Epilogue
“M y boy,” Antonio breathed as he stared down at the most amazing human being resting in the crook of his arm—his son. His heart had practically exploded at the first sight of him. The miracle of birth was mind-blowing, but when that birth was your own child, it was unbelievable.
Antonio glanced up as Mrs. Amelia approached him. Scarlett had insisted she wanted him and her mother in the delivery room. Her mom had been honored, and Scarlett was happy that she could have her be a part of this momentous experience.
“He is so precious,” his mother-in-law said, staring down at her new grandson and lightly brushing a finger over his dark, curly hair. “Chase Armani Jenkins. The name fits him perfectly.”
Antonio agreed. They had wanted to honor Cynthia in some way and had planned to name their first born after her. But once they learned they’d be having a boy, they opted to make his middle name, Armani, which was Cynthia’s last name.
“May I hold him?” Mrs. Amelia asked and reached for Chase.
Antonio reluctantly gave him up. He might as well get used to doing that, considering the size of his family. Though they wouldn’t all get to hold him today, he was sure there would be a lot of passing the baby at Chase’s first Sunday brunch.
Antonio moved back over to Scarlett whose eyes were barely open. His heart knocked against his chest when she gave him a tired smile.
“How do you feel?” he asked and brushed several micro braids away from her face.
“Like I just gave birth to an eight-pound, nine-ounce, stubborn little boy who took his time coming out.”
Antonio chuckled. “I have to admit, watching him be born was epic ,” he said, using one of Bella’s favorite words.
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” Scarlett deadpanned, and he laughed. “But seriously, thank you for being here with me. I wouldn’t have wanted to go through giving birth to our baby boy without you.”
Antonio planted a lingering kiss on freshly glossed lips. He really did like that they tasted like strawberries. “Sweetheart, there’s no other place I would’ve wanted to be than right here by your side. Also, if you want to give me more amazing gifts like this, I’m here for it. Say maybe two or three more boys or girls?”
“ You wish .” She sputtered a laugh, and he joined in. “Talk to me in a year, and then maybe I’ll think about it.”
A knock sounded on the door just before Bella and Jayden burst into the room.
At ten years old, Bella was the spitting image of her mother. It was wild watching her grow up so fast. His smart, funny, beautiful daughter was still the light of his life, but it was bugging the hell out of him that she was catching the attention of little boys now. Thankfully, Jayden, who attended the same school, was helping Antonio scare them away.
“We came to see our new nephew,” Mahogany announced when she strolled in with Ben Jr. and their one-year-old daughter, Viridian.
“Auntie Momo said we could see Chase just for a minute,” Bella said and hurried to the chair that Mrs. Amelia was sitting in. “Ohhh, he’s so little, and he’s sooo cute,” Bella cooed. “I can’t believe I have a little brother. I love him!”
“Look, Chase is trying to open his eyes,” Jayden announced, and they all glanced down at the baby. “He looks like my sister. They have the same eyes.”
Antonio had to agree. It appeared that Chase and Viridian had inherited their grandfather Ben Sr.’s light-brown hazel eyes. But it was still a little early to tell if Chase’s would stay that color.
As everyone oohed and ahhed over Chase, Antonio went back to Scarlett’s side. Her eyes were closed, and he stood there admiring her beauty.
There were days he just stared at her in awe, amazed that she was his wife, his better half, his life partner. For so long, marriage and having a family seemed like a dream that would never come true, but it did. He had everything he could ever want, and it started with a marriage of convenience. Antonio never knew his life could be this fulfilling.
I’m so blessed .
He bent down and brushed a light kiss over his wife’s lips. “Thank you for growing our family,” he whispered, and her eyes eased open.
“Well, I had a little help,” she said quietly and flashed him a smile that he felt straight to his heart. “I love you so much, Tony. I’m glad you’re my husband and the father of my babies.”
“I love you more, sweetheart, and it’s an honor to be your husband and your babies’ daddy.”
They both laughed before he touched his lips to hers again. Their union might have started unconventionally, but it had turned into a love story that would live on for generations to come.
***