Epilogue
SIX MONTHS LATER
AIDEN
I wrap my arms around Dara, pulling her flush against my chest as we survey the crowd gathered in the resort's ballroom. The annual fundraiser brings together the community, but also a lot of people with money to contribute to the cause championed by the resort's owners.
The Rescue and Restoration shelter, where Dara and I worked with the veterans and the service dogs trained by shelter staff, to create portraits that showcase their bond as well as the work they do together.
"You should be really proud of yourself," I whisper to my wife, her wedding ring gleaming on her finger as she folds her hands over mine.
"I am. But really, I'm proud of you." She looks at me over her shoulder, a sweet smile on her face. "You agreed to let me include the photo I took of you in the portraits on display. It's really powerful, Aiden. See how everyone stops to look at it?"
My gaze flicks to where people circulate, their heads bent toward the images hung gallery style on the walls and notice that she's right. People are lingering near the photo of me. "They should stop to look at it. It was taken by the most talented photographer I've ever met."
I nibble on her ear and she laughs quietly.
My wife is a vision tonight. She and Jade spent the earlier part of the day with their friends at the spa, getting their hair and makeup done.
When the end result was revealed, there's no disputing that she took my breath away.
Much like she did when we were married in this same ballroom.
"I know Jade and Hunt said the owners want you out there to answer questions about the people in the portraits, but I kind of like hiding up here with you. Keeping you all to myself."
She kisses me and nods. "I know the feeling. And while I'd rather stay up here with you, we should go down there in a minute. But first," she pauses, twisting the ring on her finger, which I've learned is a sign she's nervous. "I need to tell you something."
My skin goes cold and worry takes hold. Our time together has been wonderful and there's a part of me that wondered when it would come to an end.
"Don't do that." Jade turns in my arms, her hand cupping my jaw until my eyes meet hers. "Don't worry. There's nothing to worry about. I'm not going anywhere."
I exhale, my chest aching, and I nod. She knows my tells well enough already and I can't help but fear that maybe someday the amazing woman I love will come to her senses. That she'll choose an easier life with someone who has less scars, visible and invisible, to recover from.
"This is good news. Happy news." She kisses me and then guides my hand to her belly. "You're going to be a father."
Joy hits me square in the gut and the love I felt for this woman before expands even more than I thought possible. It expands to include the child I haven't even met yet, but that I'm sure will have her eyes and her fighting spirit, and maybe even a little bit of my attitude.
"When did you find out?" I stare down at her, not seeing any sign of a change in her yet. But she wouldn't lie to me about this.
"This morning. Jade picked up a test for me in town. I drank orange juice instead of mimosas. No one else had a clue."
"So it's just our secret?"
"Well, Jade knows, which means Hunt will probably know soon enough. But otherwise, yes, it's our secret if you want it to be."
"Good." I bend and lift her off her feet, cradling her against my chest. "I've got the key to our room in my pocket. We're going to celebrate this news properly."
She laughs, her eyes bright, and I'm grateful all over again for the wildfire that brought her to me.
The fire that I once thought destroyed me sent me on a journey to this place.
Only to find another fire that would never go out.
"I love you, Dara. Always."
She kisses my cheek, and holds on as I move faster through the deserted halls of the resort, leaving the crowds behind. We'll get back to them soon enough.
"I love you, Aiden. Thank you for rescuing me so I could have this life."
I hold her close, knowing that really, when I rescued her, she rescued me in return.
And we'll face what comes next together.
THE END