17. Epilogue
Jake
Hannah’s going to be so upset with me but it’s Chrissy’s first birthday today and I’m allowed to splash out a little.
I fish my key from my jeans’ pocket whilst trying to carry two large bags in one hand and unlock the door to the cottage.
Chrissy had to stay in hospital for nearly six weeks until she’d put on enough weight and was doing well enough to leave. I tried to take annual leave but Sheila wouldn’t hear of it. She and HR explained all the entitlements I had to me. Neonatal care leave allowed me to be with the two most important women in my life for the first three months.
I took more parental leave over the summer and we had the time of our lives getting to know our little princess. Ols temporarily took over my boat trips and the Greenview Manor Hotel gave us all the support we needed.
Chrissy has my dark eyes and hair, although of course she doesn’t, but anyone that sees us together thinks she’s mine. And in my heart she is. This little girl has me wrapped around her tiny fist and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.
Warmth and a wall of noise hits me when I enter the cottage. We invited Hannah’s family and Rob and Olivia over for Chrissy’s birthday party and I’m the last one to join.
I leave the bags out of sight in the hallway and head to the living room to kiss the birthday girl. She was still asleep when I left this morning for work.
“Where’s my princess?” I grin.
“Dada!” she squeaks and wiggles out of Ols’ arms, who had her sitting on his lap. Once he places her on the floor she crawls to me in a surprising speed, whilst babbling, “Dada!” over and over.
“Hello, birthday girl.” I lift her in my arms and place a kiss on her cheek. She snuggles against my chest like she does every day when I come back from work.
“She needs ten minutes of daddy-time whenever Jake gets home,” Hannah says and places a kiss on my lips. “You’re late,” she smirks at me because she knows exactly why I’m late. Although, she just doesn’t know yet how bad it is.
“Sorry, everyone, I had to pick something up,” I say, rubbing Chrissy’s back gently whilst she’s playing with the collar of my shirt.
“Jake,” Hannah sighs, “How mad am I going to be?”
“What have you done now?” Ols laughs. He’s witnessed a number of minor disagreements because of me getting Chrissy a little something and Hannah protesting that I’m spoiling her.
“It’s her birthday!” I protest.
“You didn’t!”
“Hanny-bee, she’ll love it.” I pull her to my side and place a kiss on her forehead.
“Of course she will, but Jake—” Hannah tries to protest but as always, she’s already losing the battle, even with herself. I get that she wants to make sure Chrissy doesn’t get spoiled but she also knows I only do it because I love them so much and that makes her swoon.
“I was really good since Christmas,” I argue.
“You managed a month, well done you,” Hannah laughs before heading back to the kitchen. Jake: one, best practice parenting: nil.
Once Chrissy has soaked up all the cuddles she needed she’s back on the floor crawling from one person to another. The whole room has her attention. She’s also fascinated with Rob and Olivia’s one month old little boy sleeping in a baby carrier.
“I think she’s having a great first birthday,” Ols says. He’s helping me put the elephant shaped slide together in Chrissy’s room. She had so much fun sliding down the one at the library where Rob works, so I just had to get her one.
“She loves all the attention,” I laugh.
“I can’t wait until my princess is here,” he grins. Keeley and Ols are expecting their own baby girl in a few months. Rosemarie is over the moon; having grandchildren has given her life new meaning. She’s still in therapy but she’s controlling her demons and she’s been a rock to me and Hannah.
It took us a while to get over the nightmares from that day but having to take care of Chrissy and the support from our family and friends has helped a lot. We try to live every minute to the full which has led to some amazing memories.
“Make sure you make time,” I say.
“Oh don’t worry. We’ve hired more staff and promoted Kurt. The company is doing well so I’ll take my paternity leave, come what may.”
We work in silence for a while, laughter and giggles drifting up from the living room.
“Ols, I’m going to ask Hannah to marry me.” I’ve been trying to talk to him for weeks now but I kept chickening out. I’m not sure why I’m concerned.
“And you’re asking for my permission?” He raises an eyebrow in question.
“God no; sorry, no disrespect but your sister is forty-one years old. She’ll cut off my balls if I ask anyone but her for permission to marry her,” I chuckle.
“I was about to say, mate—” he laughs.
“I just wanted you to know. I don’t know why, but I just want to know you’re okay with it.”
“What if I’m not?” he asks crossing his arms in front of his chest.
“I’d try to convince you otherwise but it wouldn’t stop me. Hannah and Chrissy are my life and I won’t let you or anyone keep me from them. But I might ask you how I can bribe you.”
Ols laughs out loud, “No bribe needed. I couldn’t wish for a better person for my sister. You don’t have my permission but you have all my best wishes.”
