Page 134 of When the Smoke Clears

My lips press the corner of his mouth. “The lullaby.”

His eyes light up in understanding, and he grips my cheeks firmly with both hands. “Fuck, I love you.”

Epilogue II

Sutton

MyeyestrackOinksand Snorts in their pen behind my parents’ house. It’s a bit of a shame they didn’t get to have any fun with a certain stepfather. I don’t think I’ll have to work hard to convince Maci to move all four of the pigs closer to us once the house is finished. Just in case.

Voices swirl happily throughout the house. In less than an hour, Maci will be my wife. Spring is blooming on the ranch as much as it does in the hill country, and the homesite is beautifully prepped for our big day thanks to Maci, our friends, and our family.

I don’t need the piece of paper. I only need her with me forever.

James approaches from the living room, following my eyes out the dining room window before turning to me. Somehow, we’ve managed to include all the immediate family without too much drama so far, even if James does also bring a small entourage with him.

He extends his closed fist and I open my hand, wondering what he has. He drops something heavy into my palm and tucks his hand back into his suit pocket.

Two black rectangular magnets sit attached, staring back at me.

Magnets.

“Like you two,” he says, making his eyebrows jump once. My eyes meet his and he stares back with his usual intensity. “I think it goes without saying that if you hurt my daughter, I’ll kill you.”

For all the way we’ve come over the months, I’ve never had any reason to fear James and I still don’t, but it’s the first time I think I could.

He grins. “Not that you have anything to worry about.”

I smile softly. “I’m glad I’ll never be on your bad side.”

“Oh?”

“No. Just like I told you at the ranch months ago, I plan to spend every day proving that I’m worthy of Maci’s love. No matter what comes, I’m fully prepared for the fallout.”

Maci’s legs drape over mine on our porch swing. It was the first item she asked me to build once the house was done, and a strong choice because we spend nearly every evening here when time allows. Spring showers turned into summer thunderstorms, much like tonight as lightning cracks across the indigo sky.

An empty dessert plate sets on the wine barrel table next to us, once hosting a slice of homemade cheesecake.

“I decided today what the next piece is that I want you build for the house.” Maci’s voice is soft and her eyes are filled with wonder as she studies me, leaned against the arm of the swing.

“Oh?” I hike an eyebrow at her and hide a smirk. The swing and the matching wine barrel side tables were easy. I know she has a dining room set on her mind, but she hasn’t given me a lot to go on yet.

She pulls her bottom lip into her mouth with her teeth, and her cheeks blush. I’ll never tire of that look. Aside from earning her love daily, I make it my mission to cause her to blush as frequently as possible.

Sitting upright, she draws her legs back. I miss her warmth already.

Her chest rises and falls deeply, and I know this must be a significant piece, the way she’s drawing it out.

“So?” I press, hitching my hips to the side to face her better.

“A cradle.”

My brows furrow for one second while I process. “Firecracker, are you serious?” I reach for her with both hands, lifting her to straddle my legs and studying her face more closely.

She nods sheepishly.

My eyes drop to her torso, on delicious display in her snug lace tank top. One palm lays across her abdomen, pouring my love toward our growing baby. My throat clogs uncharacteristically. Only seeing Maci walking toward me in her vintage gown on our wedding day has even brought me as much joy as this.

“I found out today,” she whispers, placing a cool hand over mine. “But I had a dream earlier this week. I think it’s a boy.”

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