Epilogue Copeland
Copeland
I didn’t think I was ever going to get her out of the house without telling her what’s really going on today. My sisters-in-law, Kinzie, and my mom planned her baby shower. Sure, I could have let us walk, but she’s going to be tired after, and we’ll need my truck to carry everything home.
I just couldn’t tell her that.
Chandler has texted me twice, telling me that Macie, Mom, and her sisters are ready when we are. Thankfully, I got her moving. “I’ll get the door,” I tell her, hopping out of the truck and rushing to her side to help her down.
“I might have to stay pregnant with this kind of treatment,” she teases.
“Baby, if you think that’s going to make me stop, think again. I’ll give you as many babies as you want.” I kiss her softly, letting my lips linger against hers, before closing the truck door and leading her inside.
Opening the door, Kara, a local college student who handles the desk on the weekends, greets us with a wide smile. “Hey, you two.” She grins.
“You’re extra grinny today,” Ellison says, eyeing her suspiciously.
“It’s just a good day,” Kara singsongs.
“Uh-huh,” Ellison says, not buying her excuse.
“Come on. They’re waiting,” I guide her toward the double doors that lead into the large dining room area, where guests eat.
“Why are the doors closed, Kara? We never close them,” Ellison asks her.
“Oh, um, the guests said there was a cold draft when the door opened, so we closed it,” she says, thinking on her feet.
Ellison nods, accepting that answer. Almost, I think to myself. Reaching for the door, I guide her through with my hand on the small of her back, and as soon as they spot us, everyone calls out, “Surprise!”
Ellison stops, and I have to reach out and grip her hips to keep from running into her. “What?” she asks, and I can hear the emotion in her voice.
My mom steps away from the crowd and makes her way toward us. “It’s your baby shower,” she tells Ellison, pulling her into a hug.
“Yeah, so get your behind in here!” Baylor calls out.
Ellison gasps. “Bay?” she asks, her voice cracking.
“Bring it in, big sister.” Baylor comes rushing over to give her a hug. “Look at you,” she says, pulling back and placing her hands on her baby bump. “It’s just not the same seeing you through the phone screen. You’re glowing, Ellie,” Baylor says, smiling with watery eyes.
“It’s so good to see you,” Ellison says, hugging her sister again. “It’s been ages since the wedding. That’s too long, Bay,” she says, wiping at her eyes.
“I know.” Baylor nods. “That’s why I’m moving back home.”
This time, it’s not just my wife’s mouth that drops open, but mine, too.
“Did I hear that right?” Courtlynn asks. She’s a few feet away, Leighton hot on her heels.
“Baylor?” Leighton asks. “Are you really coming home?”
“I am.” Baylor bobs her head. There’s something in her eyes that tells me this decision isn’t as simple as her missing her sisters.
“For real? It’s too close to Christmas for you to joke about this,” Courtlynn tells her.
“It’s real. I was hoping my old room would be available.”
“Always,” all three sisters reply at once.
“I want details,” Courtlynn says.
Baylor takes a deep breath and nods. “Not today. This is Ellie’s day, but I promise to give you the rundown.”
“When?” Leighton asks her.
Baylor shrugs. “I don’t have to go back.”
“What?” Ellison asks.
“I brought everything I need. Everything I want with me.”
“You’re really staying?” Leighton asks, her voice cracking.
“I’m staying,” Baylor tells her, and suddenly, I’m in the middle of a Moran sisters hug, and if you can’t beat them, join them. I wrap my arms around all four of them, pulling them close.
I don’t know what’s going on, but something tells me it’s that asshole she was living with.
If I need to rally the troops to handle his ass and make a trip to New York, I’ll do it.
Well, after my daughter is born. I won’t risk missing that, but after, I’ll do whatever I need to do to protect my little sister.
I didn’t just marry Ellison; I married the family.
So, yeah, I’ll do whatever I need to do.
“Enough about me. This is Ellie’s day. Come on. Let’s get this party started.”
The hug breaks up as her sisters lead her to a recliner brought into the dining room so she’d have a more comfortable place to sit.
“You, too, Cope!” Courtlynn calls out. “This is a co-ed baby shower, as you can see.” She waves around the room.
“Yeah, if I had to shop for pink, frilly stuff, you have to stick around to open it!” Bowen hollers, and the room fills with laughter.
“Bring on the pink frill.” I chuckle. “I’m sure my life is about to be filled with the color pink, and I’m okay with that,” I say, taking a seat in a less comfortable dining room chair next to my wife.
Our friends and family went way overboard, spoiling our little girl. Our house won’t be finished by the time she arrives, but I know my wife, my mom, my four sisters-in-law, and my niece are going to have the time of their lives decorating her room once it’s ready.
We decided to build a house, just down the street.
The old Jackson family farm came up for sale—it connects to my mom’s place, which is now between Magnolia Estates and us.
I like the thought of our kids being close to my mom and Ellison’s grandparents.
I went so long without my family; I want to be surrounded by them, no matter how hectic it may be.
Magnolia Ridge is my home.