Page 153 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“With everything we’ve been through, living for the moment has taken on a new meaning. None of us knows how long we have on this earth, but I know I want to spend whatever time we’re gifted with you and Lucas. We’re going to have worries and challenges, baby, and we’ll deal with them together. I look forward to watching our son grow up to be the incredible man he was always meant to be and to seeing you get old and gray and more beautiful by the day. What do you say, Peaches? Will you do me the honor of being my wife and changing your name to Whiskey, like it was always meant to be?”

She laughed, tears flooding her cheeks. “It’s you and me forever, Seeley Whiskey. I told you I was never letting you go, and I meant it.”

As he slipped the ring on her finger, he said, “You and me forever, darlin’,” and sealed their vows with a kiss.

Epilogue

“I’M SORRY, DID you say pregnant?” Juliette asked her doctor over the phone.

She’d been feeling sick for the last few weeks, and after everything that happened with Lucas, she’d gotten scared. But Lucas just had his three-month checkup, and thankfully he was still cancer free. He was bull riding again, and their lives were finally back to normal. She hadn’t wanted to worry Seeley, so she hadn’t said anything and had asked their family doctor to order blood work.

“Yes. You’re pregnant.”

“Are you sure you have the right person? This is Juliette Chambers.”

“Yes, I’m sure these are your results, Juliette.”

“But…Something’s not right. You’re sure I’m not sick? There’s not anything else off in my blood work? Because I can’t get pregnant.”

“Did a doctor tell you you’re infertile? Have you had fertility tests done?”

“No, but I tried to get pregnant with my first husband many years ago, and it never happened.”

“That could have been an issue on his side. Did he have fertility testing done?”

“No. We were really young and didn’t even think about it, to be honest. But my fiancé and I have been together since last summer, and we’ve never used contraception.”

“Well, you’re definitely pregnant, and not using contraception probably has something to do with it.”

“You’re positive? Should I have another test done, in case it’s a false pregnancy?”

“I don’t think that’s necessary. Do you have an ob-gyn? I can refer you to one if you don’t.”

“Yes, I have one, thank you. But I’m definitely pregnant? You’re certain?” The shock was slowly wearing off, turning to hope.

“Yes, Juliette. You are about nine or ten weeks along.”

“Nine or ten weeks.” She sounded as awestruck as she felt. “I can’t believe it.” Her eyes teared up. “Thank you.”

“Are there any other questions I can answer for you?”

“Um. No. Thank you again.” She ended the call, nervous and excited about telling Seeley. “I’m pregnant,” she whispered excitedly. “We’re pregnant.” She had to tell Seeley! She turned to go find him, and he was standing in the doorway, looking as shocked as she was.

“Did I just hear you say we’re—”

“Pregnant? Yes!”

“Baby!” He swept her into his arms and kissed her. “We’re pregnant?”

“Yes!” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I can’t believe it.”

“I can. I’ve got super sperm.” He kissed her again, both of them laughing. “How far along are you?”

“Nine or ten weeks. I guess that Valentine’s Day lovefest paid off.”

He laughed, but he had tears in his eyes, too. He put his hand on her belly and said, “I get to see you pregnant and rub your feet and buy you pickles and ice cream at midnight.”

“Ew. How about whipped cream and ice cream?”