Page 27 of Trucker Daddy

He’s going to love this,I tell myself, and just as I’m about to grab the serving plates, I hear the tell-tale sound of Garrett’s rig. I freeze, the familiar sound of Garrett’s boots on the porch the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.

Before I even realize it, I’m already walking toward the door, a huge smile spreading across my face. I swing the door open and there he is—Garrett. He looks worn but happy to be home, his duffle bag slung over one shoulder.

“Hey, baby,” I try to say, but it only comes out as a whisper.

Without another word, he steps forward, pulling me into his arms. I feel the familiar rush of safety, of home, as his arms wrap around me. It’s amazing how just being near him can make everything feel right. His lips find mine, and I kiss him deeply, pouring every bit of longing, love, and happiness into that one kiss.

“I missed you so much,” I murmur against his lips.

“I missed you too,” he replies, his voice low, warm. His hands move to cradle my face, and he pulls away just enough to look at me, his eyes full of that deep affection I never thought I deserved. “How’s Bree? Did she take a good nap?”

“Yeah, she’s sound asleep,” I answer with a soft laugh. “But if she wakes up grumpy, it’s your turn.”

Garrett chuckles, leaning in to kiss me again. "Sounds like a deal."

I step back and look him over, finally taking in how tired he looks, the long week on the road written across his face. He’s home now, though, and nothing else matters. “Dinner’s ready, but I’m not sure it’s as good as truck-stop breakfast,” I joke. “I tried my best.”

“You always do.”

My heart aches with how much I adore this man. My husband. The father of my child. The man who made it possible to escape a future I feared so terribly and gave me a taste of just how beautiful life could be.

Extended Epilogue

GARRETT

TEN YEARS LATER

It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years. The house in Texas feels like a new chapter—a bigger house, a bigger life, and a hell of a lot more chaos. We had it easy with Bree, but the boys have really put us through our paces. I knew we had to get a bigger place with room for them to run and play, or Sienna and I would spend our entire lives sleep-deprived.

Bree’s already ten, Adam’s five, and Jacob’s just three. I still can’t believe how fast they’ve grown. It made it impossible for me to keep working the long-haul gigs. It felt like every time I came home, they looked older, so I quit.

It’s been a huge change from my days on the road, but I love it. Running the fulfilment side of things for the company has given me more time at home and more time to focus on my family.

And right now, all the focus is on my wife.

The kids are at Sienna’s parents’ house, so we can take a much-needed trip alone.Disney World is great and all, but it ain’t exactly the most romantic place.

We’re near the port where we will board our Caribbean cruise. Sienna’s practically bouncing in the passenger seat beside me, her excitement bubbling over and more than a little contagious.

Her hair is pulled back in a loose ponytail, and there’s a glow to her, something that still makes me feel like the luckiest guy alive. She’s still my princess, but all the habits she had from her fancy upbringing are long gone. She’s settled into this life with me better than I could have ever hoped.

“Hey, princess,” I tell her, grinning already. “There’s a little something special under the seat for you.”

Reaching under the seat, Sienna looks down at the small package, curious. “You didn’t have to do that! This cruise is special enough, trust me.”

She tears off the wrapping paper and opens it, only for her expression to change when she sees what it is—lingerie. Red lacy lingerie, to be precise. It’s not the heated expression I wanted, though. It’s sadness. “What’s wrong?”

She looks down at the lingerie in her hands, her voice hesitant. “I-I appreciate it, Garrett, but I know I’m not the same as I used to be. I’m…I’m curvier now, and I’m not sure it’s something I feel comfortable wearing.”

I can’t let her think for one second that I don’t find her completely irresistible. I pull over to the side of the road despite Sienna’s confused protests. I turn off the engine, open the door, and walk around to her side.

Her eyes widen as I open the door and offer her my hand. “Garrett, what?—”

I pull her toward me gently and then kiss her hard. My lips find hers with the same intensity I’ve always had for her, and I kiss her until she’s vibrating with need in my arms.

“Sienna, you are more beautiful now than you’ve ever been. You’ve given me the most incredible kids, you’ve supported methrough everything, and you still make my heart race every time you walk into a room. We’re not going back on the road until you agree with me.”

I can see the conflict in her eyes, the doubt, the hesitation, and then something shifts. Her lips twitch, the corner of her mouth turning up just slightly.

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