Well that’s one McCallum convinced, now I just need to convince my McCallum, the love of my life.
Hannah
I gently stroke over Chrissy’s forehead. She’s curled up in her bed with a tight grip on Fanti, the small stuffed elephant Jake got her before she was born. Ever since she discovered him he’s become her best bud. We left him at Ols’ one night in the summer and she wouldn’t stop crying until Jake got dressed in the middle of the night and went to pick up the toy.
I place one last kiss on her forehead before making my way to our bedroom. I don’t need to worry that I’ll wake her because she’s completely exhausted from all the birthday fun. Of course her favourite gift was the small slide Jake bought her. She and Jake spent an hour in her room sliding.
When I get back Jake is sitting up in our bed, eyes closed and fast asleep. I don’t know if I deserve this much happiness but I won’t fight it. How many people can say that they’ve fallen in love with their best friend and soulmate who would literally give their life to make sure you’re safe?
Our love has these monumental moments, the day at the lake—that’s what we call it the very few times we talk about—Chrissy’s birth, all events that were life-changing and soul-shattering. But it’s the little moments that make us. When we cook together, when we spend a Sunday morning in bed with Chrissy, reading fairy tales, every evening when he comes home and spends first ten minutes giving his daughter the hugs she wants, the moments when he kisses me awake for some mind-blowing adult time. It’s those moments that make this the best life I could have hoped for.
“Jake,” I whisper and gently shake him. If he continues sleeping like this he’ll wake up with a stiff neck. “Jake?”
“I think in fairytales people get kissed awake,” he mumbles peeking through one closed eye.
“Is that so,” I giggle before sliding my lips over his. I’m about to pull back when he grabs my hips and gently throws me onto the mattress. He’s above me in an instant, kissing me deeply and passionately.
“Someone’s wide awake now,” I laugh.
“Told you. You need to kiss people.” He licks his way along the column of my neck before gently biting my earlobe.
Jake's tongue feels hot against my skin, like a little flame licking its way up to my ear. He puts his hand on my cheek and gently pulls me towards him, closing the distance between us with a soft sweet kiss. His lips taste warm and familiar against mine. Our two bodies are magnets drawing each other together.
I love the feeling of Jake's mouth on mine. There's something so intimate about it that makes me feel all tingly inside.
Jake's hand moves from my cheek to cup the back of my head, pulling me even closer as if he wants to melt our bodies together.
Our tongues dance with each other as we explore each other's mouths, our lips moving in sync like we've been practising for years.
My skin prickles as his fingers slide down my back and pull me towards him until our bodies are pressed tightly together.
I can feel his hard cock pressing against me through his boxers and it sends shivers down my spine. Fuck, he feels good!
His kisses become more urgent now as he moves his hand down from the small of my back to squeeze my arse gently but firmly.
I moan into his mouth, encouraging him to take what he wants. He pulls back slightly, his eyes intense and focused on me.
"You're so beautiful, Hanny-bee. I could spend forever lost in those eyes of yours." His voice is a rough contrast to the gentle caress of his fingers on my skin.
With that, he trails kisses down my jawline, his tongue occasionally darting out to tease my skin. I close my eyes, lost in the sensation, as he works his way down my neck leaving a trail of fire in his wake.
His hands roam over my body, exploring every curve. He cups my breast, his thumb brushing against my hardened nipple and sending a jolt of pleasure through me. I moan softly and arch into his touch.
"You like that, huh?" He teases, his voice low and seductive.
I nod, unable to form words as he continues his assault on my senses. His mouth closes around my nipple, tugging and sucking gently, making me squirm beneath him.
"Oh God, Jake..." I breathe, my hands finding their way into his hair, encouraging him to take more, to give me more.
As he lavishes attention on my breasts, his fingers dance down my stomach, tracing lazy circles that send tingles straight to my core. I'm on fire, my body aching for release.
"Jake, please..." I plead, my voice hoarse with desire.
He smiles against my skin, his breath hot and intoxicating. "Impatient, are we?" He asks, his voice laced with amusement.
With that, he trails kisses down my stomach, his hands never ceasing their exploration. He teases my navel with his tongue, making me squirm and writhe beneath him.
"You're so fucking beautiful Hannah. Like a work of art." He murmurs, his voice thick with desire.
I can't help but smile, my body buzzing with pleasure. "Thank you. But I want more. I need more." I urge, my hands running down his back to encourage him to continue.
He obliges, his mouth finding its way to my inner thigh. He teases the sensitive skin there, his tongue darting out to taste me, making my breath hitch in my throat.
