Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76452 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 306(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76452 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 306(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
“I’m ready,” I assure him. I’m a little sad that Audrey won’t be there, but at the same time, I know she’ll understand. I have never been a “big wedding” kind of girl, and definitely not after losing our parents. At the end of the day, all that matters is that I get to spend the rest of my life with the man I love. Audrey will be happy for us. I know she will.
“I’m so fucking ready,” he says, holding me tighter as we drift off to sleep.
EPILOGUE SPENCER
Spencer
One year later
For two days, I’ve slept on this uncomfortable chair-bed thing that the hospital provides. I’ve already told Cheryl to find me some vendors for something more comfortable. Dads need to be comfortable too.
Regardless of my sleeping conditions, I’m a happy man. How could I not be when I’m holding my son in my arms? Emmett Spencer Pennington came into the world two days ago via a cesarian section. He and his momma are doing well, and my heart, it’s so full, I feel as if my chest might explode.
“Daddy loves you,” I tell him softly, trying not to wake my wife.
“I love seeing you with him,” Charlie’s sleepy voice greets me.
I smile at her, and the emotions that have been overtaking me the past couple of days threaten to choke me. I swallow them back and stand, carrying Emmett and handing him off to his momma. I sit next to them on the bed and wrap my arms around both of them.
My family.
My entire heart.
“Thank you, Charlie. For loving me, for giving me this life, this little man. I don’t have the words.” I clear my throat.
“You never gave up on me.” She smiles up at me before turning her gaze back to our son.
“I think he needs a little brother and definitely a little sister,” I tell her, to take some of the heavy out of the room.
“Maybe you can let her heal from this one, son.” I hear from the doorway, and I look up to see my parents.
“How are you feeling, Charlie?” Mom asks as she comes to stand next to her on the other side of the bed.
“Sore but blessed.”
Mom leans over and kisses her cheek. “I hear you’re getting out of here today?”
“That’s the plan,” Charlie answers.
“Well, we’ve just dropped off a week’s worth of meals to your freezer.” Dad chuckles. “And your mom placed an overnight bag for both of us in one of the spare bedrooms. We’re ready to give you a break when you need it.”
I look down at my wife to find tears rolling down her cheeks. “Thank you,” she says softly. “We’re going to need you. Our family needs you,” she tells them.
“Oh, sweetheart.” Mom places her hand on her arm. “I know we can’t replace them, but we will make sure to shower you with so much love, you’ll feel them with you every day.”
Charlie nods, and I have to swallow back my own emotions. I would give anything for her parents to be here with us.
“Do you want to hold him?” Charlie asks my mom.
“Papaw gets dibs this time. Grandma hogged him yesterday.” My dad gently moves Mom out of the way and takes Emmett into his arms. “Now, let’s talk about all the fun we’re going to have.” He moves to the end of the bed where chairs are placed, and Mom follows after him, not willing to miss a moment with her new grandson.
“I guess we need to have at least one more to even out the odds.” Charlie laughs.
“We can add on,” I tell her, and her laughter fills the room and my heart.
Who would have thought that a kissing game with my rival would have made my heart this full? Leaning over, I place a kiss on her temple as we watch my parents fawn over our son. I wish I’d known then what I know now, and I would have fought harder for her. It just wasn’t our time, but here and now, it’s us. It’s our son, and it’s our forever.