Rhett is Buck’s daddy and will soon be my husband.
Happily ever after to me.
Epilogue
Rhett - After the delivery
“Can I call him Billy?” Riko asks. “He looks like a Billy.”
My sister, Addison, elbows him out of the way to take Buck from Derek. Abby can hardly keep her eyes open. Labor and delivery yesterday wiped her out and we’ve only been home a few hours. I’m eager for everyone to leave so she can rest without nurses or visitors.
“I can’t believe I’m an aunt,” Addison says, cooing at Buck. “William Buckley Monahan, you’re the cutest little nephew I’ve ever had.”
He’s the only nephew she’s had but I let her gush over him. It’s pretty fucking cool to be a new dad and your entire family is smitten over what you made. I’m disappointed that Abby’s relationship with her family is so broken because of me. Thankfully my friends and family love Buck enough to make up for that loss.
“Okay,” I say, voice thick with exhaustion. “I love you all, but Abs needs sleep. So do I. Come visit tomorrow but only if you bring food.”
“Food is your ticket to see the baby,” Abby murmurs without opening her eyes.
Addison giggles, Riko rolls his eyes, and Derek shakes his head in amusement. The three of them give the baby more love and attention before reluctantly leaving us alone for the first time. I lock up after them and then tidy up while Abby nurses Buck. Our cats are curious but a little apprehensive of the new creature taking up space. I treat them to extra cuddles and some treats before getting my family upstairs for an early bedtime.
“Do you care if I grab a quick shower?” Abby asks, yawning.
“Take your time. I’ve got this, honey.”
She gingerly makes her way out of the room to the bathroom. Buck watches me as he sucks on his pacifier. I’m amazed at how damn cute he is. His hair on his head is light and curly like mine, but he has his momma’s eyes.
“You’re finally home,” I whisper, tracing the deer antlers on his onesie with my fingertip. “I thought you’d never get here.”
He plucks out the pacifier and fusses, kicking his tiny legs. I grin as I put it back in his mouth. His eyes get droopy. I’m thinking he might fall asleep but then epic noises come from his ass. Warmth seeps through his diaper to my palm.
I gag and shake my head. “You like shitting on me, don’t you, little man?”
More farts escape as if the answer is yes.
Once he’s done blowing out of his diaper, I take him to the nursery. The theme is deer. Naturally. With a name like Buck, it had to happen. I place him on the changing table and fumble my way through cleaning him up. After an eternity, I get him changed into a cute pajama set Dad and his wife, Mei, bought.
“Now Daddy has to wash his hands.”
“Why doesn’t Daddy just go shower instead?”
With hair wet and wearing a tired smile, Abby walks over to us. She scoops Buck up and places him against her chest. Every time I see her holding him, I nearly stop breathing. It’s so fucking cool to see my wife and child like this.
A year ago, if you’d told me I’d marry Abby Serengeti, have a baby with her, and move into a townhouse in Moonlit Gables next door to my best friend, I’d have laughed my ass off.
That was not part of the plan.
Yet here I am. And it’s perfect.
I hurry through my shower and when I finish, I find Abby asleep in bed and Buck is snoozing from his bedside crib. After killing the lights, I slide in next to Abby and pull her into my arms.
I love her and Buck and this imperfect life so much.
Two months later…
“My kids are growing up,” Dad grumbles as he sips his beer. “Makes me feel old.”
“You are a grandpa,” I tease.
