Epilogue #1
One year later…
“Take your crap and get the hell out.”
Umph. Ryan grunted as Janine shoved a box full of books into his arms and pushed him toward the door. “Come on, Neen. You know you’re going to miss us.”
“I’ve spent the last year suffering through cold showers because the marathon “bathing” you two do together takes all the hot water!” His cousin pointed a finger between him and Rose, standing next to him with a basket of toiletries. “No offense, but I’m pretty damn happy about having the place to myself.”
His fiancée leaned into him and muttered under her breath, “Ten bucks says she shows up for dinner tonight.”
“I’ve got twenty that she asks to spend the night.”
“No!” Janine corralled them out of the condo. “Not happening. Now go and get on with your lives already. At your own place. With your own hot water heater.”
Ryan snorted as he and Rose filed into the hall and Janine all but slammed the door behind them. “We weren’t that bad, were we?”
“I think we were, but there’s nothing we can do about it now, is there?”
He laughed, led the way outside to his truck, and loaded up with the last of their belongings. Blake and the Maguire boys had helped them move the furniture and bigger boxes earlier in the day, so there wasn’t much left for them to deal with. “I can’t believe we’re finally doing this.”
“I can.” Rose pushed up on her toes for a quick kiss. “I’m ready to start the next phase our lives together.”
“As homeowners.”
“And husband and wife.”
“Maybe parents?” He rubbed his nose against hers playfully, fully aware of what her reaction would be.
“You only say that because it involves having sex.”
He chuckled and helped her into the truck before he drove them across town to their new home. They’d bought the modest two-story in the fall and they’d spent every weekend for three months elbows-deep in renovations. Now the place was truly theirs. Something he knew they were both proud of. Among other things.
“Blake mentioned something about more funders coming on board for The Angel Alliance?”
“Yes!” Rose bounced in the passenger seat. “We scored Jennifer Lawrence! Can you believe it?”
With Rose at the helm, yes. She’d put her heart and soul into the foundation this past year. “That’s amazing, princess. Just don’t forget to invite me to the next shindig.”
She snorted as he pulled into their driveway and cut the engine. “I would never deprive you of seeing your other leading lady. Come on, Ry.”
“Just sayin’.”
For several long seconds, they sat in silence, both taking in the big home before them. Finally, Rose turned to him, happy tears glistening in her eyes.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“For what?”
“For coming back into my life and making all of my dreams come true.”
“Mine, too.” He reached for her hand, squeezing gently. The past twelve months with her had been the best in his life. The restlessness had disappeared and now the only thing that made him anxious was getting on with their life together. “Three months and you’ll be mine forever.”
“I’ve always been yours.” Unbuckling the seat belt, she slid across the seat and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, princess. I can’t wait to give you everything you deserve.” Now that Sweetgrass Contracting was half his—and earning more business than he knew what to do with—it was only a matter of time before the really good stuff began.
Her eyes sprang open. “There’s more than this?”
Hell, yes. “If I recall correctly, you always wanted to go to Ireland.”
She gasped. “I do, but I thought we were going to the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon.”
“We are. I’m talking down the road. Maybe next year. I’ll be done with school by then, too, so maybe we can make an extended vacation out of it. Really relax.”
Sinking her teeth into her lip, she met his eyes. “That sounds great, but…”
“But what, babe?” He brushed the hair back from her face, letting his fingers linger at the soft skin on her neck.
“I thought we could start trying for a baby after the wedding.”
Holy crap. “Really?”
“Yes. I talked with my OB/GYN last week and she started me on prenatal vitamins. To make sure I’m as healthy as can be when the time comes.” She smiled, but he could sense her unease.
“I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason, Rosie. Maybe the timing was wrong ten years ago…” Maybe they’d needed time apart to truly appreciate having each other in their lives. To understand how powerful their connection was and to know without a shadow of a doubt that they were meant to be together.
“Who are you?” she laughed, slipping her fingers into his hair. “Where’s the guy who only believes in working for what he wants?”
A wicked grin dimpled his cheek. “I’m very willing to work at making a baby with you, princess. Believe that.” Her pretty cheeks flushed pink and he leaned in for a kiss. “But if it doesn’t happen—or something goes wrong again—that won’t change how I feel about you. Ever.”
Sweet emotion lined her eyes. “I know.”
“Good.” Brushing his lips against hers, he gathered her close. “What if I told you I wanted to try now?”
“Now? Like…”
“Right now. Today.”
She blinked up at him. “Are you serious?”
“Dead. I want a family with you. Why wait?”
A giddy grin spread across her face and she peppered kisses all over his. “You’re crazy, Ryan Croft. Totally, undeniably crazy.”
“Just crazy in love with you, princess.”
She threw her head back and her rich, addictive laughter filled the cab of his truck. “Then you’d better get me inside that house, handsome.”
“Yeah?” Hope bloomed in his chest.
“Uh huh. Seems we’ve got another project to work on together.”
“Does this project require clothing?”
She pursed her lips together deviously. “Nope.”
Ah, hell. “Best project ever.”