Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“I love you too. God, I hope this is it. I don’t think I can take anything else trying to tear us apart. I’m so tired,” I say.
“This has only proved how strong we are. It didn’t break us; it made us unbreakable. We’re going to be fine. You want me to take Aaron to his room?”
“No, leave him here. I do want to take a bath with you. I just want to relax in your arms.”
“I’ll get the water going and go get us some wine. Sound good?”
“Yeah, I’ll get him set and grab the monitor.”
He pecks my lips and nods. I watch as he gets up and walks into the bathroom. Dropping my head in my hands, I take a deep breath. It seems like my entire life has settled on my shoulders.
However, as I sit here, I think about how it has all worked out. I have a baby I love, the man I love is back in my life, and we’re building the life we want.
“I did it, Daddy. It wasn’t easy, but we made it. It was all worth every obstacle,” I breathe, hoping my father is looking down, proud of me.
EPILOGUE
Touchdown
Zahirah
I have a huge smile on my face as I watch Bentley and Aaron in the backyard playing football. Aaron pumps his little legs as he holds the ball tight against his chest.
“Oh my God, they’re so adorable,” my mother laughs as my daughter lunges for her brother and tackles him to the ground. Bailey jumps up and does a little dance.
Bentley is laughing so hard he’s holding his belly. Aaron stands up with a frown on his face as he glares at his sister. The two remind me so much of their father and me at that age.
Aaron is starting peewee league this year. His sister loves to get out there and help him train. I cover my round belly with my hands and smile widely.
“They are, aren’t they?” I reply.
“They are and so are these two,” she coos at Peter and Autum in her arms.
Yup, we have four kids with one on the way. What can I say? The man does something to me. He looks at me and I’m pregnant.
The most important part is we’re happy. This will be Bentley’s last season. He’s decided to retire at thirty-six.
He’s had an awesome career. He wants to walk away on a high. They’ve come away just short of another chip this season. That would have been his fifth.
Could he try for one more? I believe he could, but what I’m looking at now as I stand on our deck is all that matters to him these days.
“Phew, I didn’t think I was going to make it. That drive seems longer and longer each time,” Fran says as she comes out of the house.
She immediately grabs Peter from my mom and smothers his face with kisses. These two love being grandmothers. Our house is always filled with family and love.
“The favorite uncle is here,” Eddy croons as he comes out back.
At twenty-four he’s as handsome as ever. The kids adore him. Garret appears and comes to rub my belly and kiss my cheek.
“Hey, sis. How are you guys today?”
I give him a hug. “We’re doing great. Almost there.”
“Favorite uncle,” Erica snorts at Eddy, then croons. “But I’m the favorite auntie.”
I shake my head at the two. Erica looks at me and smiles. I laugh as she comes to palm my belly.
“Hey, hot mama,” she sings.
Aaron and Bailey prove her point as they come racing to hug her legs. She just might be the favorite auntie after all. She spoils them enough.
Bentley comes over and palms my stomach as he dips his head to peck my lips. I look up into his eyes and smile. I don’t know how I got this lucky, but I love my life.
“I love you,” we say in unison.
We laugh and smile at each other. He places his forehead to mine.
“I never thought I would find anything that brings me the joy I get when I score a touchdown.”
“Are you saying that now you have?”
“You and the kids bring me twice that joy. Nothing could replace how you guys make me feel.”
“I know exactly how you feel. I think I scored big time, but this is still our last baby,” I snicker.
“We’ll see about that,” he says with a wink.
“Mommy, Aaron pushed me,” Bailey whines.
Bentley groans. “So not helping.”
I burst into laughter. I love him enough that he might get baby number six. Might.