idea but had taken a few years to be profitable.
Just when we were getting our heads above water, I found out I was pregnant.
I had been worried it would derail our plans but Gabe and even Sarah had taken it all in stride.
They helped and supported me through the entire process.
I knew I couldn’t have gotten through it without them.
It wasn’t going to be any easier with Brody in the picture but I was looking forward to the challenge if I had their love and support.
I looked at my family, the people that I loved and knew I was the one who was the luckiest person in the world. I had everything I could want and I had Gabe to thank for that. I squeezed his hand in mine. “I love you,” I said to Gabe.
“That’s a good thing, because I love you too,” Gabe said and leaned down and kissed me.
THE END