"So sweet," he murmurs, his voice rough with desire. "My own personal honey from my Hanny-bee."
I moan, my legs falling open involuntarily and inviting him in. He takes the hint, his mouth finding my core, his tongue dancing over my clit, sending waves of pleasure crashing through me.
"Oh fuck..." I cry out, my hands fisting in his hair and urging him on.
He obliges, his tongue working me with a skill that leaves me breathless. I can feel the build-up, the coiling tension in my belly, and I know I'm close.
"Jake, I'm gonna..." I warn, my voice breaking as the orgasm washes over me in a powerful wave.
He continues to tease and torment, his fingers joining in, stretching and filling me, until I shatter, my body convulsing in pleasure.
I collapse back onto the bed panting, sated but still yearning for more. Jake crawls up my body, his eyes smouldering with desire.
"That was just the beginning, baby," he promises, his voice low and seductive. "Now, it's my turn to feel you around me."
With that he positions himself between my legs, his eyes locked with mine. I can see the desire burning in his gaze and I know he's about to take me to new heights.
He teases the entrance to my core with the head of his cock, making me squirm and arch my back. I can feel the stretch, the anticipation, and it's almost too much to bear.
"Please, Jake..." I plead, my voice hoarse.
He smiles a wicked grin and pushes forward, filling me in one smooth, deliberate thrust. He begins to move, his strokes slow and deliberate at first then building in intensity as he watches my reactions.
I moan, my hands running up and down his back, encouraging him and guiding him. I can feel the build-up again, the coiling tension, and I know I'm not far from another climax. Jake senses it too and he quickens his pace, his strokes becoming more urgent, more demanding.
"Oh God, Jake..." I cry out, my body arching off the bed as another orgasm washes over me.
He keeps up the pace, his strokes relentless, his eyes never leaving mine. I can see the desire, the need, and I know he's not far behind.
"I'm close baby. So fucking close." He growls, his eyes hooded, his body tensed.
I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him deeper and urging him on. "Come for me Jake. I want to feel you."
He lets out a primal groan, his body shuddering as he releases inside me. I can feel his hot seed filling me and it sends me over the edge once more.
We collapse together, our bodies sweaty and sated and our breathing heavy. Jake's weight is comforting and I feel a sense of peace and contentment wash over me.
A little weeping sound through the baby monitor brings us back to reality.
“I’ll go,” Jake announces before placing a last kiss on my lips. He puts on some boxers and a T-shirt and heads towards the nursery.
My bones feel like jelly and I’m satisfied through and through. I don’t want to move but I really should. I head to the bathroom to clean myself up. We’ve decided to try for a second baby. We’re not trying-trying; it’s more that we’re not using protection and if it happens we’ll be delighted. If it doesn’t we’ll continue to enjoy our little family which already feels perfect.
I slip on my nightshirt before heading back to the bedroom. Jake has Chrissy in his arm and is whispering to her.
“What are you two plotting now?” I laugh.
“Oh, little Miss Chrissy is very upset.”
“Is that so?” I take a seat next to them on the bed.
“Yes, she’s very upset that I’m not her real dad,” Jake replies in a sombre tone.
“Jake—” Where’s this coming from? He’s been her father since day one and nobody’s ever questioned that, let alone our tiny baby who adores him.
“Chrissy, tell Mummy the plan we have agreed.”
Oh, this is all an act. What has this crazy man cooked up now? “You and Chrissy made a plan?” I ask and eye them suspiciously.
“Yes. Firstly, I would like to start the official adoption process.” Jake’s eyes find mine. He looks worried and insecure. We had briefly looked into this and it’s rather complicated, including having to make an effort to find the biological father.
“Of course. If you want to I’m with you on this.” He really needn’t have worried.
“And secondly, we want you to marry me.” He holds out a small ring box. “Lip, Chrissy,” he whispers and my daughter sticks out her bottom lip looking at me with big begging eyes. He had been obsessed with teaching her that trick for weeks and I guess I know now why.
“You—”
He pulls Chrissy close to his chest and faces me properly. “Hanny-bee, you’re everything to me. Please, please become my wife.”
I cup his cheek, tears streaming over my cheek. “Yes. Yes, I will.” How could he ever doubt I would say yes? Jake’s about to kiss me when I pull back. “But if we marry, you don’t need to adopt her. I can give you parental rights.”
“No,” he shakes his head, “that’s not the same. I want this to be official.”
“We’ll make it official, even though in our hearts you’re already her dad.” I finally let him kiss me. The happiness that washes over me can’t be described. It’s a happiness you have to feel to know what it’s like.
You are cordially invited…