Page 70 of Sean
Epilogue
Sean stood at the finishline of the women’s portion of the marathon along with a crowd of onlookers.He’d run his marathon yesterday, wearing a Christmas ornament on a chain around his neck.When he’d crossed the finish line, not in first place but twenty places ahead of Benjamin, which was just as good, he’d dropped to his knees in exhaustion, plucked the ornament from under his shirt, and held it up to the light.“For you, Brittany.”It might have been the adrenaline or the fog of mental fatigue, but from somewhere, he swore he heard his wife’s sweet whisper.“I’m so proud of you.Now go make a life for our son.”
That was exactly what he intended.He and Monica had been in Phoenix for four months now.He was living on the first floor of an apartment building.She lived on the second.He worked side by side with Matthew, while she learned the ropes of her new job as his events coordinator.They ran together each morning before driving to work.They had dinner together each night and shared the struggles and sweetness of putting Jace to bed before Monica returned to her own space.Jace’s “Ma” had turned into Mama, and Sean couldn’t be happier.They were married in every way except address, intimacy, and license.
The crowd cheered as the first runner came into view.It wasn’t Monica, but Sean knew she was coming.He motioned for the group of people who’d accompanied him for this special day.Mom and Dad with Jace seated firmly on Grandpa’s shoulders, Benjamin and Kinsley with their baby daughter in a stroller, Bobbie and Caleb.Each of their expressions contained barely controlled anticipation.
“Here she comes,” Sean said.“Get ready.”
***
MONICA FORCED BREATHinto her lungs.This last mile and a half might kill her, but she refused to stop.Yesterday, she’d been there to welcome Sean across the finish line for a fourteenth-place finish.She had no doubt that he was waiting for her now.With steely determination, she lengthened her stride.The world around her dissolved into a blur of screaming and cheering faces.It took too much effort to pick out any single one.When the finish line came into sight, she was tempted to let up.Instead she looked heavenward.
Father, give me strength.
I’ve got you, daughter.
Monica watched as the toe of her tennis shoe touched the finish line painted on the black top.Once both feet were across, she slowed to a walk and bent at the waist.After a few gulps of air, she rested her hands on her knees and closed her eyes.Her mind told her that she needed to move away from the line since there were others behind her, but that was too much to ask of her body just now.She’d done it.She had no idea where she’d finished, but she’d finished on her feet and still breathing.
The sound of movement and shuffling caught her attention.When she felt a hand on her arm, she allowed herself to be moved to the side.
Monica forced her eyes open.Someone was on the ground at her feet.Had someone collapsed?She used her sleeve to wipe the stinging sweat out of her eyes only to find tears taking their place.
***
SEAN KNELT IN FRONTof Monica, Jace at his side.It wasn’t a Christmas ornament he held now but a small black box.He gave her time to regain some focus.Once he saw her eyes flutter open, he lifted the lid of the box and held it so that the sun glinted off the stone.
“Are you with me?”he asked.
Monica, still breathing hard, only nodded, but when her gaze met his he saw everything he needed to see.
“I love you.The last four months have been some of the best of my life.The only thing that could top them would be not having to say good night to you at my door.I want us to build a life together.I want us to share ministry together.Jace wants a little brother or sister just as soon as we can make that happen.”
Monica managed a grin.“He said that?”she whispered.
“We men talk, and we’re on the same page about this.”Sean reached behind himself, found Jace’s hand, and pulled him to his side.
“Hi, Mama.You run fast.”
Monica took Jace’s tiny hand in hers.“I tried, baby, I tried.”
