Epilogue
Reid
The sun glistens through the peach trees in our backyard and I take the tranquil moment to really appreciate the blessing of my current view.
Caroline is pushing Chloe on the new swing of the new playset that we finally splurged on.
I recruited all the guys to help me put it together this weekend so that she could finally ‘go slide’.
At two years old, that girl is running full speed ahead and wants to be outside at all waking hours of the day. I think Caroline is just as excited to have something to entertain her with now. All we need next is to hire someone to push Chloe on the swing all day.
“Daddy, daddy!” She hops down and comes running over to grab onto my leg, looking up at me with those big doe eyes.
“Careful honey, the grill is very hot,” I warn her, spatula in hand, as I cook up some burgers to eat on the patio.
Caroline trails behind her, her bare belly button leading the way.
It wasn’t long after the wedding that we found out we were expecting another little one.
We are assuming it was a honeymoon baby, but who can really be sure?
Chloe tells us she is excited for her baby brother, but we will see how well she handles the shift in attention once he actually gets here.
For now, we spend our days soaking up her last days as an only child and making as many memories as we can with our little family. Watching her run up and down the halls that I did when I was her age brings a joy to my sentimental heart that I can’t explain.
“I’m going to go in and finish up the french fries and set the table. I hope you made enough cheeseburgers for the baby boy and I,” Caroline pats me on the chest as she walks past me to the sliding back door.
Buster slowly trudges out before she closes the door back.
We aren’t sure how much longer we have with him, but it turns out Poppy has kept him pretty young.
I watch him sniff around the yard before turning back to prop the grill handle up and check on the meat.
My nostrils fill with smoke as I scoop the burgers off the grill and onto the plate with some melty cheese slices.
“Come on, buddy!” I yell back for Buster as I head inside.
I’m greeted by my mom and dad sitting at the table with Chloe in her high chair next to them.
Since my dad’s recovery, we have taken over hosting weekly family dinners, back in their rightful home.
While he’s not one hundred percent, my dad has amazed us with how far he’s come with his health.
Having grandkids to look forward to seems to have also given him an extra push of motivation.
While we are not as close with Caroline’s parents, things have definitely improved in terms of their parental relationship.
After a long confrontational conversation between Caroline and her father, they were able to come to forgiving terms prior to the wedding.
He sincerely apologized to me and has finally accepted and appreciated the life that I’ve been able to provide for his daughter.
Gathering around the table with all of the condiments in the middle, we grab hands and bow our heads as I Iead us in saying grace.
However, our Amen is quickly interrupted by Chloe throwing a fistful of mashed up crinkle fries across the table.
Everyone bursts into laughter and immediately digs in, breaking the silence with clinking forks and full smiles.