Epilogue
ELOISE
I watch Jess as she barrels around our living room, her determination fierce as she chases poor Albert. Her brown curls fly wildly behind her, a whirlwind of energy, as our one-hundred-and-fifty-pound Rottweiler bolts for his life.
As Jess speeds past, I swoop her up, tickling her until her laughter erupts into piercing shrieks that echo throughout the room. Atlas pokes his head around the corner, his eyes sharp with concern. "Everything okay in here?"
“We're fine,” I reassure my overprotective husband.
Since discovering we're expecting twins, his protectiveness has ramped up to maddening levels. “I’m only two months pregnant,” I remind him, a mix of exasperation and affection in my voice.
I adore how my fire captain is fiercely protective, but sometimes it's like being wrapped in bubble wrap.
After Jess's arrival, we realized that juggling two demanding careers with a newborn is pure chaos. We made the tough call for me to take a break from my teaching career until the kids are in school.
"But you're growing two this time around," he reminds me, taking Jess from my arms and setting her back down.
My poor husband passed out when the doctor did the first ultrasound and showed us two heartbeats.
Of course, Atlas made me promise not to tell his brothers how he got the huge bump on his head.
Just then, Albert makes a desperate dash for the doggie door, and Jess wriggles to follow with all her might. “I’ll make sure he escapes with his life,” Atlas declares, darting after our two-year-old and the fleeing dog with a grin.
With Atlas on Jess duty, I sink into the sofa, grateful for the reprieve, and prop my feet up.
Exhaustion overtakes me, and I slip into a deep sleep.
At some point, I stir awake to find Atlas cradling me in his strong, muscular arms as he carries me to our bedroom.
"What are you doing?" I murmur, snuggling closer to his solid warmth.
"Letting you take a nap while I take the terrible two to the park," he says softly, tucking me into the bed and wrapping the covers snugly around me.
“You really are the perfect husband,” I mumble, sinking into the comforting warmth.
"Be sure to mention that to my jerk brothers," he jokes quietly.
“Don’t worry. I will.” I snort, realizing the brotherly competition will never end.
He plants a gentle kiss on my forehead before slipping out of the room.
As I drift off to sleep, I can't help but feel grateful for the day Atlas walked back into my life and turned things into a hot mess. I definitely wouldn’t have it any other way.