Epilogue
EMILY
It had been five weeks since we left the hospital with our bundle of joy. After thirteen hours of labor, I was rewarded with a perfect baby boy. Aiden was a Godsend throughout my entire pregnancy and labor; he was thrilled once Dr. Lindsey informed us we were having a boy. Aiden, Jr., or ‘AJ’ as we called him, had my blue eyes, but everything else was the spitting image of his father.
The hockey season was over, so Aiden was able to spend a lot more time at the house as we got acclimated to our new addition. He was so hands on with the baby, and I loved seeing the two of them together. We’d chosen the last home Aiden showed me – the large redbrick Tudor home, with a winding driveway and huge backyard. Aiden had surprised me by adding a white picket fence to the front yard, which of course I loved.
While he did play a small role and was always open to assisting me whenever I requested, Aiden allowed me to decorate our home to my taste. After a few difficult conversations, I had agreed to allow Aiden to pay for everything while he constantly reminded me not to worry about the cost. In the end, it was very cozy and welcoming; everything I’d dreamed my first home to be.
AJ’s bedroom was decorated with a hockey theme, which Aiden seemed to appreciate. I’d made him promise not to go in while I decorated, so he only saw the finished product. I’d hired an artist to paint a hockey rink on the back wall and hung paraphernalia from Aiden’s team all over the walls. I thought he was going to cry when he first saw the nursery because he was so silent and his eyes glassed over. Instead, he just kissed my forehead and thanked me. I’d lied and told him I was going with a jungle theme, so I guess he was satisfied with the change.
Debra was right, as moms typically are. I had no intention of leaving our son with a nanny to rush back to work. Although I did think I would return to teaching private lessons, I decided to take the rest of the school year off. Thankfully, Aiden was very supportive and didn’t seem to have a strong opinion about either option.
We’d chosen Jeff and Amy as our son’s Godparents, while Mariah was an honorary aunt. Luckily Mariah and Amy hit it off upon meeting, so the three of us had regular lunch dates and shopping excursions. My life didn’t look much like it did the previous year, but it was perfect in its own way.
Aiden’s parents were unbelievably helpful and hands-on with AJ. They even had a nursery decorated in their house, despite Aiden urging his mother against it. Between my friends and Debra, I didn’t even need a nanny, or so I thought.
I quickly realized that I was falling off of my beauty routines, barely managing to sleep. Aiden, Jr. had just begun sleeping through the night, but I still found myself wearing pajamas more than I did dresses.
Being a mom was a full-time job, but I loved every minute of it. I had just placed the baby in his crib after a feeding when I decided to take a break before sneaking in a quick shower for the day. I plopped on the sofa in my pajamas with my hair in a sloppy bun on the top of my head, flicking on a Law & Order rerun. I hadn’t worn makeup in over a week, and I made a mental note to get dolled up for Aiden soon. I couldn’t imagine he enjoyed seeing me in such a state every day.
On cue, he came through the front door, and I quickly tried to brush my hair; tucking strays behind my ears.
“Hi,” I smiled as he grinned from the doorway.
“Hi, baby,” he smiled as he walked towards me.
“AJ’s just gone down for a nap,” I explained, sure he was anxious to see the baby. He always lit up when he came home, eager to hold our son. I loved his love for our child.
“I actually just wanted some time with you. I told Jr. to take his nap around this time when I left this morning,” he joked while glancing at his watch.
“Is that so?” I giggled, looking up at him, wondering why he hadn’t sat down yet.
A lady began screaming from the television, and I frantically scrambled for the remote, fearful the loud sound would wake the baby. He was a soft sleeper like me, and I treasured my alone time during his catnaps. I had just found the remote and muted the television when I looked back to Aiden just as he knelt down on one knee, holding a small red velvet box.
“Aiden,” I breathed, completely in shock. I looked like a wreck! I pushed my hair behind my ears again as tears began to flood my eyes.
“You’re the most beautiful woman in the world, Emily. Even when you’re tired and covered in throw-up,” he smirked, and I laughed loudly. That was definitely my regular look lately.
“You know we started as the best one-night stand in the history of one-night stands, but you’ve always meant more to me. You’re so kind and understanding of everything that comes with loving a man like me. I can’t imagine my life without you, or the son you’ve blessed me with. My life is so much better since you’ve become a part of it, and I want to continue down this path with you.
“I thought there was nothing I would change about you, but I’ve come to realize that’s not entirely accurate. If it were my way, you’d have my last name, so I want to correct that as soon as possible. Emily Morgan, will you please do me the honor of being my wife?” His eyes glassed over as he opened the small box to reveal a beautiful solitaire diamond ring that sparkled brightly while holding his hand out for mine.
“Yes, Aiden! Yes!” I cried, placing my shaking left hand into his as he slid the ring onto my finger.
Aiden stood, and I followed his lead as he hugged me tightly while I cried into his arms.
“You make me so happy,” he whispered.
“You’ve made all of my dreams come true, baby. You are my fairy tale. I love you so much,” I whispered through the tears before pushing up on my tippy toes to kiss my fiancé over and over again.
“How long until AJ wakes up?” He whispered into my ear.
“Long enough for me to show you how happy you make me,” I seductively bit my bottom lip.
Aiden kissed me deeply while lifting me off of my feet and carrying me towards our bedroom.
“I love you,” I whispered.
“I know you do, baby. I love you too,” he said between kisses.