So much had changed in the last month. For the better. My dream came true, thanks to my wonderful husband. I practiced in my father’s hospital and even had two other up-and-coming doctors on staff. We were able to track down some of the nurses who’d worked for Dad, and when they heard we were opening the hospital back up, they jumped at the opportunity to come back.
Life was good. And busy. Nights even more so, thanks to my insatiable husband.
“Dr. Swan to room five.” The announcement came over the speakers again and I sighed, pausing my daydreaming for now.
My feet soft against the white hospital floor, I made my way toward the exam room where I first met Byron. I almost wished I could close that room up and make it only ours.
I shook my head at the sentimentality, then grabbed the handle, pushing the door open.
“Hel—”
My eyes widened and I stared at the transformed room. Dimmed lights—just like the ones from Le Bar Américain—hung around the room and flowers of all colors lay scattered. And in the middle of it all was my husband and our son.
“What—” My mind couldn’t form a sentence. “How—” I shook my head. “What is all this?”
“Maman!” Ares ran over to me and took my hand, pulling me forward toward Byron who lowered down to one knee. Both my husband and Ares were dressed in identical three-piece suits and looked devilishly handsome.
“What are you doing?” I choked out, my eyes darting between the two most important men in my life.
Byron pulled out a small, velvet box from his pocket and flipped it open. A beautiful diamond sparkled back at me, in a gorgeous vintage setting.
“Dr. Swan, would you make me the happiest man on this planet and give me the honor of having your hand in marriage?” Ares giggled, but I couldn’t peel my eyes away from my husband. “Of your own free will.”
My lip trembled while so many emotions rushed through me. Of course, my hormones enhanced it all. But to think six years brought us here. From an amazing night, to devastating heartbreak, only to make our way back to each other.
I blinked back tears and threw myself into my husband’s arms, knocking both of us over.
“Yes, yes,” I murmured, showering his face with kisses. “A thousand times, yes.”
Ares joined in, rolling right with us and laughing happily. “Maman and Daddy sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”
Byron chuckled against my mouth, but his eyes turned the deepest blue. “You want a big church wedding?”
I shook my head. “No, just your brothers, sisters, Billie, and us.” I pressed my mouth against his ear and whispered, “Although be prepared for the priest to refuse us.” He gave me a puzzled look. It was a funny thought, anyone refusing this man. I brought my lips to his ear. “Since we’ve sinned and are pregnant.”
Surprise flashed in his eyes, immediately followed by such happiness that his eyes turned as light as the Mediterranean sky.
“The love of my life,” he murmured against my lips. “You make me so happy.” Our noses brushed together. “Are you happy, baby?”
I grinned at him, kissing the tip of his nose. “So happy. I love you so much that sometimes I fear I’ll wake up and reality will slam into me.”
“This is our reality,” he rasped. “And I’ll be convincing you for the rest of our lives.”
Ten lifetimes wouldn’t be enough with this man.
Epilogue - Two
Byron
Ten Years Later
“Daddy, Daddy.”
Ares Etienne, Brielle Emmeline, and Achille Bastien held hands as they ran over to me. Ares, being the oldest, always held his little brother’s and sister’s hands, keeping them safe. He couldn’t be more like me if he tried.
I grinned as they all jumped into my red Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Cabriolet. Brielle and Achille didn’t even bother with the door. Both climbing over it, their feet hanging in the air.
“Kids, how many times have I said, use the doors?” I groaned, but I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. Ares was the only one who opened the door and slid into the passenger seat, securing his seat belt.