He turns to look at me, his mouth hanging open as if he can’t believe I asked the question.I can see the hurt flickering behind his eyes, and my chest tightens painfully.It wasn’t my intention to upset him.I just worry he’ll get tired of spoiling me and walk away.Deep down, I know that will never happen; it’s just those old insecurities, and probably some pregnancy hormones, making me voice my concerns that are invalid.
“Never, Ellison,” he says, his voice firm but gentle.“Don’t ever think that.”He leans over the console.His hands are warm as they cradle my face, his thumbs brushing under my eyes as if he can erase every doubt I’ve ever carried.“This was always my plan, baby.To take care of you, of our family.There is nothing I want more than to do that.”
Emotion swells in my chest, thick and overwhelming.Loving him feels like standing in the middle of something larger than life.It’s safe but powerful enough to knock me off my feet.“I love you,” I whisper, the words carrying everything I don’t know how to say.
“I love you, too.”His forehead rests against mine for a moment.Our breaths mingle, and the world shrinks down to just us.When he pulls back, the hurt is gone, but that familiar spark in his eyes remains.“Now, let’s get going.We don’t want to be late, and I need to feed my girls.”
“We’ll be there in a matter of seconds.”I laugh, the heaviness lifting as easily as it came.He flashes me that crooked grin.It’s half charm and half confidence.I can’t help but shake my head.We really could have walked, even with me complaining about the cold.
My husband spoils me and treats me like his queen.I never thought it was possible to feel this way again.I thought Copeland had already taken everything I had to offer.I didn’t think I had more love to give.
I was wrong.
This man, my husband, shows me over and over that love doesn’t run out.It grows.It deepens no matter the distance.And with every laugh, every promise, every quiet moment in between, I fall a little harder than I did the day before.Something I didn’t think was possible.
Epilogue Copeland
Copeland
I didn’t think I was ever going to get her out of the house without telling her what’s really going on today.My sisters-in-law, Kinzie, and my mom planned her baby shower.Sure, I could have let us walk, but she’s going to be tired after, and we’ll need my truck to carry everything home.
I just couldn’t tell her that.
Chandler has texted me twice, telling me that Macie, Mom, and her sisters are ready when we are.Thankfully, I got her moving.“I’ll get the door,” I tell her, hopping out of the truck and rushing to her side to help her down.
“I might have to stay pregnant with this kind of treatment,” she teases.
“Baby, if you think that’s going to make me stop, think again.I’ll give you as many babies as you want.”I kiss her softly, letting my lips linger against hers, before closing the truck door and leading her inside.
Opening the door, Kara, a local college student who handles the desk on the weekends, greets us with a wide smile.“Hey, you two.”She grins.
“You’re extra grinny today,” Ellison says, eyeing her suspiciously.
“It’s just a good day,” Kara singsongs.
“Uh-huh,” Ellison says, not buying her excuse.
“Come on.They’re waiting,” I guide her toward the double doors that lead into the large dining room area, where guests eat.
“Why are the doors closed, Kara?We never close them,” Ellison asks her.
“Oh, um, the guests said there was a cold draft when the door opened, so we closed it,” she says, thinking on her feet.
Ellison nods, accepting that answer.Almost, I think to myself.Reaching for the door, I guide her through with my hand on the small of her back, and as soon as they spot us, everyone calls out, “Surprise!”
Ellison stops, and I have to reach out and grip her hips to keep from running into her.“What?”she asks, and I can hear the emotion in her voice.
My mom steps away from the crowd and makes her way toward us.“It’s your baby shower,” she tells Ellison, pulling her into a hug.
“Yeah, so get your behind in here!”Baylor calls out.
Ellison gasps.“Bay?”she asks, her voice cracking.
“Bring it in, big sister.”Baylor comes rushing over to give her a hug.“Look at you,” she says, pulling back and placing her hands on her baby bump.“It’s just not the same seeing you through the phone screen.You’re glowing, Ellie,” Baylor says, smiling with watery eyes.
“It’s so good to see you,” Ellison says, hugging her sister again.“It’s been ages since the wedding.That’s too long, Bay,” she says, wiping at her eyes.
“I know.”Baylor nods.“That’s why I’m moving back home.”
