Epilogue
KENDALL: EIGHT YEARS LATER
“You ready for tomorrow?”
“Yes. But also, no,” I tell Grant. I smooth my hands over my pajama pants. I’m a real doctor now, no longer a resident, and I start my first day at my job tomorrow, as an OB-GYN.
We’ve moved back from Arizona, where I did my residency.
And though we enjoyed our time there, I’m happy to be back home.
We came back to Kentucky, and Grant got a job at the hospital where he did his own residency.
We married before I started mine, a few years ago, in a quiet ceremony followed by a big celebration with our friends and family members.
His parents have come around, though we’re still not super close with them.
It’s the same for my dad, but I’m happy we get to choose who we want in our lives.
Things do change, including my body—sometimes I’m bigger, sometimes I’m smaller—and Grant loves me through it.
We’re still undecided on the question of children, but I’m okay with that.
I’m thirty-six, and I’ve got time. I have my nephew, Silas, to dote on.
I’d like to focus on charitable opportunities.
I’m hoping I can make that a big part of my career.
I’d also like to dismantle all the problems with women’s health and maternal inequities, but hey, one thing at a time.
“You’re going to be great,” Grant says. I walk in front of him on the couch and he pulls me into his lap. I land with a grunt.
“I hope so.” I turn and frame his face with my hands. “Look at us. Kicking ass and doing surgeries. Being the coolest couple I know.”
He circles my wrist with his fingers. He’s got a few little lines fanning out around his eyes now and I love how he looks with them, like he’s had years of smiling with me and it shows. “I have something for you.” He shifts under me.
I glance down. “Is it your dick? Because I gotta be honest, I can get that any time.”
He laughs. “Here. I’ll show you.”
I follow him into our bedroom, where he’s got a little giftbag sitting there. I pull out the tissue paper and find a little gift card.
“A recording studio?” My eyes return to his face.
He’s blushing a little. “A gift card for a recording studio. To do a song or two. In case you decide you hate being a doctor. But also, I just thought you might enjoy it.” He fidgets with the hem of his shirt. “I wanted you to know that I’ll love you no matter what you do.”
“Grant.” I step into him. “I love it.”
His shoulders sag. “I thought you would, but I wasn’t sure. There’s more in there.”
“Ooh. This is exciting.” I dig around in the bag and pull out a little jewelry box.
When I pull off the lid, a pair of diamond-studded earrings catches the light.
I inspect them, smiling as I do so. I’m definitely a diamonds-are-a-girls-best-friend kind of gal.
“These are gorgeous. Thank you.” I hug him to me and we sway together.
“I love you, Dr. Hodges,” he says.
“I love you too, Dr. Wyndham.” I smile at him, and all is right in the world.