Epilogue

“Come on, kid,” Reagan called as he walked down the upstairs hallway. “We need to leave soon.” Looking inside Aiden’s room, he saw him lying on the floor, feverishly coloring on a piece of white paper.

“I’m almost done, Dad,” he said in a breathy voice. “I want to give it to Mom.”

“Sure, come downstairs when you are done.”

Aiden’s bedroom was three times the size of his old room at Julie’s house and filled with everything a young boy could want. A large set of windows overlooked the back yard and lake.

He went into his own master bedroom and grabbed the bag Julie had asked for. His room had undergone a transformation over the past months as well. Long gone were the framed sports jerseys and wildlife pictures. Instead, the bedroom was filled with feminine touches. Multitudes of throw pillows covered their king-size bed, high heel shoes were scattered on the floor, and sitting on the nightstand was Julie’s latest romance novel. As he came down the hall, he met Aiden with the homemade card in his hand.

“I’m ready. Do you think she’ll like it?” He showed it to Reagan.

“She’ll love it.”

Aiden ran to the mudroom to grab his coat and put on his shoes. They moved into the garage, and Aiden got buckled into the seat.

A few years ago, Reagan would have considered fatherhood an unwanted complication. Now, having left his carefree bachelor days behind, he found family life an even better fit.

“Why can’t we take the fun car?” Aiden pointed at the red sports car.

He glanced at his son in the rearview mirror. “The fun car doesn’t handle very well in the snow. I want to get you to Mom safe and sound.” As they pulled out of the icy driveway, Reagan’s gaze was drawn to the American flag blowing in the strong January wind. He and Julie had erected the flag pole in a small flower garden in their front yard. A metal plaque resting at its base read:

In loving memory of Sergeant John Richard Ellis

United States Army Special Forces

His sacrifice will never be forgotten

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Timber Lake General Hospital. Eagerness took hold as he led Aiden through sliding doors. When they got on the elevator, they rode to the fourth floor. As they exited, a large “Maternity” sign greeted them.

“Do you think the baby will like me?” Aiden scrunched up his nose.

“She’ll adore you.” Reagan gave his small hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’re her big brother.”

“What does she look like?”

“Just wait and see.” Reagan chuckled at his impatience. Yesterday, he’d been the one who’d been impatient, when Julie awoke him at three in the morning to tell him she’d gone into labor. He’d quickly jumped into action, running to the guest room to wake up Mary, who’d been staying with them for the past week. That panic—he’d never felt anything like it in his life.

Julie had been as calm as Reagan was nervous. Her reaction at going into labor shouldn’t have surprised him though. She’d gone through this once before.

Coming to the door to Julie’s private maternity suite, Aiden quietly stepped inside. Reagan followed him in and was struck by the scene before him. In the bed sat the glowingly beautiful woman he was lucky enough to call his wife. She was wrapped in a soft white robe and held a tiny pink bundle.

****

“Aiden, come meet your new baby sister, Hope Catherine Harrison.” Julie raised the baby in her arms.

Aiden climbed onto a chair, which was adjacent to the bed, and peered into the blanket.

Sleeping inside was his sister. Julie brushed the soft strawberry blonde curls that topped Hope’s tiny head, and then kissed the small hands resting on her cherub face. She inhaled the sweet smell of baby.

“She’s so small,” he whispered. He reached out, tentatively touching her hand.

“She’s small now, but she will grow fast. Hope has her father’s appetite.” Julie gave Reagan a gentle smile. How many other of her father’s traits would Hope be lucky enough to inherit? “Would you like to hold her?” she asked Aiden.

“Can I?”

“Wash your hands, and go sit in the rocking chair,” she instructed.

Aiden did what he was told. Reagan picked up the baby and tenderly placed her in Aiden’s waiting arms. A huge grin spread across Aiden’s face.

“See,” Reagan said. “She loves you already.” He looked over at Julie. “I hate to leave you on Saturday.”

His never-ending devotion warmed her. “You’ll be here to take us home tomorrow, and my mom is staying with us for a while longer. Plus, your family is coming soon, so I won’t have to lift a finger the whole time you’re gone. Just go win the playoff game and come home to us. Hope won’t change too much in two days.”

He sat on the bed and rested his head on her shoulder. “I love you.”

“I know.” She brushed his hair with her fingers.

Aiden glanced at his parents, snuggled on the bed. “Dad, when we watch the game, I’ll tell Hope what’s going on. That way she knows what a super Dad you are.”

“Thanks, buddy.” He smiled at Aiden, who was gently rocking his sister. Raising his head, he kissed Julie softly. “Just think…this little girl was the reason you got so sick on our honeymoon. I’ll never forget our trip to Belize. Besides enjoying time with you in a tropical paradise, I learned I’d be a father. Or should I say a father, again.”

Hope started to fuss, and Aiden glanced up with big, round eyes.

Reagan came over to take the baby, swaying back and forth in an effort to soothe her. Aiden started singing a lullaby.

“You know, with the two of you watching her like a hawk, she’ll never keep a boyfriend.” The picture they made was adorable. Julie laughed.

Reagan’s and Aiden’s jaws dropped.

“My daughter will never be allowed to date.”

“Okay, okay, relax. I love you both for being so protective of our sweet, little Hope.” She watched as her husband and son fussed over the baby, and she felt an overwhelming joy fill her heart. Thinking about the difficult path, which had led her to this moment, made her appreciate her family even more. No longer would the past sorrows and heartache interfere with her present happiness. She was here, with her wonderful family. Living for today, living for the future.