Page 121 of Forever Fallen

She understood.

In these moments, they saw each other for who they were – and she would always be humbled by his capacity to love.

“I love you, 13B…”

“Will you marry me, 13A?”

“Anytime,” she smiled, remembering how they met, those sweet moments, and how she grew to adore the man before her. “Maybe we should try to have a baby or renew our vows every time you come home, just to make sure you are completely stuck with me…”

“Oh, I’m not going anywhere – ever,” he whispered, unmoving, eyes closed as if he was just soaking in her aura. “You are my life, my love, and my soulmate. There is no Ryan without Sophie, and you are stuck with me.”

“Thank God…” she whispered, wrapping an arm around his waist and scooting closer to him.

“Be careful honey, you might be sore.”

“I need my husband’s arms around me or my heart hurts.”

She felt those warm hands slide gently around her waist, and she knew he was afraid to hurt her, but what she said was the truth.

“There’s no Sophie without Ryan either…” she whispered, closing her eyes and snuggling up under his chin. “I love you.”

“And I love you.”

EPILOGUE

Yonder

Four years later…

Sophie was homeand resting on the couch, holding their daughter in her arms as she drank the bottle of formula. Their daughter was born a week ago before Ryan could get here – and with his enlistment term coming to an end?

He had to wait.

She knew he was inconsolable, angry beyond measure, and that only cemented his decision to leave. He loved flying the Falcons, being a part of a team, and serving his country… but his family came first.

The email she’d sent notifying him on the impending labor was inaccurate, because she’d given birth almost three hours after arriving at the hospital, stunning everyone.

Glory and Alpo had kept Ben for the night with the twins, so they could play and keep her son distracted… but now that he was home? Ben was so helpful, and the best big brother she could ask for!

Valkyrie had emailed Ryan to send him photos, update him on Sophie, and gave him the pep talk about ‘cooling his jets’ because both were healthy. Ryan was coming home, and he would have his time to bond with their little girl.

Hearing the front door open, she looked up to see his smiling face as both Ryan and Valkyrie walked in.

“Look who I found, Ben…” Valkyrie teased the little boy.

Ben looked up from where he was busy playing with his toys, jumping to his feet, and running to Ryan – tackling him around the leg immediately.

“Daddeeeee!” Ben shrieked happily, making the baby jump slightly in her arms.

Ryan immediately scooped up the little boy, letting him perch on his arm, as he hugged him. Ben’s little arms wound around his neck and Sophie felt tears sting her eyes at the two of them.

They looked so much alike, and she knew Ryan couldn’t be more proud of his son.

“How about I make you two some coffee, and then I’m headed back home. Marisol is about ready to pop with our little one and threatening everyone within earshot. She’s an angry pregnant woman – but don’t tell her I said that…” Valkyrie teased. “I love that feisty woman and the children she gives me.”

“Coffee sounds amazing, my friend,” Sophie beamed and got to her feet slowly, only to see Ryan walk towards her immediately.

“Sit down, honey, and rest. Us guys can come to you… right, Ben?”

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