39. Epilogue
Epilogue
Two years later
Sadie
I wrinkled my nose and glared at the turkey. I had no idea how to carve it.
“Dad?”
This was definitely a dad job.
He came into the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel.
“I’m pretty sure carving the turkey is a fatherly responsibility,” I said.
He laughed. “I can handle it.”
I kissed his cheek. “Thanks.”
I glanced out into the backyard. We’d borrowed folding tables to fit everyone who had come to celebrate Alyssa’s high school graduation.
Little footsteps padded down the hall, and Emery appeared, covered in mud.
“When’s the food?” she asked. “Jonathan and Wyatt are trying to eat roly-polies, and Uncle Van says they need potatoes instead.”
I laughed. “Potatoes are definitely better than roly-polies. It’s almost time.”
She sighed dramatically. “Tiffany said eating outside is unpleasant.”
“Tiffany isn’t always right.”
Emery smiled. “That’s what my mom says.”
“Where’s Hannah?”
“She’s sitting on Daddy’s lap because she won’t stop taking Lizzy’s ball.”
“Got it. We’d better get the food out fast.”
It was amazing how much the Hart family had grown in two years.
Brynlee and Travis had two kids now. Nayvee and Van were expecting their second—one Nayvee insisted would not be born in a car. Rylee and Trace had Jonathan. Dax and Taya were expecting twins. Chance and Eliza had Lizzy.
The only couples without kids were Cole and me, and Delainee and Cruz.
I smiled.
That was about to change.
I’d been ready for a baby the moment we’d admitted we were in love. It had taken longer than I expected. But now…
Now I knew.
I carried the bowl of potatoes outside. Paper plates were already stacked on the table. The first year we were married, I’d been too nervous to use disposable dishes around Tiffany, but Cole had convinced me feeding this many people required practicality.
Grandma Vera was uncovering a dish and talking to Alyssa. I’d secretly hoped Alyssa would grow out of wanting to be a bodyguard, but she hadn’t. I’d support her, even if it terrified me.
Tiffany looked like she might combust if one more child bumped into her, but Haskell was taking it all in stride. Somehow, he’d become a favorite of the grandkids. No one had predicted that.
“Do we have everything?” Cole asked, twisting open a liter of soda.
“We’re just waiting on the turkey. My dad’s carving it.”
I smiled again. It kept happening since I’d found out.
“Why do you keep grinning like that?” Cole asked.
Keep it a secret, I told myself.
“No reason.”
“It’s definitely something.”
The smile only grew. I stepped into him and wrapped my arms around his waist. I was going to tell him in some creative, adorable way…
I lasted three seconds.
“I’m pregnant,” I whispered into his ear.
He went completely still. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
He lifted me off my feet and spun me in a circle. I shrieked and grabbed his shoulders.
“That’s amazing!” he said, kissing me when my feet hit the ground.
“Did we miss something?” Grandma Vera called.
The entire family was staring.
I looked at Cole. He was glowing.
“Just ignore us,” I said.
“That’s hard with the squealing,” Alyssa said. She narrowed her eyes. “Are you pregnant?”
Everyone froze.
“You don’t ask someone that,” I said.
Dad set the platter of turkey on the table. “Well… are you?”
“Yes!” Cole said.
I elbowed him, then laughed.
Congratulations came from every direction, but I only saw him. The man who had steadied my world.
He cupped my face gently. “I love you.”
“I love you.”
“Even though I’m a mess?”
“Especially because you’re a mess.”