Epilogue
Lyra
One year later
We returned from our honeymoon just in time for Christmas. Snow was falling, lights were twinkling, and I soon realized how ready for Christmas I really was.
After eloping and spending an amazing honeymoon in Hawaii, it felt good to get back and celebrate Christmas. It was still my favorite season, so I was happy to see the decorations and the snow.
This year, we planned to attend the tree lighting ceremony as a married couple, and Nolan was dressing up as Santa for the daycare again. It had been a while since I’d seen my little friends there, and I looked forward to seeing them again.
“Is it colder than last year, or is it just me?” Nolan asked as we huddled together in line for the ceremony, hot cocoa in our hands and cookies in our pockets.
“Feels the same to me. Just wish they’d speed up this line. I can’t believe they haven’t figured out a faster way.”
“Good ole Appleridge. Some things will never change. But we’ll take the good with the bad. It’s worth it, isn’t it?”
I shot him a wink. “You know it.”
We watched the ceremony hand in hand. The feeling and vibes were different this time as an actual married couple, but still the same. I was thankful for the event that brought us together exactly one year ago. Who knew we’d meet the love of our lives?
A few days later, Nolan played Santa again for the little kids. It was beyond adorable as he read them stories, handed out gifts, and shared hot chocolate and cookies.
I loved watching him surrounded by my children. He was going to make such a good dad one day.
Which is why I couldn’t wait to surprise him later with the good news.
We had a baby on the way.
I wrapped up the test in a few boxes and planned to give it to him later.
I’d only just found out the other day when I had a dizzy spell and realized my period was a couple of weeks late. Sure enough, the two pink lines popped up on the test right away.
It had been hard keeping it a secret, but I couldn’t wait to surprise him.
Later that night, after dinner and dessert, we cuddled by the tree in our living room. “Here, Nolan, I got you a little something. You know for helping at the daycare. You do such a good job with the little ones.”
Nolan took the box in his hand and pretended to shake it hard. “Thank you. But you didn’t need to get me anything. I enjoy helping.”
“I know. You deserve it, though. Go on, open it.”
Nolan eyed me suspiciously. “Okay.” He popped the top off the box and took out another box. “Ha, very funny.”
I laughed as it happened a couple more times, and finally, he opened the pregnancy test. As soon as it hit him what it was, his mouth dropped open, and he looked at me with so much love. “Is this true? You’re pregnant?”
I nodded with bated breath, afraid of what he might say.
“Oh my fucking God! We’re going to be parents?!” Nolan cried, jumping to his feet and lifting me into his arms. He spun me around, and we laughed and kissed. “Our own little family. I can’t wait, princess.”
“Me either, baby. I love you so much, Nolan.”
“And I love you. Forever and ever.”
THE END