Epilogue
A little over a year later
Ryan
“Morning, babe.”I kissed Cass as her sleepy eyes fluttered awake while rocking our baby in myarms.
“Mmmmmm!” She groaned stretching and rubbing her eyes. “What time isit?”
I handed baby Mikey over to her. “Time for this little guy’sbreakfast.”
Helping her sit up, I shoved a pillow behind her back and draped her favorite blanket over her chest. “It’s not fair that you don’t have milkglands.”
It was the same complaint every morning, but she insisted on breastfeeding for as long as shecould.
“Babe, I would do it for you if I could.” Tank trotted over to me with his leash in his mouth, shoving my hand and whimpering a bit. “Hold on, bud. We’re going in aminute.”
She rolled her eye. “Those words are empty since it will neverhappen.”
I kissed the top of her head. “I’m gonna be late. I need to walk this guy and then get to theoffice.”
“Remind me to be mad at you later for being so busy with work.” She shot me a tight lipped smile and a littlewink.
“Hey, the security company was a great idea, babe. It’s not my fault that I ran with your idea and we’re already going national.” I kissed her forehead. “Don’t forget, we have date nighttonight.”
I pulled a garment box out of the closet and tossed a wink over my shoulder before I clipped Tank’s leashon.
Trotting down the front steps being pulled along by my dog, I calledEmily.
“Hey there,” her sweet singsong voice came through the line rightaway.
“Are we all set for tonight?” I asked, turning back to look at the house to make sure Cass wasn’t within ear shot. I knew she wasn’t but I needed everything to beperfect.
“Stop your worrying. Fletch and I have everything worked out. Just meet Nate in the field likeplanned.”
“Thanks for this, Emily. I know it’s hard for you to keep a secret fromCassidy.”
“It’ll all be worth it in the end. See youtonight.”
* * *
Cassidy
“Ryan’s goingto be off of work any time now.” I called out as I checked theclock.
I pulled a brand new simple white lace, short dress out from the box Ryan had left for me. I sank onto the bed chuckling as Emily came in rockingMikey.
“So what did he get you?” she askedexcitedly.
I held up the dress with tears in my eyes. I started to laugh and sniffle at the sametime.
“Oh, honey. It’s not that bad!” Emily jumped right into the perfect best friend response but she was completely offbase.
“No. This is so us. This is so freaking perfect.” I hopped up and threw on my dress. It fit like a glove and I was so freakingexcited.
After digging my cowboy boots out from the back of my closet and doing a little bit of makeup, I was all set togo.
Ryan sent me a quicktext: