I'm silent, overwhelmed, taking it in piece by piece.
"It's perfect," I manage.
A collective sigh of relief eases the mood.
"Thank god," Tate says. "I was covered in peach paint for a week."
Chuckling rolls through us all, and I thread through them all for hugs and thank yous and belly rubs chaos and love. They're dispersing as I approach Danny, and the second I'm in his arms, neither of us can say anything. He squeezes me tight, and I cry into his chest for a moment.
"Thank you so much, Daddy," I say, the words hitching. "I love you."
"Love you too." It's all he can get out, hugging me tighter, then kissing my cheek before letting me go. He ducks his head, swiping at tears, then meets Grey's eyes and nods before turning to follow everyone out.
And then it's just me and Grey.
It's a sudden stillness, a settling, safe feeling. He's watching me from next to the rocker, just taking it all in. His pale eyes shine, the light kissing the edge of his body--his jaw, his biceps and forearms, solid as bedrock. I'm across the room and slipping into his arms, but he catches me off guard when he sits in the chair, bringing me with him, pulling me into his lap as he does.
"Grey, I weigh a thousand pounds," I say on a laugh, trying to get up, which is hilarious on its own.
He chuffs, his arms tightening. "C'mere."
With a sigh, I give up and melt into him, resting my head on his shoulder. For a quiet moment he rocks us, his big, strong hand resting on my belly. The baby wiggles, and he strokes the spot where he felt her.
"Hey to you too," he says in such a way that I am absolutely certain she's going to have him wrapped around her finger. I imagine him holding our baby, and my very full uterus flutters like she's not currently occupied. The sight of his wedding band on the hand resting on my belly does not help matters.
"I love you," I say on a happy sigh. "Thank you. It's…it's just…" My voice breaks. "It's perfect."
"I was scared shitless that you wouldn't like it."
"You could never disappoint me," I tell him, echoing my earlier thought.
"Don't jinx it, peaches."
I lift my head so I can see him, saying soberly, "I mean it."
He softens, says quietly, "I know you do." He strokes my jaw, watching his fingertips. "I spent my whole life believing I would never have this. You. Her." He presses his hand to my belly. "You gave me everything, Molly."
My throat is so tight, I can barely speak. But I manage.
"That makes two of us."
And when his lips find mine, they are soft. Sure.
Forever.
EPILOGUE 2
SHELBY
It's the first day of summer, and I'm already bored.
It happens this way every year. The second May rolls around, I get antsy. The seniors I coach have their last softball game. Last quiz. Last English final. They graduate. My friends, family, and I spend Memorial weekend on the river in pontoon boats.
And then? Nothing but free time,
Plenty of people live for it. My sister-in-law Cass, for instance, has been waiting all school year to turn off her alarm. My dad is retired and could fish, drink coffee, and smoke on the front porch all day. And he has since he couldn't work anymore.
But not me. I've been dreading this day since August.
