epilogue
EMBER
We’reall gathered in the main living room. The sound of a dozen large men laughing and joking together is deafening, but at this point, it’s music to my ears. After coming so close to losing Eli, I’ll spend the rest of my life appreciating the sound of his laughter. I was a little skeptical that the guys could actually pull off the overwhelming amount of work that still had to be done here, but they did. The house looks incredible.
It’s so hard to believe that in just a few short months, we’ll be bringing our sweet baby into this home. The guys put together a beautiful nursery and I can’t wait to show Elijah later tonight. What he doesn’t know yet is when he opens those doors, he’ll know what he’s really in for in about six months. When the paramedics brought us all into the ER after the shooting, the doctors did a very thorough job making sure everything was okay with me considering my condition. With all the extensive tests they ran, they could tell me much more information than the clinic had. I know I must have looked absolutely manic crying and laughing as the doctor explained the results to me, but I just couldn’t believe it. Hopefully, Eli will feel the same way I do, though.
* * *
As we wave goodbye to the last of our family and friends from the porch, I breathe a sigh of relief. I love them all so much and I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done for us, but I’m ready to get back into our regular routine. Elijah pulls me tightly into his side and kisses my temple softly. I love it when he does that. It’s something that seems so small and simple, but still so intimate.
“I still have one more thing to show you,” I tell him.
“Oh, yeah?” He says gruffly, his stubble brushing harshly against the soft skin of my neck as he whispers in my ear. Goosebumps spread across my skin and my heart starts to beat faster, the way it always does when he’s close to me this way.
“Nothing like that, Casanova, so get your mind out of the gutter. The doctor hasn’t cleared you yet, so there won’t be any of that going on here.” I step out of his reach and watch his face fall like a little boy.
“Who needs a doctor to clear me? I feel fine. Really, I think I’m good to go,” he says with a shrug. I scoff and grab his hand, pulling him into the house behind me.
“Not happening, honey. Besides, I want to show you my new favorite room in the house,” I tell him. I try to keep my voice light, but I know I sound excited and nervous all at once. What if this isn’t what he wants? What if, after everything we’ve been through, this is just too much? I know this is just my anxiety getting the better of me, but damn, she’s a real bitch.
We make our way through the living room and down the hall towards the master suite. I stop in front of what used to be a small office right next to our bedroom and turn to face Elijah. “You ready?” I ask him with a wide smile.
“Is there a live animal in there or something? I feel like you’re building up a lot of suspense for what’s behind that door. Did you build a Red Room?” he asks, shooting me a saucy wink and a familiar bolt of pleasure shoots straight to my core at the thought of what we could do with a room like that. I quickly suppress those thoughts and shake the images out of my head.
“Stop it! We had to have a nursery, Elijah,” I say, seeing a sudden realization cross his face and his eyes light up with curiosity. “While they were checking me out at the hospital, I found out a few things.” I let my words trail off as I back up into the French doors, letting them open wide behind me. I watch as Eli steps through the room, his eyes sweeping over each piece of furniture. The reality hits him as instantaneously as it did me. Two cribs, two rocking chairs, two bouncer seats, two of everything scattered around the room.
“Twins…” he whispers.
“Twins,” I reply. I stand in the doorway and let him take a moment to absorb what our future holds. I know from personal experience that twins aren’t a walk in the park. Well… maybe Jurassic Park.
“They’re sure?” he asks, his back still turned.
“Yes, they’re sure. They said one must have been hiding behind the other during our first appointment. Apparently, it’s more common than people think,” I tell him. I wish he would face me so I could see what he’s thinking. Is he as nervous and scared as I am? I walk over to him and place my hand on his shoulder, turning him to face me. I’m shocked to see the tears streaming down his face as he smiles widely.
“You’re happy?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“Of course I am, Sunshine. This is incredible. Do they know if they’re boys or girls? Or one of each?” He asks.
“They said they could tell me, but I didn’t want to find out without you,” I tell him, reaching my hands up and threading them through the long hair at the nape of his neck. He pulls my body flush against his and holds me tightly for several long seconds, just breathing me in.
“I love you, Ember. So fucking much,” he says.
“I love you, Elijah. More than I could ever explain.” I press my lips to his softly, pouring every ounce of gratitude and love I can manage into this man. I’ll spend the rest of my life showing him we can weather any storm that comes between us.
