BONUS EPILOGUE
MILES – FOUR YEARS LATER
“I think we need to invest in those cushion seat things,” Quinn says as we exit the seating area and head into the main room of Wind Valley’s Recreation Center.
My wife waddles in front of me, one hand on her lower back and the other on her round belly.
“Or maybe those seats just suck because everything is uncomfortable right now.”
I rub her back and follow behind her.
“If you want a cushion seat, I’ll get you a cushion seat.”
“Okay, but you have to get one, too,” she says, and her tone leaves no room for argument.
Not that I would, anyway. In fact, over the last four years, the two of us rarely fight. Sure, we’re still as different as night and day, but that’s what makes us so perfect for each other.
“Well, duh, I’m not about to sit in that cold room watching Hudson’s team play hockey with a baby in my arms and a hard-ass seat.”
Quinn laughs.
“Two babies, don’t forget that part.”
I roll my eyes and then kiss her forehead.
“How could I forget that part?”
She shrugs. “Your mind these days is just mush. It happens.”
I chuckle as I look around to see where the rest of my family went.
Turns out, twins run high in both our families. Now, did we think that it wasn’t possible for Quinn to have twins when her brother also had twins? Yes, we did.
Yet here we are, about to have our own set.
Two boys.
Wow.
I can’t even put my head around it somedays.
This time next month, our entire lives will be different.
I spot Sadie by the trophy case, holding my niece.
“If she’s awake, I want to hold her first,” I say, but then Luca is right behind me and so is my dad, who of course pulls the grandpa card.
I’ll tell you what, this man loves nothing more than being a grandpa. It’s a good thing we’re starting out strong with the grandkid count.
“Oh, we should get some popcorn before we go,” Quinn says as she walks toward the concessions.
“See you guys back in Lovers,” I say to the family and follow my wife.
Like a flash, Dixon comes running past us, and Tobias can barely keep up.
As Quinn orders her food, I can’t help but stand back and look at how many people in this room are my family.
I couldn’t be happier.
Quinn belly bumps me as she turns. She’s already stuffing her face with popcorn, and she smiles.
I kiss her, mouth full and all.
“Think our boys will play hockey?” she asks.
I shrug. “If they don’t become addicted to traveling, maybe.”
Okay, I’ll admit. Traveling over the last four years has been pretty damn amazing, but doing it with Quinn and then coming back to the home we’ve built together is even better. I have no doubt our kids will fall in love with it, too.
God, I love this woman and the life we have together.
And to think, I almost let her go.