Never, in my wildest dreams, did I imagine we’d end up here when the Morgan brothers took me away from Terrence and his evil mother, when they said they’d be for me what Terrence never could.
But they’ve been all that and so much more.
EPILOGUE I
WILLOW
“Ido.”
Two words before the pastor and a small group of close friends and family, in the lavish garden of the Morgan’s Hamptons estate, and our union is real and lifelong. By law, I’m now Mrs. Cole Morgan. But really, I’m now Mrs. Cole, Asher, and Tobias Morgan, and it fills me with unbelievable joy.
“I now pronounce you husbands and wife,” the pastor decrees.
Bill Morgan is the first to laugh and cheer us on as the grooms—my dashing, valiant husbands—take turns kissing me. I welcome each into my arms despite my size. I’m dangerously close to my due date, but Jamie made sure my wedding gown flows beautifully around me. I look like a tulip turned upside down, but I feel like I’m the most beautiful girl in the world, heavy with child and starry-eyed, as my husbands and I turn to face our intimate but accepting audience.
“Congratulations to the four of you!” Bill says, shaking the hands of his sons before he gives me a careful but heartfelt embrace.
The sun smiles down upon us while roses bloom in lavish arrangements around the terrace. Jamie hugs me next, and I simply hand him my bouquet with a wink.
“It had better be your turn next. I’m not even kidding,” I tell him.
“May the gods hear you, honey, ’cause I am done being strong and independent,” he jokes, then shifts his attention to my men. “And you three, you’d better keep her plump and happy, or you’ll have to deal with me.”
Cole laughs lightly. “You don’t have to worry about us, Jamie.”
“Also, we got a taste tester for the reception,” Toby adds, prompting a hearty chuckle out of the rest of us.
Before the rest of our guests have a chance to come up to congratulate us in person, and as the pastor politely withdraws from the scene, Bill takes center stage and smiles broadly.
“If I could have everyone’s attention, please,” he says, loud enough for everyone to hear.
I try to ignore the growing pang in my belly.
“Given the more recent and rather dramatic changes in the Morgan picture, I thought this would be the perfect occasion to make an announcement,” Bill continues.
“You are not getting married again,” Cole jokinglyinterjects.
The others laugh, but I know there’s a serious note hidden in there somewhere. Asher adds a softer line of his own. “Not until she’s carefully vetted, anyway.”
“No, no, I’m done with that, my boys.” Bill chuckles. “I’ve had my share, my highs and lows. I’ll take the peaceful sunset of life now and make room for you to grow and build a family of your own. With that in mind, I’ve instructed Mr. Bennington to make a few changes to my last will and testament. I know it comes on the heels of having Sheila and Terrence removed, but given my recent health issues, I thought it best to err on the side of safety.”
Cole’s face scrunches with concern. “What are you talking about, Dad?”
“I’ve added Willow to the will, along with additional power of attorney for the three of you across the board of Morgan Enterprises,” Bill declares. “I trust my sons more than anyone else in the world, and I see no better way to prove it. You will inherit my company and my properties, my name, and everything else that comes with it. And Willow is now a part of this family, which is why I wanted to make sure she will always be taken care of, no matter what.
“Especially after everything she endured because of… well, you know. I’m thrilled to welcome you into our family, Willow. And I’m eager to meet my grandchild.” He pauses to give my belly a playful wink. “I reckon he’ll keep me on my toes in old age.”
“Bill,” I say, overwhelmed by his generosity and kindness. “You really didn’t have to—OH MY GOD!”
I feel it; the pressure snapping, the liquid flowing freely down my thighs. They can’t see it because of my multilayereddress of fine satin and pearl-beaded lace, but I know exactly what’s happening.
“What is it?” Cole turns white as he looks at me.
All I can do is burst into almost-hysterical laughter. “At least you kept your word yet again and made an honest woman out of me before the baby was born.”
Confusion erupts in murmurs around us. Bill frowns as he measures me from head to toe. Jamie’s right by my side, giving me a quick once-over before he figures it out and snaps his fingers like he just guessed the answer at his favorite game show.
“Her water broke.”
