Epilogue
“Jude! Jude, come quick. She’s walking.”
He comes flying through the doorway just in time to see our daughter, Hope, taking her first steps.
We are both cheering her on—and then she falls.
He swoops in, picks her up, and spins her around over his head.
I jump to my feet, and when they stop, I hug them both.
Our lives have been nothing short of a series of miracles.
When I found out I was pregnant, it was a day we will never forget, and now we’re celebrating her birthday.
I kiss them and squeeze around Jude’s waist. “We already have so many memories and milestones in our dream home. I love you both.”
“Summer is our season. Happy third anniversary, sweetheart,” he says, and then he leans down to kiss me.
I kiss him back and say, “Happy anniversary.”
We stand in our living room staring out at Mirror Lake through the glass wall slider that’s the full length of the house.
It opens up to the wrap around deck and our expansive yard—where we got married three years ago with our friends as witnesses.
It was a beautiful day—the day we pledged our love and devotion to each other.
We belong together for the rest of our lives.
Time flies when you’re having fun and making memories.
Our yard is where we had our baby shower.
It was a full year since we had been in our home.
We were so excited about having a baby. Both of us wanted the gender to be a surprise.
Our friends were disappointed. I think they wanted to know the gender more than we did.
Now we are celebrating Hope’s first birthday. All our friends are coming to celebrate. She is a miracle we weren’t sure we’d have—so we named her Hope. With the memories of our journey and hope, we stand here, living our second chance…together.
“She took her first steps on her first birthday.” We both kiss her chubby cheeks in celebration.
“I love our life. It’s perfect.”
“You are perfect, and Hope is, too. All of this is everything I ever wanted for us.”
“Me, too. I can’t believe how quick it’s gone by. Everyone should arrive soon.”
Max and Klara arrive first. We haven’t seen them in over a year. They’ve been busy with their twins. I don’t know how they do it.
“I’m so glad you guys made it,” I say, giving them a big hug.
“We are happy to be here. These guys are full of energy.” Klara points to the twins, who are three years old. They are full of energy as they zoom around the yard screaming their heads off.
“There’s plenty to entertain them.”
Then I see Kendall waddling through the yard with Dane on her arm. She is due any minute now.
“You better wait until tomorrow, big guy,” I mutter as I rub her belly that’s growing my nephew.
Kendall sits down with her legs up, and says, “I’m a whale and swollen everywhere. He can come now if he wants.”
Poor thing—pregnancy has really made her swell up. Being pregnant in the summer is the worst. I help her get settled with some snacks and a cold drink. “Kendall, thanks for coming out. It means a lot to us. If you get too hot out here, go inside; the air conditioning is blasting.”
Lane walks in. I’m excited that we will have all of our favorite people here to celebrate Hope’s birthday, and she is so big now. I can’t wait for her to start talking. I shouldn’t rush it, but it will be fun.
As I glance around, I take in the tables that are decorated with an arch of light pink balloons.
The pink cake sits on top—complete with tiered cupcakes.
The lake is quiet, but as the day goes on, there will be more boats out.
There will be party boats cruising and speed boats with skiers behind them. We love living the lake life.
“Thanks for coming out. It means a lot to us,” I say to Lane. “Have you seen Addison yet?”
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world, and no, but I think she’s coming with a certain someone,” Lane says conspiratorially.
They are my best friends, and I don’t know what I would do without them. We just need Addison to complete our circle. Just as I finish thinking that, I see her out of the corner of my eye.
“Oh, I spy,” I whisper to Lane.
Addison and her “friend” from work. We haven’t met him yet. Oh yeah, you can tell he is much younger than her. They’ve been “friends” for a while now, and we’ve been wondering when it will turn into something else. They’ve been spending a little more time together recently.
I give her a hug. “Auntie Addison, thanks for coming.”
Addison directs my attention to the man standing next to her and says, “Faith, this is Colt. Colt, this is one of my best friends, Faith.”
We do the pleasantry thing, and I guide them to the party area. “Drinks are over there, and food is inside. Help yourself and I’ll be back.”
I walk away to go find Jude. When I see he is with Eve, Erick, and the kids, I speed over to give them all a big hug. The kids run off to play.
“How are you guys holding up with two toddlers and a baby?” I kiss the top of the newborn’s head. She smells so good. I can’t wait to have more kids running around.
Jude pulls me into a hug and kisses me in front of them like he owns me. He’s my everything, and I will never want it any other way.
Now that all of our favorite people have arrived, the party can start.
Jude brings Hope outside. He dressed her a few minutes ago in her new birthday outfit. It is a deep purple dress with white flowers. He even put her white sandals on. I look at him with adoration and know he was the best decision I’ve ever made.
“Sweetheart, you’re glowing,” he says before kissing me on the forehead.
Jude gets everyone’s attention and says, “Faith and I have an announcement.” He dramatically pauses. “We’re having another baby!