Epilogue - Faith
Three years later
I close my laptop.
I’ve finished for the holidays and have two weeks free from work. I can hardly wait. There’s so much to prepare for with a baby on the way. Alfie and I have painted her room in a sunny yellow shade and we’ve bought the cutest crib.
I think back to the early days of our relationship.
I took it really slowly, waiting to introduce Alfie to Troy so he didn’t get unsettled by the new man in my life.
Luckily they bonded over their shared love of gaming and they get on so well now.
Troy’s even started to make noises about a career in law enforcement.
When Alfie and I got married six months ago, Troy was the ring bearer and he couldn’t have been prouder to see us together.
Against the odds, Bobby completed his rehab course and found himself through meditation and yoga.
He lives in Newhope and we share custody of Troy, so he sees him every other weekend.
I’m still cautious but he hasn’t relapsed.
Best of all, he treats me with respect, even if he lectures all of us about our diets and mindfulness.
Troy is really excited to meet his new little sister. There’s only a month to go now and I feel like a whale on legs. But Alfie is maybe even more excited than Troy and keeps telling me how beautiful I look.
There’s a beep outside and I look out the window. Alfie’s outside with Troy in the back of the car.
His family are having a huge Christmas party tonight. I love their get-togethers and they’ve really made me feel like one of the family. I walk slowly down the stairs, pausing at the bottom, before I put my big padded coat on and waddle to the car.
“Mom, hurry up! Taylor’s making those cookies you and I both like.” Troy’s grinning at me out of the window.
Alfie and I both laugh and he points at the dashboard. “I’ll put the siren on so we can make it there extra quick, okay Troy?”
Alfie gets out and opens the door for me. As I move to get in, he reaches for me and gives me a hug.
“Happy Christmas, beautiful.” He gazed down into my eyes.
I’m so happy as I look back at him.
My life has changed for the better because of this wonderful man. My family feels complete and my new baby will only add to that sense of completion.
The snow falls gently around us as I stand in the arms of my perfect man.
Christmas will be extra special this year.