Epilogue
One year later
“In the bed, now. Doctor’s orders not mine.” Cole whisked the covers back and helped Peyton lay down.
“I’m expecting, not an invalid.” She nestled under the blankets he drew to her non-existent waistline. "A beached whale, maybe, but not an invalid."
He thought it best to not comment on her 'beached whale' reference. “Promise me you’ll rest a couple of hours.”
“Cross my heart… Hey,” She entwined her fingers with his, “I’m glad you forgave your mom and invited her to be part of our lives, especially now. It meant a lot to her and me.”
“Yeah? Me too. It’s hard to explain. I have a peace I never thought I’d have.”
“I can see the difference. Your eyes radiate the inner peace you feel, and your whole demeanor has changed. It’s not you against the world anymore and… Anyway, I’m delighted for you and us. By the way, have you thought of any names for our son and daughter? Most people have already decided by this time.” Peyton released him and snuggled under the quilt.
“I’ll be happy with whatever you choose. As long as they are healthy. Let’s talk about it later.” By the time he kissed Peyton’s cheek, she had dozed off.
He crept out of the room and closed the door.
Jillian insisted they stay at the cabin so they could supervise the crews building their new house, but he knew his sister. She wanted to be a part of their pregnancy, and he didn’t blame her one bit.
He had stowed most of his belongings in storage and moved Peyton’s things. He wanted the love of his life to feel at home surrounded by her sentimental items.
Watching the babies grow in Peyton had a profound effect on him from the very beginning. Instead of Peyton getting morning sickness, he did. When it came to nesting, he couldn’t seem to get the cabin clean enough to suit him, and he’d bet he ate more antacids than Captain Lewinski’s entire team.
The phone rang from the guest bedroom he’d converted into his office. The sound reminded him of the downside of locating his law practice in town. He’d been training a new legal secretary, and the graduate waiting to take his bar exam, which turned out perfect for him. Peyton had reservations about finding two people fitting his exact needs, but he’d attributed her concerns to rampant hormones careening through her system.
Giving the green light for his new employees to contact him here allowed him to stay at home and keep Peyton off her feet. He checked the caller id and snatched the receiver from its cradle. “Graham, how can I help you?”
His associate ended the rather lengthy explanation, most newbies had a tendency to expound until his eyes crossed. He should be used to it, but at times… “No problem, fax the contract over to me, and I’ll take a look at it.”
“Cole?” Peyton’s tone didn’t sound right. What was she doing out of bed and in the living room?
“Graham, I’ll talk to you later.” Cole hung up.
He sprinted toward Peyton’s voice. She stood by the door with the overnight bag slung over her shoulder.
“It’s time.” The twinkle in her eyes unleashed an avalanche of pride for the love of his life. Very soon, she would deliver a family, and he couldn’t wait to meet their babies.
“Let’s go.” He grabbed the keys and her weekend satchel then helped Peyton into the car.
After he cranked the engine, he gazed into her eyes. A special sparkle illuminated from them. “Have I told you today how much I love you?”
“If you don’t count the ones every half hour since we awakened, but I like hearing you say the words.” She closed the distance between them and kissed him.
His stomach muscles contracted. He broke into a sweat and ended their connection. “Ah. Damn that hurts. Your labor pains are killing me. If it was physically possible for men to have kids, I wouldn’t.” Cole shifted to drive and gunned the accelerator.
“That’s why women have children.”
“And that’s why I’ll let you.” Cole winked at her as she settled against the leather seat. A powerful and undeniable thought occurred to him; children offered hope to adults that life will continue even when faced with the atrocities in this world, including people like Hendricks. Unlike Hendricks’ victims, he and Peyton were blessed by beginning a new chapter. He was one lucky man.
A word about the author...
Susan lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband. After work and leaving the dangerous & sizzlin’ hot world of her stories, she enjoys skydiving, the great outdoors, and a fine glass of wine from time to time.
If you enjoyed this paranormal story, Susan has a mystical novel, Walking Into Her Heart, available in e-book and print.
Susan enjoys hearing from her readers at [email protected] or visit her website at http://wwwSusanJPOwens.com
Another Susan JP Owens title
available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc.:
WALKING INTO HER HEART
available in e-book and print