Page 31 of One More Kiss

Epilogue

Jasmine

Another firework shotinto the sky, and we all oohed over the sparkling lights as they exploded out of the inky blackness. I was settled in a camp chair sandwiched between Aya and Kate. The boys were nearby, milling around at the outdoor bar Cam had installed last year. No doubt they were talking music. I turned my head from the beautiful display of the Fourth of July fireworks to take in my blessings.

The kids were in the Big House, asleep—all except for Ike, who was standing next to his father and expounding on some topic in adorable fashion. His thick glasses caught the light of the next firework.

“You did good with that boy,” I said to Kate, nodding my head in Ike’s direction.

She chuckled. “I’m pretty sure he’s raising himself. I’m just along for the ride.”

“He’s a good egg,” I said.

Her smile widened. “The best.”

Jenna crossed the lawn, flinching a little at the booms from the light show. She was so much more settled now, but her anxiety still flared.

“Levi must have woken up because he and Cash are all snuggled together,” she said. She’d run up to the house to check on the kids.

Jenna pulled out her phone, and we rose to crowd around, much more interested in photos of our babies than the intricate designs lighting up the sky. She remained standing, fidgeting.

“What’s wrong, Jen?” Kate asked. She wrapped a friendly arm around Jenna’s narrow shoulders.

Jenna shuffled her feet before she blurted, “I’m pregnant.”

Her shoulders heaved and she struggled to contain her panic. She dropped her phone to the ground and began to pace, quick and jittery. Any second now, Cam would notice. He was too attuned to Jenna not to. When Kate and Aya simply stood by, eyes wide, uncertainty written all over their expressions, I stepped forward and wrapped my arm around her.

“I got you, Jenna. I got you,” I said. “There now, take that breath.”

She did, struggling to suck in enough air. Her chin trembled and tears formed in her eyes. “I haven’t told Cam yet. I don’t know…I don’t know how he’s going to react.”

I had a pretty good idea—with fear for his wife. But we’d cross that bridge in a few minutes.

“How do you feel about the pregnancy?” I asked, my tone gentle. I rubbed small circles on her shoulder with my free hand.

Jenna gripped my fingers so tightly, the tips turned white. “I’m excited but I’m scared. I’m so scared and…and I’m afraid to hope.”

Gently, I extricated my fingers and tucked the pretty wisps of hair behind her ears. “That’s all understandable. It’s a bit murky right now, that’s what you mean.”

“Y-yeah.” She exhaled. “I want this baby.” Her expression morphed into one of fierce love, determination, and hope. “I love this peanut already.”

I kissed her forehead. “Course you do. And we’re all going to do everything we can to make sure you have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. Okay?”

She nodded. “Yes, Mama.”

I touched her cheeks with my fingertips. “Ready to tell Cam now?” I lifted my gaze, aware that my son was striding toward us, worry etched into the lines around his mouth. I narrowed my eyes a little and shook my head at him. He slowed his gait and took a long, slow breath. By the time he reached us, his emotions were under control.

“C’mere, sugar,” he crooned. “I’m gonna hold you a while.”

She wrapped her arms around him, clinging like a baby koala. When Jenna mumbled against his chest, Cam’s knees gave a little but he caught himself, his hold on Jenna firm and strong. His gaze shot to mine, his expression such fierce joy and protectiveness, I pressed a hand to my belly. Cam nuzzled his nose against her hair, his arms tightening before he pressed kisses from her temple down her cheek to claim her lips.

Somehow, I just knew Jenna was going to be okay. She had her family, and we’d love her no matter what. Jenna and Cam had planned to see a specialist who dealt in high-risk reproduction, and their first appointment was next week. She’d have all the care and expertise surrounding her.

Steve slipped his arm around my waist. I settled back against his torso, tilting my head so I could look into his eyes.

“Heya, handsome. Kids’re fine. Jenna had some news—she’s pregnant.”

He grinned. I’d never get tired of that. Ever. It took my breath each time, and I loved that I got to have such a reaction to him. His eyes stayed fixed on my face. I liked that, too—being his focus.

---