Epilogue
LUKE
Six months later.
Dear Rory,
Your mom has cared more about making your room perfect in our new house than any other room in the house. She’s agonized over wallpaper, rugs, pictures—you name it and she’s wanted it to be just right for you. She loves you more than you’ll ever know and I love you both more than you’ll ever know.
Love, Dad
Another six months later.
Dear Rory,
I figured your mom knew the proposal was coming but based on the surprise on her face and the tears that flowed I think she was pretty clueless.
I put the ring in a toy capsule for her.
I think she’s so used to me always bringing them home from games with me that she didn’t even think twice about it.
I can’t wait to make her my wife. Your mom is the greatest woman I know next to my own mom.
My hope for you is that you always treasure the women in your life. They’re irreplaceable.
Love,
Dad
A year after that.
Dear Rory,
Your mom was the prettiest bride I’ve ever seen.
She took my breath away. I always thought that was an exaggeration, but I forgot to breathe the second I saw her.
Her parents still aren’t talking to her, so my mom walked her down the aisle.
Your grandma cried when your mom asked her to do that.
I’m so grateful that they love each other so much.
And I have to say, you are the cutest ring bearer I’ve ever seen.
Even if you slobbered all over your tux.
I’m so glad you got to be up there with us today.
I love you so much and I’m so honored to be your dad.
You’re growing up too fast for my liking though. Slow down, kid.
Love,
Dad
A year and a half later.
Dear Rory,
I got you on the ice for the first time today.
Your mom has been a little scared to say the least when it comes to letting you skate, but she finally caved and you’re a natural.
I have no idea if you’ll love being on the ice as much as I do, if you’ll like hockey, and none of it matters because I want you to do whatever it is you enjoy.
But I have to say, nothing compares to the feeling of getting to teach you something that has always brought me so much joy and seeing your smile and hearing your giggle.
I love playing hockey professionally, but I love being your dad even more.
I’m glad the universe chose me to be your dad.
Love,
Dad
Fifteen months later.
Dear Big Brother Rory,
Today, you’re no longer just Rory. You’re a big brother.
Seeing the way you ran straight to your mom and sister in the hospital made me cry.
I’m glad you were too excited about holding your sister to notice, because otherwise you would’ve probably laughed at me.
I can already tell you’re going to be the best big brother to Paige.
You’re already talking about taking her on the ice with you.
We’ve got a while to wait before that happens, though, but it warms my heart that you’re thinking of the future with her.
I hope you know that you guys are the best things I’ve ever done with my life.
Love,
Dad