Epilogue
Aspen
Two years later
“Look what I found in the mail,” Maddox says as he walks inside our cabin. “Looks like Ethel and Harold are tying the knot. Exactly one year after us.”
I take the envelope from him and look at the beautiful invitation, printed on cream-colored paper with a fishing hook in the corner. A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. Ethel and Harold took up fishing after Maddox taught them how to, and now they can be found at the best fishing spots in town every day. I couldn’t be happier that they’re finally getting married, but I can’t concentrate on anything right now.
“Maddox, do you have a moment to talk?”
“Sure. Is everything okay?” he asks as he pulls a chair back, a worried look crossing his gorgeous face.
I smile. “It is.”
“Okay, let me grab my cup of coffee first. Do you want anything?”
I shake my head. There’s nothing I want. I’ve already got everything I could ever wish for. “No, thanks.”
I look out the window and smile. Maddox bought this house for us a few months after we got together and renovated it all by himself. It’s got a million-dollar view of the lake and the harbor. I can sit on our front porch for hours and just stare into the distance without getting bored for one second because it’s so gorgeous out here. When Maddox suggested we buy a house with a view, I immediately agreed. It’s perfect. Secluded enough to enjoy the peace and quiet of Fog Harbor, but not too far so that we can still head into town and get to work without too much trouble.
That’s right, I got a job here working at the local retirement home and am now part of the entertainment staff, which is a fancy title for getting paid while playing card games with nice people and organizing bingo nights for the residents. I love it and haven’t missed my old job once.
I turn back to him. “I have a gift for you. I wanted to give it to you before my family arrives for the annual vacation tonight.”
He takes the small wrapped present from me and turns it in his hands before ripping the ribbon off. My heart skips a beat as I look at my awesome husband opening it, eager to see his reaction.
His eyes widen in surprise when he takes the shirt out of the box, examining the words embroidered across the fabric: “World’s Best Dad.”
“Aspen, is this… Are you…?” he says, looking as happy and excited as I hoped he would be.
I nod. “Yes. I’m pregnant.”
He jumps from his chair, sending it falling to the floor with a thud, and rushes over to me. I get up too and he spins me in his arms before giving me one of those heart-stopping kisses he’s so unbelievably good at.
“I’m going to be a dad,” he says, happy tears forming in his eyes. Then he frowns. “How are you feeling? Are you okay?”
I smile. “I am. A bit nauseous, but that seems normal, right?”
He pulls me closer again and I melt against his body.
“Can we tell your family tonight? And Benson?” he asks, excitement and pride dripping from his voice.
I smile at him. “I’d love that.”
“I’m so happy, Aspen. I love you,” he whispers while holding me in his arms.
“I love you too.”
I put my head against his chest and let out a content sigh. Maddox is everything I’ve ever wanted in a man. We’ve built a warm nest here in Fog Harbor, and now we’re going to be parents as well. I do believe that makes me the luckiest woman on the entire planet.