Epilogue 2
My stomach swoops, and my heart races as I take in all the lights and sounds.
It’s been years since I actually went to a town fair.
Mostly, because they reminded me of Finn, and until last year, that part of the past had been too painful.
Now we’re a year and a half married, and life is everything I wanted it to be.
When Finn called and asked if I could get off early tonight to check out the rodeo and then walk over to the fair, I jumped at the chance.
I’m hoping I can get my husband on the Ferris wheel tonight.
My phone vibrates, and I glance down.
FINN: Where are you?
ME: Meet me at our ride.
He doesn’t keep me waiting long. I feel him before I see him, the awareness of his presence like a long-awaited caress against my skin. Turning in line, my gaze finds him above the crowd. I smile at the concern and impatience on his face.
“I thought you just had to buy something? I turned to look, and you were gone.”
“I wanted to ride the Ferris wheel.” I shrug and fight off laughing at his exasperated sigh.
Smirking, he looks from me then up at the multicolored lights of the spinning wheel. “Well, Winnie, want to ride the Ferris wheel with me?”
I step close to him, lacing my fingers with his and gripping his arm with my other hand. “You sure you don’t want to leave?”
He shakes his head no. “I want to take you on the Ferris wheel.”
“Good answer,” I giggle and lean up to kiss the edge of his jaw. Finn moves faster, though, and dips his head, capturing his lips with mine. I pull back and swat him playfully. “Hey! You’re not supposed to kiss me until we reach the top, or else it doesn’t count.”
He scoffs and guides me closer to the ride. “You’re already mine forever, Win. The Ferris wheel has already spoken and blessed this union almost twelve years ago.”
We get to the front of the line, and then we’re ushered up by the attendant. Once we’re in our bucket, the door locks, and we start moving. Finn places his arm around my back, his fingers playing with my hair.
“Aren’t you going to ask me what I bought?” I ask as we come to a stop at the top.
He faces me, our gazes meeting. “What did you buy? You were there one second, and the next you were gone. Don’t do that to me, again, Winnie. I was ready to shut down the fair to find you.”
“I’m sorry for worrying you. But I saw these and had to get them.” Reaching into the little bag, I pull out the pair of black, leather cowboy boots, small enough to fit a baby.
“Win.” Finn eyes the boots, and his voice trails off. He flicks his gaze up to me, his face softening when he sees the tears in my eyes.
“You’re going to be a daddy, Finn,” I tell him, my tone soft and so full of love for this man. His breath shudders before he pulls me close to him, wrapping his arms around me.
“I love you,” he whispers, pulling back just enough to bring his lips down on mine. Finn kisses me thoroughly, lovingly, and deeply. One of his hands tightens on the back of my head, and the other flattens against my stomach. “I love you both.”
“We love you, too,” I tell him and press another kiss to his lips. The bucket starts moving again while we look out across the space. The stars are shining brightly amongst the lights. “I’m glad we came tonight.”
“We’ll go every year from now on,” he says, and I smile.
“Promise?”
“I promise. We’re forever, Winnie. We have all the time in the world to ride the Ferris wheel together,” Finn answers.
I nod my head, agreeing with him. “Forever, Finn.”
THE END