I roll my eyes. “Or sister.”
*****
Cody collapses next to me in my big bed at my own apartment. Both our bodies are covered in sweat, and I’m coming down from a phenomenal orgasm, floating on a magical high. And it’s like a dream, but it’s real. I’m in the arms of the man I love, and all is right with the world.
Tucker is with Cody’s parents, and we have the place to ourselves.
My love kisses my hand and stares at my fingers. “Tomorrow, I’m serious, I’m takin’ you to pick out a ring for that finger, babe, and we’re starting our life together. And I’m not letting you out of my sight ever again.”
I laugh at his ridiculous statement. “Ever?”
“Never.”
I rest my head on his shoulder. “Cody?”
“Yeah, babe?”
“I’m giving up dancing.”
“Thank God.”
I grin and smack his chest.
“Except for me, right?” he adds, and I giggle. He kisses my hand again. “I want you to do whatever you want. You know that, right?”
“I’m thinking about going back to school, but it would take years to finish.”
“Then it takes years. What field?”
I lift my head and meet his gaze. “Veterinary Medicine. I want to be a vet.”
“You do? That’s great. Does that also mean our house is going to be filled with dogs and cats and whatever strays you bring home?”
“Absolutely.”
“Guess we’re gonna need some land, then.”
I snuggle against him, yawning. “Land sounds nice. And a tree with a tire swing.” I barely get the whispered words out before I’m drifting off, safe in the arms of the man I love.
Right before sleep sucks me under, I hear him whisper. “I’ll make her happy, Ryan. I swear it to you, brother.”
EPILOGUE
One year later
Heather—
“Higher, Mommy! Higher!” Tucker calls as I push him on the tire swing in the backyard of the little white house Cody and I bought. It came with two acres of fenced-in land, perfect for our three big dogs.
“Do you remember where we had your last birthday, sweetie?” I ask, giving him another shove.
“Yes, are we going there again?”
“Well, would you like to have your next birthday there or somewhere different?”
“I want to go to the place Finn had his birthday.”
“The trampoline place?”
