EPILOGUE
Ithought the proudest moment of my life was becoming the owner of The Oasis restaurant in town almost two years ago, but it wasn’t even close.
When I married the woman of my dreams. That was the happiest moment, and the best decision of my life. Blaire was the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen in her off-white princess ballgown style wedding dress.
The proudest moment is when Blaire gave birth to our son. Joshua Michael Lugo. He’s the absolute joy of my life.
In the short time I’ve been a stepfather to Britney, I loved her as my daughter, but I still wanted a child of my own. When I talked with Blaire about having a baby, she wasn’t sure she could. But she wasn’t against trying to have one. Her only request was for us to wait a year. To enjoy each other, and for me to be comfortable with being a husband, stepdad, and business owner all so quickly.
I agreed and on our first anniversary; I took her on a surprise romantic weekend to Key West. Six weeks later, she surprised me with dinner at home and a positive pregnancy test.
Thankfully, her pregnancy went easily. At her age, her OB was concerned, but Blaire handled it all like a champ. She amazed me with each passing day.
My parents were elated when we told them they were going to be grandparents. I honestly believed they thought I wouldn’t have kids when Blaire and I married. They love Britney like their own, but I know deep down they were thrilled when we shared the news of Blaire’s pregnancy.
Since Dad wasn’t up to coming to the hospital when Joshua was born, I asked Blaire if she was okay with stopping by my parent’s house on our way home.
“I’d love to, J. Let me get dressed before Joshua wakes up.” She slides to the side of the hospital bed and peeks into the clear plastic cradle our son sleeps in.
Grabbing the bag I brought from home for her, I sit it beside her to choose what she wants to wear home. She pulls out black sweatpants and an oversized purple t-shirt with The Oasis logo on it. She stands and walks into the small bathroom.
I sit on the bed and admire my son.
Oh, my god. My son.
My heart races as my hand flies to my mouth. I never thought becoming a dad would be so emotional. I tilt my head and watch his little chest rise and fall. His mouth forms a sweet grin, and his little body shivers. He must be dreaming of his beautiful mother. I know she puts a smile on my face twenty-four-seven.
Joshua stretches and cries out. I quickly slip my hands under his bum and gently around his neck, lifting him carefully to my chest. I kiss his soft blond hair and whisper, “It’s okay, buddy. Daddy’s got you.” He wriggles his tiny body, and soon I hear soft baby snores against my chest.
I cannot stop smiling as my little guy nestles close to me. My gorgeous, generous, loving wife walks over to me from the bathroom, placing her hand on my chin. She tilts my face up to hers and leans down. Her lips meet mine, then she kisses Joshua’s head.
“Mrs. Lugo?” a voice says as the hospital room door swings open.
“Yes.” Blaire turns and faces the nurse.
“I’ve got your release papers, and an orderly is on his way to take you downstairs so you can go home.” The nurse smiles and hands Blairs a folder.
“Thank you so much.” She touches my shoulder and asks, “Are you ready to take us home?”
“Absolutely.” I stand, holding my son as the orderly enters the room with the wheelchair. Blaire takes a seat, then holds her arms for me to place Joshua in them.
“Let’s go home, kitten.”
A warmth radiates all through my body as I walk beside her, holding her hand as she holds our baby boy.
When we get to the SUV, I take Joshua and strap him securely into his car seat, in the center of the backseat, then open the passenger side door for Blaire. Carefully, I help her into the vehicle and buckle the seatbelt. With a pep in my step, I walk to the driver’s side and get in. I lay my hand on the center console.
“I love you, Blaire.”
“I love you too, Jaden.”
Lifting her hand to my lips, I kiss the back of it. We both turn and look at the mirror situated on the back of the headrest so we can see Joshua. He’s asleep and smiling. I’ve never felt so content. So proud. So fucking happy.
THE END